Live action role-play games, or LARP, are a form of role-play where participants physically act out their characters in pursuit of a desired goal. Goals range from being to act in character to defeating an opponent in a sword fight. Amtgard is a specific LARP game with its own rules and regulations. The game is seen by critics as a way to escape society and turn inwards when in fact it may be a way to improve one's social skills and self-esteem in the real world. Amtgard is a game, a sport, a family, a support group, a circle of friends and a classroom all in one.