Immersion, Imagination, and the Power of LARP: A Conversation with Aaron Vanek
Description
In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, we welcome LARP designer, writer, and educator Aaron Vanek to explore how live-action role-playing techniques can enrich traditional tabletop RPGs and narrative game design.
Aaron walks us through the foundations of LARP, its philosophical pillars, and how these ideas translate into immersive storytelling experiences. From seance room horror sessions to swamp scenes complete with dry ice and frog sounds, Aaron’s approach shows how a multisensory experience can elevate player engagement, emotional investment, and story resonance—whether you're designing a homebrew module or working on a commercial RPG.
Topics include:🎭 What makes LARP unique as a narrative form.🛠️ Using props, locations, and the five senses in tabletop games.🎮 Lessons LARP can teach digital game writers.👥 How NPC design can evolve with shared performance and improvisation.🔥 The difference between “suspending disbelief” and “imposing belief”.
Plus: insight into Aaron’s teaching, his passion projects, and his involvement with Spectacular Disaster Factory, as well as the upcoming Dreamland RPG and more.
This is an episode for anyone who wants to bring more presence, participation, and powerful play into their storytelling practice.
🎧 Listen now and step into the narrative bubble.
Aaron's Links:
-> Spectacular Disaster Factory
The Corner of Story and Game:
-> Instagram
#NarrativeDesign #GameWriting #LARP #ImmersiveStorytelling #AaronVanek #StoryAndGame #TTRPGDesign #TabletopGames #GameDesignTools #SpectacularDisasterFactory
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