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The Rise of Jubensha: China’s LARP Phenomenon
In post-pandemic China, a new form of entertainment has taken center stage: Jubensha. This Chinese version of Live Action Role-Playing (LARP) has evolved from pure reasoning games to immersive experiences that emphasize acting and storyline. Jubensha offers participants a unique opportunity to step into someone else’s shoes, quite literally.
As a casual player, I initially saw Jubensha as mere entertainment. However, recent research has unveiled its profound psychological benefits.

Unpacking LARP: More Than Just Role-Play
LARP is an immersive role-playing experience where participants physically embody characters in fictional settings. From epic battles to rebellions, LARP allows players to live out dramatic scenarios in a safe, controlled environment.
The Science Behind LARP’s Benefits
Research by Daniel Luccas Arenas from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, reveals that role-playing games like LARP can significantly enhance:
- Motivation and self-efficacy
- Creativity
- Empathy
LARP provides a unique platform for personal growth, allowing individuals to build confidence, face challenges, and develop new skills.

How LARP Fuels Personal Development
- Character Embodiment: LARP forces players to physically act out the traits and actions of their characters. By performing tasks like public speaking, combat, or rebellion, participants gain real-world skills and confidence through these embodied experiences.

- Emotional Exploration: LARP offers a safe space to explore complex emotions like anger or courage, helping players confront real-life situations they might otherwise avoid.

- Skill Acquisition: To enhance their characters’ stories, players often learn new skills such as knitting, crafting, or dancing. These skills, initially learned for the game, can translate into hobbies or practical knowledge outside of LARP.
- Identity Exploration: LARP provides an opportunity to step outside societal norms and explore different identities.
- Real-Life Application: The confidence and skills gained through LARP often translate to increased assertiveness and capability in everyday life.
The Future of LARP: From Physical to Virtual Realms
While current Jubensha games are limited to physical spaces, the future holds exciting possibilities. As we venture into virtual reality, LARP could transcend physical constraints, allowing us to immerse ourselves in diverse plots, times, and spaces at will.

Food for Thought
How might the skills and confidence gained through LARP or Jubensha translate to your personal or professional life? Have you ever experienced a shift in perspective or behavior after role-playing?Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
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Sources
[1] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/10468781211073720
[3] https://thespacebetweenstories.com/2023/01/26/flying-high-with-a-larp-safety-net/
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jubensha
[5] https://www.mpi.org/blog/article/live-action-role-playing-%28larp%29-between-game-and-art