A Gamemaster or Game Master (often abbreviated as GM) is a player in a multiplayer game who acts as organizer, arbitrator, and officiant in rules situations. A game is a structured activity, usually undertaken for Enjoyment and sometimes also used as an Educational tool

Today, gamemaster is usually associated with role-playing games. In a role-playing game the Gamemaster's purpose is to weave the other participants' player-character stories together, control the non-player aspects of the game, and create environments in which the players can interact. A role-playing game ( RPG; often roleplaying game) is a Game in which the participants assume the roles of Fictional characters. A player character or playable character (PC is a Fictional character in a Video game or Role playing game who is controlled or controllable

Being the GM requires more commitment and responsibility than just simply playing the game, while the basic roles of Gamemasters - rules help, moderation, and storytelling - are the same in almost all role-playing games, differing rule sets make the specific duties of the GM unique to that system.

History and variants of the term

The term gamemaster and the role associated with it could be found in the postal gaming hobby, but was coined by the game company Flying Buffalo in the 1975 game Tunnels and Trolls. Play-by-mail games are Games of any type played through postal Mail or e-mail. Flying Buffalo Incorporated ( FBI) is a Scottsdale Arizona game company that publishes Role playing games, Card games, gaming materials and Year 1975 ( MCMLXXV) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Tunnels & Trolls (abbreviated T&T) is a 1975 Fantasy Role-playing game designed by Ken St In typical play-by-mail games, players control armies or civilizations and mail their chosen actions to the GM. The GM then mails the updated game state to all players on a regular basis.

Each gaming system has its own name for the role of the gamemaster, such as "judge", "narrator", "referee", "Games Operation Designate" ("G. A judge, or justice, is an Official who presides over a Court of law A narrator (or the extremely rarely used female equivalent narratress) is within any story (literary work movie play verbal account etc A referee is a person who has authority to make decisions about play in many Sports Officials in various sports are known by a variety of titles including referee O. D. ") or "storyteller", and these terms not only describe the role of the gamemaster in general but also help define how the game is intended to be run. For example, the Storyteller System used in White Wolf Game Studio's storytelling games calls its GM the "storyteller", while the rules- and setting-focused Marvel Super Heroes Role-Playing Game calls its GM the "judge". Storytelling System, formerly Storyteller System, is a Role-playing game system created by White Wolf Inc A storytelling game is a Game where two or more persons collaborate on telling a spontaneous story. The Marvel Universe is the fictional Shared universe where most of the comic stories published by Marvel Comics take place Marvel Superheroes (MSHRPG aka "the FASERIP system" is a Role playing game set in the Marvel Universe, first published by TSR under The cartoon inspired roleplaying game Toon calls its GM the "animator. Toon is a Role-playing game in which the players take the roles of Cartoon characters It is subtitled The Cartoon Roleplaying Game " A few games apply system- or setting-specific flavorful names to the GM, such as the Hollyhock God (Nobilis, in which the hollyhock represents vanity), or the oldest of such terms, "Dungeon Master" (or "DM") in Dungeons & Dragons. Nobilis is a Role-playing game created by R Sean Borgstrom in which the Player characters are "Sovereign Powers" Nobilis is a Role-playing game created by R Sean Borgstrom in which the Player characters are "Sovereign Powers" Gamemaster articlegoni goni only info specific to the D&D game should be added here --> In the Dungeons & Dragons (abbreviated as D&D or DnD) is a Fantasy Role-playing game (RPG originally designed by

Duties

The gamemaster prepares the game session for the players and the characters they play (known as player characters or PCs). A player character or playable character (PC is a Fictional character in a Video game or Role playing game who is controlled or controllable The GM describes the events and decides on the outcomes of players' decisions. The gamemaster also keeps track of non-player characters (NPCs) and random encounters, as well as of the general state of the game world. A non-player character, often shortened to NPC, is a character that is controlled by the Gamemaster in Role-playing games or one that is not A random encounter is a feature commonly used in Hack and slash Role-playing games and computer and video games whereby encounters with Non-player

The game session (or "adventure") can be metaphorically described as a play, in which the players are the lead actors, and the GM provides the stage, the scenery, the basic plot on which the improvisational script is built, as well as all the bit parts and supporting characters. An adventure is either a Published or otherwise written collection of plot character and location details used by a Gamemaster to manage the plot or A play, or stageplay, is a form of Literature written by a Playwright, almost always consisting of Dialogue between Fictional characters An actor, actress, player or thespian (see terminology) is a person who Acts in a Dramatic production and who works In Theatre, the stage (sometimes referred to as the deck in Stagecraft) is a designated space for the Performance of theatrical productions Theatrical scenery is that which is used as a setting for a Theatrical production Improvisation (also called extemporization) is the practice of acting singing talking and reacting of making and creating in the moment and in response to the stimulus of A bit part is a supporting acting role with at least one line of dialogue A supporting character is a character of a Book, play, Video game, movie, television or Radio show other form

