Building on the ECLIPSE design sprint in Kyoto in November 2024, we further developed one of the co-designed larp scenarios and conducted test plays with over 100 participants.
“The Tavern” is a short drama game, also known as an educational mini-larp (live-action role-play), concerning individuals who deny or reject the concept of man-made climate change and its effects, or the necessity for climate action. This game is not about judging, but understanding: What is behind the denial? The main idea behind the game is to offer a first-person experience to consider the reasons people have to deny the existence of climate change or reject actions and behavioral changes that could mitigate its effects. This understanding can help us engage more effectively with climate deniers and take their perspective seriously. For example, some communities have relied on mining coal for generations. Being told what one does is bad and one needs to stop, while it remains unclear how this community should make a living, will result in rejection, even if people do not deny the fact of climate change. Understanding the reason for the rejection and thus, offering alternatives and programs for such a community to earn a living “after coal,” has been proven successful. In a similar fashion, other reasons for denial and rejection could potentially be addressed better if taken seriously and not dismissed as irrational.
We share this game freely under a Creative Commons license.
Please leave your information below and we will send the game script to you (available in English and Japanese).