Before the Internet became a staple of general culture, there were a few 'geeks' who decided to learn HTML code and make Web sites. At first, it was a very low-key activity. Others were even suspicious of it or found it odd that people would want to make Web sites. Then came a change: sites like eBay appeared and general Internet commerce and availability exploded. The Web wasn't just for geeks any longer.
In a recent interview about his book Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks, author Ethan Gilsdorf discusses the Lord of the Rings phenomenon. At first it was a series known by many, but seriously enjoyed and analyzed by a set group of fans. When the epic trilogy was released, LOTR got mainstreamed and a few of the original fans became disgruntled.
This is something prevalent in pop culture; it happens, and probably happens more frequently and with greater alacrity thanks to the aforementioned almighty Internet.
This is a hot topic in geek and niche communities, and one of some concern. In the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris (and in the corresponding True Blood HBO series), Sookie's vampire love interest decides to 'mainstream.' In the series, vampires have just 'come out' to the world at large, providing new possibilities for the vampire community. The vampires do not have to hide; they have the potential to do what they want in society, presumably, but Bill Compton is looked down upon for his 'mainstreaming' behavior.
The fact that going mainstream is examined so thoroughly within a subculture in a fictional context seems to be prime evidence of this topic's real place in subcultures today. People are thinking about this topic and it's showing up on television and in books.
Chief among the subcultures debating this possible change is that of LARP. Various LARPs wish to move past the image of lightning bolt and have developed different styles--interactive drama, interactive theatre, immersion, interactive game environment--and some are presenting an entertaining and enticing image.
These games are recruiting for the survival of their hobby. They are evolving (or consciously not evolving) due to a persistent stereotype. A recent trend at many games shows players of MMORPGs (massive multiplayer online role playing games) like World of Warcraft and table top games to be a bit more accepting of LARP as a possibility for fun, especially now that more American conventions run day or weekend-long mini-LARPs. For MMO players, LARP offers a forum for in-person social interaction that cannot be experienced behind a computer screen.
However, some feel cautious at the appearance of LARP in various documentaries such as Darkon, on television show Wreckreation Nation and in Role Models.
One could argue that LARP became mainstream when NERO started franchising.
What are your thoughts?
Comments
Check out Mystical Realms. Google it for a great RP site!
My friends and I have been larping for quite some time, over a decade, and I welcome some mainstreaming. Now that boffer larping is part of my resume, im seeing things like latex weapons, safe and realistic, in more mainstream publications. This is a change that I can more than live with, in that it creates more immersive experiences without adding danger to the hobby
Hi Tara
I wrote an essay about larping called "Cooler Than You Think" that talks about many of these issues, and I'm helping with the LARP Summit at Wyrd Con, the larp convention on the west coast, next June. I'll alo be at Intercon (Larp convention on east coast) running an event there in March.
I have a LOT to say about larp. Is there a way to email you? (I can't see this comment, but if you comment on my cocktails blog, I'll see that, or you can email me through my bio there).
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