GMs may choose to run a game based on a published game world, with the maps and history already in place; such game worlds often have pre-written adventures. A campaign setting is usually a Fictional world which serves as a setting for a Role-playing game or Wargame campaign Alternately, the GM may build their own world and script their own adventures. An adventure is either a Published or otherwise written collection of plot character and location details used by a Gamemaster to manage the plot or

GMs may run their game as frequently or infrequently as they wish; some gamers meet once a week or once a month, others only two or three times a year. A GM can easily run one-shot, unconnected adventures each time their gaming group convenes; in this case there is no connected plot, and the players can choose to play different characters in each session. However, a devoted gamemaster can string many such adventures into a campaign, in which the same heroes fight many different monsters and a few recurring villains, gaining treasure, reputation and power as they go. A campaign setting is usually a Fictional world which serves as a setting for a Role-playing game or Wargame campaign Such campaigns can last for years, even decades, earning a great deal of loyalty from their players, even as some players join or leave the game along the way.

A good gamemaster draws the players into the adventure, making it enjoyable for everyone. Good gamemasters have quick minds, sharp wits, and rich imaginations. Gamemasters must also maintain game balance: hideously overpowered monsters or players are no fun. Game balance is a concept in Game design describing fairness or Balance of power in a Game between multiple players or strategic options Gamemaster Elonka Dunin noted back in 1997 that those who favor their left-brain such as skilled code writers usually do not make it in the ethereal gamemaster world of storytelling and verse. Elonka Dunin (ɪˈlɔŋkə 'dʌnɨn born December 29 1958 is an American Cryptographer and Video game developer. ^[1]

Just as there are good GMs, bad GMs also exist. One of these is the rare but well-known type known as the "killer GM". This type of gamemaster enjoys killing the PCs, meaning that the imaginary character "dies" in the same way a character in a novel might -- they cannot go forward in the story, short of in-game mechanics like magical resurrection. The GM might get satisfaction out of creating monsters with very powerful game statistics, or designing fiendish traps that are virtually impossible for the characters to escape, but such a GM is likely to have trouble keeping players coming back for more adventures.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are GMs who try to fulfill all of the desires of their players by giving the PCs an easy time of acquiring experience and treasure. These easy GMs are often called "Monty Haul" GMs, a reference to the game show host Monty Hall. Monty Halparin, OC (born August 25, 1921 in Winnipeg, Manitoba) better known by the Stage name Monty Hall (previously

An example of a GM's duties, set in a fantasy universe

Days or weeks before a game session, the GM decides on the plot of the adventure which the players are to face. An adventure is either a Published or otherwise written collection of plot character and location details used by a Gamemaster to manage the plot or

Choosing a monster that will be tough but not deadly for the current power level of the characters played by the gamers in his group, he decides that the heroes are going to rescue a young prince kidnapped by an ogre. He makes a map of the ogre's lair, makes notes about the ogre's game statistics, and decides whether there are any other challenges (such as terrain or weather) that the party must face. He creates a memorable NPC, the prince's hideous and hysterical nanny.

On game day, the players gather around a table at the GM's house. The GM reminds the players of the game's setting and picks up the story where they left off, with the characters travelling on the road after their last adventure. He describes the woebegone nanny's appearance as she runs up to the PCs on the road and begs them to help save the prince who has just been abducted.

As he knows that the PCs consider themselves to be good and noble heroes, the GM expects that they will agree to aid the nanny. Since the trail will be cold before they can return her to town, they must bring her along as they try to follow the tracks of the ogre. The GM asks them to use dice to test whether they succeed at using their tracking skill.

The GM also uses whatever acting abilities he possesses to "act out" the character of the nanny, who is wailing and fearful and clumsy, ensuring that the heroes don't get the advantage of surprise. This also leads the PCs to interact with the NPC, "acting out" their own parts as they try to convince her to be quiet. This helps to create a deeper role-playing experience, where the player, instead of saying, "My character tells her to be quiet," or even "I tell her to be quiet," is led into role-playing with the GM:

Player (as Hero): "Please, please ma'am, you have to settle down, we don't want the monster to come after you too, do we?"

GM (as Nanny): "Oh, but my boy, my POOR BOY! That precious little MAN, he's going to be EATEN UP!"

Player (as Hero): "Please, lady, you've got to be quiet!"

In a straightfoward adventure, the tracks lead to an abandoned watchtower, and the fighters in the party engage in combat with the waiting ogre -- again decided by dice-rolling supervised by the GM. A good GM will ensure that this part of the game is kept quick and lively, with decisive rulings, fast-paced game turns, and energetic descriptions of the ogre's actions and the results of the players' decisions.

