There are two mailing lists that were run by the owner of Mortalis Games, Amber E. The focus of both lists was the same: They were created for academic discussion and networking within the hobby, regardless of genre or style. Both lists were open to those taking their first steps into the academic exploration of the LARP hobby to those who’ve been recognized as LARP academicians. Any manner of discussion was welcome on either list, be it on theory to rules design to organizing or running a LARP with the focus being an academic exploration of the topics brought up.
The difference between the two was the audience. The International LARP Academia list is for any LARPer, regardless of location in the world. The LARP Academia list is for US LARPers only.
In early to mid 2015 the lists were shut down and transitioned to two social media groups as conversation and discussion had organically moved away from mailing lists to social media. The lists were also combined into a single group on two of the main social media platforms: One on Facebook and the other on Google+. With Google+ not gaining any real traction in the social media space the LARP Academia group focus has been on Facebook since around 2016.
The aims of the group is the same as the mailing lists: It’s been created to provide a platform for academic discussion and networking within the hobby, regardless of genre or style. LARP Academia is open to those taking their first steps into the academic exploration of the LARP hobby to those who’ve been recognized as LARP academicians. Any manner of discussion is welcome be it on theory to rules design to organizing or running a LARP, however the focus needs to remain an academic exploration of the topics brought up (they are not advertising clearinghouses for games, products, etc).
For more information, including group rules and how to join, please the Facebook Group’s page.