Boarding Party: A Sci-Fi LARP In The USA

Boarding Party: Experience a Live-Action Role-Play Inspired by Battlestar Galactica

This is an Experience That's Out of This World

 You thought the universe was far away? In 2026, Outbound Hope Mission brings it right into your hands.

If you are in Michigan in May 2026, you can experience the universe yourself in a new sci-fi live-action role-play.

This is Season 2 of the immersive sci-fi LARP. In Season 1, adventurers stepped aboard the decommissioned USS Edson, reborn as the starship Ascendant Dawn. The LARP breathed life into a universe inspired by Battlestar Galactica. From tactical maneuvers in the corridors to firefights on the deck, that first run set a new bar for immersive live-action role play.

Next year, the mission returns bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever, powered by the latest in Battlefield Sports live-gaming tech..

The Outbound Hope Mission is a multi-day live-action role-playing event intended to give players a realistic, immersive experience.

 Event Director Alex Richmond from Quest Adventure Gaming in Watkins Glen, New York, has created many LARPs, and this latest production will feature Battlefield Sports' live gaming technology to simulate combat in real-time.

"The Battlestar Galactica universe inspires Outbound Hope, but this storyline has its surprises," said Alex Richmond, Event Director.

"We're using the live gaming weapons technology from Battlefield Sports as it adds an amazing degree of realism that you just can't get with a lot of other systems. We originally were going to use Nerf Rival. Still, when we discovered your system, our production team converted pretty quickly," said Alex.

"We love everything about the sounds, the feel... even the weight of the chassis. It adds something that you don't get with plastic foam launchers," said Alex.

"Right now, we're planning to play with the more modern emulations because it fits our style; more of a Battlestar Galactica look and feel," said Alex.

The Battlefield Sports SATR3 live gaming technology enables real-time live-action combat using infrared and digital radio. I

Character players can game both indoors and outdoors.

The system features a special Sci-Fi theme that supports a range of futuristic weaponry, including that made famous in the Battlestar Galactica franchise.

Weapon emulations such as the L85A1 were seen in "Resistance" (S2E04) and "The Farm" (S2E05). The rifles are found by the resistance fighters on Caprica, suggesting that the SA80 was a standard-issue rifle in the Colonial military. The Heckler & Koch G36K model assault rifle was seen almost exclusively in the hands of Colonial military personnel. Kara "Starbuck" Thrace (Katee Sackhoff) was armed with the G36 in Season 2's finale "Lay Down Your Burdens, Part 2" (S2E20).

An Embedded Master of Arms

The live-action armory will be coordinated by local Battlefield Operator, Lee Kneeper from Mid-Michigan Laser Combat.

"The master of arms will be an embedded referee, helping the crew, checking guns out and in as the story and military commanders deem necessary," said Lee from Mid-Michigan Laser Combat.

"SATR3 is highly configurable. For this LARP, we will be configuring the live gaming equipment with a relatively high hit rate and helmet sensors."

"Friendly fire may be on or off. We will also be using the live gaming accessories, Battle Boxes, to act as Medical re-spawn points with the 3 "Aids".

Their emulation is given to Medical Characters to micro-manage the Player's health status.

We will have Voice Feedback: Off. We will be using the Simple wounds: On.

This is a feature to help players live through the mission, and give medical crews something to do," Lee said.

Live Gaming Accessories, in particular, Battle Boxes.

"The Battlefield Sports Equipment will also be used as props for passive combat, as well as... politics," he said.

The live gaming SATR3 system can also simulate shields and armor. "We will be using one of the special features of the technology. We may be giving a random player each battle the Dodge armor, so there would be at least one or two each game who will feel heroic," said Lee.

A Massive Production

 Any necessary props and weapons for some characters will also be provided. For military characters, registration also includes an appropriate uniform.

Civilian characters will be welcome to design their custom costumes, a feature reflected in lower registration costs. Following enlistment, each participant will receive an online survey based on their registration preferences.

The information from this will enable the dedicated story team to pair each player with an appropriate character, whose background will form the foundation for the individual the player will portray throughout the experience.

Characters vary wildly, from loyal officers and cerebral scientists to cocky pilots and hardy marines. While the backstory provided to a player will lay the groundwork, it will be up to the player to develop the character and achieve their goals throughout the event.  With a crew of over 100 individuals, players will need to work together and against each other to fulfill duties and objectives unique to their characters. With two weekend events in November, there are plenty of opportunities for exciting experiences among the stars.

What adventures await in the unknown?

What's New for 2026

 🚀 Expanded Character Roles & Mechanics

• The role “Crew” has been redefined in 2026. It now includes what were formerly “gunners,” “comms,” and parts of “command,” giving all Crew members more flexibility and narrative depth.

• New Drone Pilots: control drones from the ship’s drone suite in pairs, handling offensive, defensive, and scientific missions.

• Engineers now tackle more complex puzzles and ship systems, repairing and modifying the Flame of Liberty in real time.

• Marines remain the frontline defenders, but with improved props, tactical options, and enhanced live-gaming integration.

📆 Enhanced Event Format

• Outbound Hope now spans four full days of missions and story arcs, rather than the earlier shorter runs.

• The USS Edson will be outfitted as the Flame of Liberty, the flagship of a colonial fleet.

🎭 Volunteer NPCs & Story Support

• The event is actively recruiting NPCs (non-player characters) with LARP or theatrical experience in early 2026. Benefits: lodging, meals, volunteer perks.

 • The production timeline is already underway: character packets and final ruleset will be released by March 1, 2026.

Why Next Year will be Unforgettable

In the previous season, the fusion of narrative, environment, and live-action gaming was already striking. But next year, refined technology meets deeper roleplay:

• Greater immersion: real-time hit reactions, shield and armor systems, and more.

• Richer roles: from drone piloting to system repair, your part in the story matters.

• Larger scale: four days, bigger stories, and a fuller arc.

• Stronger tech backbone: Battlefield Sports’ most polished system yet powers every shot, every spark, every mission.

Season I proved so popular that tickets are already on sale for Season II.

Will You Board the Flame of Liberty?

 If you're ready to live the future, to breathe life into your character, and to take up arms in the stars, then 2026 is your moment.

Join the fleet. Shape the mission. Become legendary.

Weekend 1: April 30 - May 3, 2026

Weekend 2: May 7 - 10, 2026 USS Edson Bay City, MI

OutboundHope.com