Meanwhile, the nimble burglar in the party climbs up the back of the tower, frees the prince from his ropes, and lowers him to the ground -- again, the GM determines how difficult these actions are and requires dice-based skill checks of some kind.

If he wanted a less straightforward plot, the GM might decide that there was no prince -- that the nanny was merely a human or shapechanged accomplice of the ogre, sent to lure unwary adventurers off the road so they could be robbed, killed, and eaten. In this case, the GM would be challenging the ability of the players to see through subterfuge and solve puzzles.

Either way, if the GM has chosen the level of difficulty well, the characters will have a good test of their abilities and wits. They will take a few injuries and be unsure of success, but with some good planning, teamwork, and bravery, will most likely overcome whatever obstacle the GM has placed in their path.

At the end of the session, the GM sometimes offers rewards: the characters may discover the ogre's treasure hoard in the tower. Based on how well they completed the adventure, the GM may give the players various types of "points", which vary in meaning depending on the game system. Often, they can be used to improve the character before the next adventure, preparing them to face even tougher foes.

Gamemasters in online games

A gamemaster's duties in an online game are less those of a gamemaster in a traditional role-playing game than a moderator or administrator in an online community. Online games are games played over some form of computer network. A role-playing game ( RPG; often roleplaying game) is a Game in which the participants assume the roles of Fictional characters. A forum moderator, often shortened to just mod, is a person granted special powers to enforce the rules of an Internet forum ( Message board) or Electronic A system administrator, systems administrator, or sysadmin, is a person employed to maintain and operate a Computer system and/or network. A virtual community, e-community or online community is a group of people that primarily interact via communication media such as Newsletters A GM in such a game is either an experienced volunteer player or an employee who enforces the game rules, banishing spammers, player killers and cheaters. Player vs player, PvP, or Player Killing is competitive interaction within a game between two or more live participants For their task they use special characters with special abilities like teleporting to players, summoning items and browsing the player logs to help them in their moderating tasks. Gamemasters in MUDs are often called "wizards". In computer gaming, a MUD ( Multi-User Dungeon, Domain or Dimension) is a multi-player computer game that combines elements of Gamemasters in MMORPGs are usually employees of the game's host or developers of the game themselves, Ragnarok Online is an example of this type of GM. A massively multiplayer online role-playing game ( MMORPG) is a genre of Computer role-playing games (CRPGs in which a large number of players interact with Ragnarok Online (라그나로크 온라인 often referred to as RO, is a Massively multiplayer online role-playing game or MMORPG created by Often players who feel dissatisfied with the service will blame the GM directly for any errors or glitches. This is a common mistake as most employed GMs are not developers and cannot resolve the problem themselves.

The now defunct America Online Online Gaming Forum used to use volunteers selected by application from its user base. These people were simply referred to as OGFs by other members, and their screennames were indicative of their position (i. e. , OGF Moose, etc. ). While membership in the Online Gaming Forum had only one real requirement (that is, be a member of AOL), OGFs were given powers quite similar to AOL "Guides" and could call them in at will to TOS and/or ban users as they saw appropriate.

Note that a few games, notably Neverwinter Nights and Vampire: The Masquerade - Redemption, are computer game adaptations of tabletop RPGs that are played online with one player acting as a traditional gamemaster. Vampire The Masquerade – Redemption is a PC role-playing game released on June 7, 2000 by Activision. A personal computer Game (also known as a computer game or simply PC game) is a Video game played on a Personal computer, rather

Gamemasters in online chats

Table top Gamemasters sometimes simply can not find players interested in either the same setting, product line, or play style in his local neighborhood. The advent of computers has brought a moderate solution to this in the form of online chat programs. This enables gamemassters to find players online, and for them to meet via chat rooms. This in contrast to gamemasters of a normal table top game or of a game -meant- to be played online, faces many more duties. It is wise to write out descriptive text ahead of time, often taking hours, and since the gamemaster can not rely on his acting skills (good or bad thing depends on the gamemaster) to get the personality of NPCs and monsters across, the need for music (often considered a distraction in a normal table top game) becomes much great relying on midis files to help set the mood. Also the gamemaster must keep hard copies of all the players characters himself since he can not glance at them as he would in a normal game, and of course there is the age old requirement of trust, since the players do the math (another delay) of their dice rolls outside of the chat as they roll in another program or in real life.

Wizards of the Coast erroneously tried to solve this problem by assimilating online computers into the game play of the forth version of their product Dungeons and Dragons which lead to it becoming in fact only more exclusive, when the original version of the game boosted that "all you need is a piece of paper, a pencil, and your imagination. Dungeons & Dragons (abbreviated as D&D or DnD) is a Fantasy Role-playing game (RPG originally designed by "

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