Method and apparatus for improvisational interaction in role playing events

Abstract

The invention disclosed herein is directed to a method and apparatus for facilitating personal interaction at an event, and particularly in the context of playing an role playing game (“RPG”), live action role playing game (“LARP”), or other event. The instant invention preferably utilizes portable, compact, information bearing and / or action initiating devices which guide game play and encourage improvisation and socialization by and between participants. In one embodiment of the invention, the information bearing and / or action initiating devices may take the form of standard or customized playing cards, sheets, or other compact devices. When such compact devices are utilized in a LARP, the event is referred to herein as a CardLARP.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 816,092, filed Jun. 22, 2006, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] This invention is directed to a method and apparatus used in connection with role playing games and other events in which personal interaction is desired. More specifically, this invention is directed to a method and apparatus for encouraging improvisational interaction in live action role playing games, and particularly live action role playing games which utilize standard or customized playing cards which initiate game play and encourage improvisation and socialization by and between participants. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] A typical role-playing game (also referred to herein as an “RPG”) involves lengthy, complicated rules, large (often as large or larger than about 8.5 inches×11 inches) character sheets to track the traits, abiliti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a method and apparatus for playing games using portable, compact devices that guide game play and encourage improvisation and socialization by participants. The invention eliminates the need for dice, large character sheets, lengthy, complicated rules and regulations, and all other cumbersome mechanics of play. Instead, cards the size of regular playing cards are used to manage game mechanics and provide an instant visual aid for players and organizers. The cards also allow for faster action-oriented game play without close supervision by the game organizers. The invention provides a unique experience for players and organizers, similar to staging a play instead of playing poker. The cards contain information about the characters, actions, and interactions of the game, and can also act as a random event generator to make each game different. The method and apparatus can be applied to any type of game and genre."

Problems solved by technology

This makes playing such games with a group larger than about 5 to 8 people difficult within any reasonable time frame.

With a live action role-playing game (also referred to herein as a “LARP”) the problem becomes worse since it adds staging and choreography to the list of difficulties the organizers of the event must manage, in addition to the cumbersome mechanics of play that an RPG utilizes.

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