FAQ

Transformative play uses roleplaying, imagination, and shared storytelling to create experiences that can shift how people understand themselves, other people, or a subject. Depending on the game, transformative play can be playful, dramatic, educational, reflective, or exploratory.

Playstories uses tabletop roleplaying games, live-action roleplaying games (larp), storytelling games, worldbuilding games, and original experimental designs. Some games focus on fantasy adventure, mystery, science fiction, comedy, or drama. Others explore relationships, social systems, learning, empathy, or personal experience. Playstories also includes game design and playtesting, so participants may help develop new games as well as play existing ones.

No. Playstories is designed to be welcoming to people who have never played a roleplaying game before, as well as experienced players. Rules and materials are provided, and many sessions use one-shots or short campaigns so people can join without making a long-term commitment. If a game uses unfamiliar rules, we explain what you need to know before play begins.

Larp is a form of roleplaying where participants physically portray characters and interact within an imagined situation. Instead of describing everything from around a table, players may move through a space, speak and respond in character, make decisions, and shape the experience together. Larps can range from lighthearted and playful to serious explorations of relationships, ethics, systems, memory, or social questions.

Playstories runs local roleplaying and storytelling programs in Wakefield, Quebec. The Wednesday Community Playstories program at Centre Wakefield La Pêche includes tabletop RPGs, one-shots, short campaigns, occasional larp, game design, and playtesting. Newcomers are welcome and no previous experience is required. Playstories also offers smaller ongoing home campaigns and other local sessions depending on interest.

Yes. Playstories can facilitate roleplaying games, workshops, and participatory experiences for schools, educators, community groups, conferences, training settings, and other organizations. Sessions can focus on play and connection, learning and reflection, teamwork, perspective-taking, game design, or a specific subject area. The format can be adapted to the goals, group size, experience level, and available time.

Yes. Original game design is a major part of Playstories. Projects include tabletop and live-action games created for community play, education, research, conferences, and personal or professional development. Some designs explore subjects such as chronic pain, ecology, relationships, social systems, and collective decision-making. Playstories also develops games through playtesting and collaboration with other designers, researchers, and participants.

You can join the Wakefield community program, ask about a home campaign, participate in game design or playtesting, invite Playstories to facilitate a workshop, or get in touch about a collaboration.