Key Strategies for Those That Staff a LARP

LARPs can thrive in perpetuity when they keep players engaged, but it's no secret that players often drop out. Instead of seeing that as the end, what if your game treated it like an opportunity? A solid re-engagement strategy could help bring some of those players back to the hobby and even strengthen your community in the process.

Why Players Leave – and Who’s Most at Risk

The LARP Players Survey 2024 indicated players aged 35-44 are most at risk of disengaging. They’re often juggling family, work, and life commitments, which can make LARPing hard to keep up with. Games that require a commitment to regular attendance to remain relevant make that increasingly difficult. 

In the same survey, almost half (44%) of those former players said they’d consider returning if they found a more flexible, low-commitment game. If you’re thinking about starting a new LARP, especially in an area with a high concentration of established games, think about engaging with these former players. Many of them are interested in family-friendly LARPs that build community, or innovative games where player-driven fun comes before rigid storytelling. 

That said, if your LARP leans heavily into combat, transitioning to a low-key parlor LARP might not appeal to your usual players. Know your audience and what’s likely to resonate.

Word of Mouth – a Double-Edged Sword 

Word of mouth is both a blessing and a curse for LARP organizers. On one hand, more than 75% of players find out about new LARPs through their existing gaming circles. On the other hand, when a player takes a break, especially if their entire social group also stops playing, LARPing can fall off their radar. It’s harder to reach these players through any marketing channels because their social connections to the community have weakened. You may need to take a more personal approach. 

One major challenge in re-engaging former players is overcoming the loss of social ties. For many, LARP isn’t just about the game – it’s about the community and the relationships they’ve built. If their friends are no longer involved, former players may be hesitant to join a new group. Understanding this dynamic is crucial when creating re-engagement strategies. 

Learning From Business Tactics

Businesses often use re-engagement strategies to win back former customers, and the same logic can apply to LARP. It’s way easier to bring back a former player than to attract a brand-new one, especially since they’re already familiar with your game. 

Here are a few business stats that I like to highlight from an Annex Cloud study: 

• A 5% increase in customer retention can boost profits by 25% to 95%. 

• 65% of business comes from repeat customers. 

• 82% of companies agree that retaining customers is cheaper than acquiring new ones. 

Although your LARP might not be a business in the traditional sense, player retention can still impact the sustainability and reputation of your game. Keeping players engaged and encouraging former players to return can reduce operating costs, boost community spirit, and enhance the overall experience for everyone. 

How To Re-Engage Players

1. Set a Cutoff: Decide how long a player must be inactive before you consider them lapsed or disengaged. A common threshold might be 12 months without attending a game. That’s your outreach target. 

2. Survey Thoughtfully: Ask them why they stopped coming, but don’t overload them with questions. Use free survey tools to track responses and spot trends. Be thoughtful—don’t ask questions you aren’t willing to act on and ensure that your data collection practices comply with privacy laws like GDPR (if applicable). Secure data collection also shows you care about your community. 

3. Focus on Strengths: If your game has any accessibility features or a really welcoming community, let people know! A lot of players are surprised by how much LARPs have evolved. Focus on the benefit to the player, not the story they can expect to play. 

4. Personalized Outreach: Tailor your outreach to individual players. They loved the hobby at one point, so remind them of what they liked and why now might be the perfect time to return. 

Flexible and Family-Friendly Games

Re-engaging former players is not just a way to increase your player base, but it also strengthens your LARP community. By understanding why players leave and offering solutions that meet their changing needs, you can create a vibrant and inclusive space that keeps people coming back.

Keep in mind, not everyone’s looking for the same experience. A player who loved fighting with foam weapons might not jump at the chance to play a more laid-back, story-driven game right away. 

Final Thoughts

A strong re-engagement strategy isn’t just about getting more players; it’s about keeping your community vibrant. Understanding why people leave the hobby can be a preventative measure – highlighting changes you can make in your own game, so players don’t have to choose between the hobby and other priorities. 

If your LARP doesn’t have a re-engagement plan, now’s a great time to start one. You might be surprised at how many people are ready to return to the adventure!

         Kelly Osborne

Kelly Osborne is a veteran LARPer as well as a business consultant and B2B/B2C market research specialist. You can find out more about her or request a free copy of the full 2024 LARP Players Survey Report by visiting her business page, Silver Lining Strategy LLC.