Welcome to Evolution of Story III: Having a Larp
Immersion, Liveness, and the Qualities of Experience
17th June 2025 | Online | Southampton Solent University, Southampton, UK
Join us at Solent University for the third iteration of the Evolution of Story symposium, where we will explore the cutting edge of immersive storytelling through the lens of Live Action Role Play (Larp). This one-day event brings together leading scholars, practitioners, and creatives to critically examine how Larp is reshaping our understanding of narrative, liveness, and audience engagement.
As Larp continues to evolve from niche subculture to a prominent and dynamic storytelling form, the symposium will consider the critical and conceptual dimensions of this transformation. Focusing on the concept of “liveness” within immersive experiences, we will discuss how real-time interaction shapes audience perception and influences narrative construction.
This year’s program features a carefully curated selection of academic papers, keynote presentations from prominent voices in the field, and hands-on workshops designed to push the boundaries of immersive practice. We are also thrilled to announce that selected contributions from the symposium will be featured in a special issue of Storyworlds: A Journal of Narrative Studies, expected to be published in late 2026 or early 2027.
Whether you are a researcher, practitioner, or creative interested in the intersection of liveness, immersion, and narrative, Evolution of Story III promises to be a thought-provoking and inspiring event.
Programme
This year’s program will take a hybrid approach. All papers and keynote presentations will be released as video-papers via the Evolution of Story YouTube channel in advance of the symposium. On the day itself, we will host a series of dynamic online sessions designed to be active and participatory. These sessions will include networking opportunities, panel discussions, immersive experiences, and Open Space conversations where attendees can exchange ideas and explore new perspectives. The detailed schedule for June 17th will be announced soon.
Download the full list of abstracts and panels HERE!
Register now* to receive regular updates and exclusive invitations to be part of the online experience.
*While registration to the symposium is free there may be a small charge payable for access to the online platform we will be using to host the event in the order of £5-£10 (TBC).
Meanwhile, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Evolution of Story and stay tuned for updates.
Disclaimer: The title “Having a Larp” is also the name of a commercial business. The Evolution of Story III Symposium is not affiliated with or endorsed by this business. We would like to thank the owner of Having a Larp for their kind understanding and support in allowing us to use this phrase.
Photo by Peter Steffen at DPA.