Gamemaster

For other uses, see Gamemaster (disambiguation).
This article is about roleplaying game moderators in general. For the moderator of a Dungeons and Dragons game, see Dungeon Master.
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A gamemaster (GM; also known as game master, game manager, game moderator, referee, storyteller, or master of ceremonies) is a person who acts as a facilitator, organizer, officiant regarding rules, arbitrator, and moderator for a multiplayer role-playing game.[1][2] The act performed by a gamemaster is sometimes referred to as "gamemastering" or simply "GM-ing."

The role of a GM in a traditional tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) is to weave together the other participants' player-characters' (PCs) stories, control the non-player characters (NPCs), describe or create environments in which the PCs can interact, and solve any player disputes. This basic role is the same in almost all traditional TTRPGs, with minor differences specific to differing rule sets. However, in some indie role-playing games, the GM role significantly differs from the traditional pattern. For example, in Powered by the Apocalypse systems, the other players assist the GM in creating both the NPCs and the details of the campaign setting.[3]

The role of a gamemaster in an online game is to enforce the game's rules and provide general customer service.

Gaming systems have their own names for the role of the GM. For example, in Dungeons & Dragons, they are called dungeon masters,[4] in the World of Darkness games, they are called storytellers,[5] and in Powered by the Apocalypse games they are called a variety of names, such as MCs (master of ceremonies).[6]

GMs are typically hobbyists; however, they are sometimes paid employees or entertainers for hire. This is more common for online games. Paid GMing was very uncommon for TTRPGs before the 2020s.[7]

A gamemaster (center) and players in a tabletop role-playing game
  1. ^ Rosenberg, Aaron; Dupuis, Ann; Houle, Melissa (2005). The Deryni NextAdventure Game. Grey Ghost Press, Inc. p. 106. ISBN 978-1-887154-09-3.
  2. ^ Porter, Greg (June 1988). SpaceTime. Richmond, VA: Blacksburg Tactical Research Center. p. 1. ISBN 0-943891-03-5.
  3. ^ Wieland, Rob. "A Beginner's Guide To Powered By The Apocalypse Games". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  4. ^ Sargeantson, Emily (2019-01-16). "What is a Dungeon Master? What Do the Best Ones Do?". My Kind of Meeple. Archived from the original on 2020-05-22. Retrieved 2020-05-22.
  5. ^ Allison, Peter Ray (2020-02-06). "Shedding light on World of Darkness, the gothic-punk universe of RPG Vampire: The Masquerade". Dicebreaker. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on 2020-07-13. Retrieved 2020-09-04.
  6. ^ "Powered by the Apocalypse, part 1 – lumpley games".
  7. ^ Paul, Mike Winters,Raffi (2024-04-25). "36-year-old makes $37,000 a year leading Dungeons & Dragons games: If 'you're doing it anyway, you might as well' get paid". CNBC. Retrieved 2024-10-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)