That wasn't boring Jon...
and you are right, which is why it's so hard to get people to... step out of a "traditional" role of airsoft combat, and MilSim to participate in something like that.
It takes alot of patience, and some preparation both on the part of the Organizers, and the participants.
The latter part, is the difficult part.
( It seems once a replica is in one's hands, ... the instinct to use that trigger takes over ...
Rational thought, goes out the window.)
But... still, I think something of this nature would be very cool and inspiring, if done correctly.
The "traditional role" of mindless combatants, should be "replaced" up front ... with more of a MINDSET that you are more of an Actor... like one you'd see on your favorite TV show, or in a movie or book. A role, where others join in and play their parts, and it all fits together to not only be full of action and fun, but also develops it's own "story" that can be expanded and built off of to continue the "saga".
Thats the hard part though.
It takes alot of set up and pre-planning to do something like that, and participants involved should also have time to "prepare" for the role they are going to create and participate with.
You simply cannot have folks just "show up" and expect em to have a clue as to what is expected or for them to be "involved". They simply will not get it.
The downside to most airsoft players is... they simply desire to shot at other folks, and shoot alot. Everything else, just gets shoved into the background.
As an example... how many "objective" based games done in Sogos ( like gathering the bombs or bags) , are ignored by participants, and they just try and shoot whatever moves, or try and hold up in a spot waiting for shoot-outs? Even simple objectives, seem to take a backseat to the thrill of racking up Kills.
Another aspect to it is... a nice place to pull something like that off. Sogos would be excellent, as it's a bit modular, and has multifunctional "sectors" that can support a small LARP type of game.
Me, I've been stuck with more or less an atrocious outdoors place, with huge elevation terrain disadvantages, and the HUGE disadvantage of not being able to build any structures on it... not exactly an ideal spot to even try and host even a one shot, or introductory to the "idea".
Back to player participation...
Part of it would be outfitting and wearing of some sort of "costume"... even if that "costume" was a MilSimmer's Dream of HSLD gear, and Digital Coded Cammo. Or , even something "odd" that seemed to fit the game being played, or the "characters" portrayed in it.
To me, part of what makes stories and movies so great, is that you get IMMERSED in it. Part of that is Visual Representation of what Characters look like, and wear.
( Even in MilSim it's important) ... it's kinda difficult to get into immersion , when folks don't look the part.
( Lets take an example here...
If every "zombie" in any zombie movie you've watched, didn't look like a zombie... no dirt, grunge, blood, rotting flesh, ... no Visual representation that they are a "zombie" ... just they look like everyday people with a limp... It wouldn't catch your interest much would it?
If the star FBI agent, didn't look or act like an FBI agent... you'd not pay much attention to that person right? )
Another aspect of player participation, would be to define their role and persona for the game being played...
It goes beyond gear and weapons used, though those are VISUAL clues ... participants need to make decisions and stick to them about their " part" , or their "role".
What is your motivation for playing in the game itself? if faced with a decision... say like... a choice:
" Do we go rescue the hostage, and try not to get him/her killed... or do we find that intel package, and skipp out and go collect our pay? "
what happens when, what you decide to do, doesn't match what your other "team mates" want to do?
Or are ya the type of person, that is comfortable... being a CORP security guard... you get a steady paycheck, and all you have to do is eliminate any threats to your facility? Fairly cut and dry... , or... is it?
What if you discover... that "secret package" in the vault, is a biological weapon that your company plans on unleashing on the population?
You know these intruders came in to steal it.... but are they going to destroy it? Or will they simply sell it to the highest bidder? Do they plan on unleashing it, and killing off most the world themselves?
And so on, and so forth...
as you can see... there's alot more to it, than just getting a replica, and being tactically sound.
But, it's difficult to get folks to do any of this, especially when so very few seem even slightly interested of variation from a "normal" airsoft type of game, or snub their nose because they don't get to play army for a day.
I still have the basic "ideas" in mind... just have yet to be able to fulfill such a type of play or game as of yet though.
