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A '''meta-technique''' is a loose term encapsulating various rules and narrative tools/practices which are carried out by players rather than characters but still part of the improvisational flow, such as the [[black box]], the [[monologue]], and [[shadows]]. The term started gaining in popularity and use in 2007, during the preparatory work with [[En stilla middag med familjen]], and in talks and workshops the following year at [[Solmukohta 2008]].
==Definition==
=== Three level model ===
One usage divides game mechanics into three levels: ''Replacement rules'', ''abstractions'' and ''meta-techniques''.
'''Replacement rules''' are when a concept in the fiction is replaced with or simulated by something else. I.e. a boffer sword replaces a real sword. Sex is simulated by neck-massage. The player and the character experiences the same thing differently.
'''Abstractions''' are when the metatechnique itself is immanent in the fictional world. I.e. In this world latex is deadly and boffers kill or there is no sex, but Ars Amandi fulfills the same functions. In this, the experience of the character and the player are the same.
'''Meta-techniques''' in this definition are not experienced by the characters, only between players. It is an event taking place completely outside the continuity of play.
== Intrusive versus discrete meta-techniques ==
The off-game character of metatechniques means that they can easily interrupt play. Some are very easy to hide or can be used away from other players, some are performed by one or more players during the game and some require the entire game to stop while they are implemented.
Intrusive techniques can make big gaps in a [[360° illusion]].
== Purpose of meta-techniques ==The reasons for using meta-techniques is most often to provide players with information they would not be able to gather while playing their characters. This could for example be information provided by other players about their characters, directions from a gamemaster or additional story outside the game's time and space. The ultimate goal of the this is commonly to increase the emotional energy of play and increase the dramatic potential.
==Meta-techniques and player preference==
Meta-techniques are a hallmark of tabletop play which requires narration and abstraction for the in-game events and elements to be represented. Play styles derived from larp often encourage greater resistance to the use of meta-techniques since they may provide a break from and a contrast with the experienced story. Play derived from tabletop play can be more robust and fluid in the presence of meta-techniques. Player preference may be related to common or first exposure.
== Dramachanics ==
Meta-techniques used to increase the drama of a larp are sometime called [[Dramachanics]] which is short for Dramatic game mechanics.
=== External links ===
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH5eAqRf2po Fader-talk about meta-techniques] - Video from a presentation about meta-techniques with [[Petter Karlsson]] from [[The Larpwriter Summer School]] [[2012]]
[[category:Concepts]]
