Slow landing

A slow landing is a technique for ending a larp, often accompanied by a slow take-off.

Description

Rather than the larp transiting from "in-game" to "over" at a given moment, players spend some time in an in-between state where they do not communicate with each other but spend time thinking and reflecting. Slow landings are typically meditative, and may be accompanied by music or the voice of an instructor guiding the transition.

Uses

The slow landing may be used for purely aesthetic reasons, but is also intended to help players begin de-roling by providing a private space for thought and reflection. Additionally, it makes it easier for players to form divergent opinions on a larp experience, before the majority opinion can be discerned.

History and Examples

The slow landing was introduced at Europa where it took the form of a long silent waiting phase as characters gathered and a hypnotic count-down after their arrival. A similar, but briefer landing was used at inside:outside, while PanoptiCorp ended with each player receiving a memo saying "the game is about to end. Take your time. When you are ready, walk out of the gates and meet the other players."