People play RPGs for a variety of reasons, and as we’ve seen in recent years, the hobby is becoming increasingly popular. Every day, new people purchase their first RPG book. Every day, someone tries their hand at a demo table at a convention, or is simply invited by a group of their friends to participate.
It’s called social gaming. It’s motivated by a desire to create and grow something that only exists in the collective imaginations of those who play with you.
It sounds like it could be pretty mind-bending. And, indeed, RPGs frequently have a lot of moving parts, and even when they don’t, there are a number of things that must be kept in check to ensure the game runs smoothly and (as it appears from the player’s side of the screen), seamlessly.
Since the recent RPG explosion, there has been an increasing amount of pressure and grandeur placed on the title of “Game Master” (or “Dungeon Master,” “Storyteller,” “Game Mother,” or “Adjudicator” depending on your game of choice).
From the outside, it appears that taking on the role of Game Master is a call to arms fit only for the most self-assured, creative, and charismatic creators on the planet!
Indeed, Game Masters are still praised; after all, the game wouldn’t exist without them, right? That’s a lot of pressure to place on yourself. rpg 2
Right?
Well. Maybe.
I’ve been playing role-playing games since I was 14 years old. So, at this point, I’ve been doing this for nearly half of my life. While that statement is stressful enough, I believe I have plenty of information, hacks, and, most importantly, encouragement to pass on to those of you who want to GM but haven’t yet, or who haven’t even considered it because you’ve convinced yourself you won’t be able to.
Spoiler alert: The part of you that believes you can’t do it is incorrect. You can absolutely do it. And we’re here to assist.
First, let me share some of the best advice I’ve ever received about being a Game Master. Consider this to put everything into perspective: RPG night has arrived. All of the players, perhaps four to six of you, are seated at the table, ready to begin play- but wait! The GM is sick and had to cancel at the last minute!
Isn’t that a real bummer?
But you’re all players, and you know the rules. You’re all present. You could easily do something without the Game Master, even if all your characters just hang out at an inn and get into a drunken fist fight. The game is about the characters and the mechanics that allow them to exist, so even if the GM is not present, you can still have fun.
Let us now turn that situation around.
All of the players cancel as the subway surfers Game Master waits.
You only have one person alone at a table with a handful of dice.
To summarize, the Game Master isn’t as important as you might think. Nothing is more humbling than remembering you’re there to help guide everyone else through the story.
When you realize you’re a Game Helper, not a Game Master, the entire role becomes far less intimidating.
From there, the following suggestions should help you get in the right mindset and serve as anchors for you when you’re behind the camera.
An “anchor” is a philosophy or theme to which you can always return if you feel like the game or the players are getting away from you.
They will evolve for you over time, becoming what many people today refer to as a “GM Style.”
However, keep in mind that nothing is ever set in stone.
