game master
Tabletop narrative controller
A game master is the person who runs a tabletop role-playing game, controlling the narrative, setting scenes, and playing all characters who aren't controlled by the other players.
The game master creates or adapts the story, adjudicates rules, and responds to players' choices, essentially serving as referee and storyteller combined.
The term is often abbreviated GM, with variants like dungeon master (DM) specific to Dungeons & Dragons.
Our game master spent weeks preparing the campaign.
Sports rule enforcer
- arbiterOne who settles disputes
- moderatorOne who presates proceedings
- hostOne receiving guests
- coordinatorOne who arranges activities
narrator · adjudicator · organizer · mediator · guide · mentor · instructor · pacing
Performed vocal personas
- improvUnscripted comedic performance
- in-characterMaintaining a persona
- scene settingEstablishing narrative context
- immersionState of being submerged
worldbuilding · fantasy · tabletop RPG · TTRPG · pen and paper · dice · character sheets · screen
One who tells events
- quest giverOne who assigns missions
- improviserOne who creates spontaneously
- foreshadowingHinting at later events
- prologueIntroductory literary section
climax · denouement · sandbox · railroading · story arc
Methods to achieve goals
- resource managementAllocating available means efficiently
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- foresightAbility to anticipate futures
- preparationArranging things in advance
referee
Sports rule enforcer
coordinator · narrator · adjudicator · organizer · mediator · guide · mentor · instructor · pacing · session zero
character voices
Performed vocal personas
- improvUnscripted comedic performance
- in-characterMaintaining a persona
- scene settingEstablishing narrative context
immersion · worldbuilding · fantasy · tabletop RPG · TTRPG · pen and paper · dice · character sheets · screen
narrator
One who tells events
- quest giverOne who assigns missions
- improviserOne who creates spontaneously
- foreshadowingHinting at later events
prologue · climax · denouement · sandbox · railroading · story arc
tactics
Methods to achieve goals
- resource managementAllocating available means efficiently
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- foresightAbility to anticipate futures
- storytellingstorytelling, story, tale, narrative, narrator
- game nightboard games, card games, players, turns, rules
- roleplayroleplay, acting, character, cosplay, D&D
- RPGsDungeons and Dragons, Final Fantasy, Skyrim, GM, Baldur's Gate
- escape roomsescape, puzzle, clue, hint, solve
- gamerscasual gamers, casual player, casuals, hardcore player, hardcore gamers
game masterplayer
Game participant
player character · PC · party member · adventurer · hero