We recently visited the Maryland Renaissance Festival and it brought
back memories of how much I used to enjoy the playful immersion in
the renfest environment. My adventure gaming hobby stands at the
confluence of many inspirations during my youth. I’ve discussed the
role music, books, films, and even family vacations played in
fostering in me an appreciation of elements that would fuel my gaming
activities (“Early Fantasy Gaming Inspirations” and “Early Musical Influences on My Gaming”). Although I went to my first
renfest well after I’d discovered Dungeons & Dragons,
the experience enhanced my appreciation for roleplaying games,
history, music, and literature. Our recent trip back to the Maryland
Renaissance Festival reminded me how renfests still provide
inspiration for gaming. I also realized how closely renfests mirror
roleplaying games (or games in general) in that they provide an
immersive experience and a relatively “safe” space in which to
play.
