Gam Masters : the key to fun and good gaming.


 What are they or who are they really??


Back when I was a teenager of around 18-19 I explained to my mother what  GM was  and what RPGs were like .

Here response ?

 "Oh thats no different from when you were a kid - you just didn't have  rulebooks for it. "

Then she explained.

When I was itty-bitty kid and lived on a typical American suburban street, 3 or 4 of us kids that lived on that street would get to gether to play.  According to Mom - it always seemed that I was the one that came up with the games that we played or appeared to be telling the other kids what to do.  She was worried about this for awhile at first....then noticed that the other kids didn't say o and never had alternative suggestions. They also seemed happy that I was suggesting stuff or deciding what we all did. (It was interesting to hear an objective view of 10 to 15 years previous after the fact when I was 19 years old)

 Fast forward to High School and College years - I naturally drifted to becoming a GM when I got into Role Playing Games.

So, truthfully in most groups a "GM" /REFEREE - is the player or person in the group who is discovered to be the most creative at gaming or the best "storyteller". (And I DON'T mean in a WhiteWolf-ey kind of way nesacarily)

A GM is also the one that the group is most comfortable with as the on who arbitrates the rules of a game.

Any other thoughts?


- Ed C.

Here's an idea: in a roleplaying group, there are various meta-functions that need to be performed, as you suggest. Somebody will provide creative direction, somebody will be the social coordinator, somebody will host the game, somebody will be expert with the rules, and so on.

But there is no definitive need for all those functions to be performed by one person, nor even each function by a single person.

Quote from: droogHere's an idea: in a roleplaying group, there are various meta-functions that need to be performed, as you suggest. Somebody will provide creative direction, somebody will be the social coordinator, somebody will host the game, somebody will be expert with the rules, and so on.

But there is no definitive need for all those functions to be performed by one person, nor even each function by a single person.

True, but if one can do all of these things that all of the other people do then they should be called a Game Master in recognition of their abilites.

I'll take my Viking Hat and wear it at a jaunty angle now, thank you.

(And just where did the meme for Viking Hats come from, anyways?)

Quote from: droogHere's an idea: in a roleplaying group, there are various meta-functions that need to be performed, as you suggest. Somebody will provide creative direction, somebody will be the social coordinator, somebody will host the game, somebody will be expert with the rules, and so on.

Interesting.  So, GMs, hosts, rules experts, etc. are all different classes.  I wonder what level GM I am?  

Pete

I need to get a Viking Hat.

 After all I'm supposedly 50% Norwegian.

GMs forever...
....touchy feely Psychodrama games never!!!!



- Ed C.

Quote from: KoltarGMs forever...
....touchy feely Psychodrama games never!!!!

It's an entirely separate question from new-school vs old-school.

Quote from: jeff37923True, but if one can do all of these things that all of the other people do then they should be called a Game Master in recognition of their abilites.

The GM is a guy with a specific function in the game you're playing. That may or may not intersect with the various social functions of the group.

The "social function" of the group is to have FUN playing a role playing game. For that a GM is necessary.

...oh yeah and the group tries NOT to use phrases like "social function" or "interactivity" while having that fun.

Better phrases like "Hey, can you pass me the bowl of pretzels?" are used .
-OR-

"Hot damn I killed his ass!!, Whats the damage ?"


- Ed C.

I don't really think it's a question of what a GM is rather it's more like most gamers like to have a GM in their games. While I think you can find similarities in the role of GMs in the numerous types of games out there, I don't think you can reduce the role to a set or sets of any meaningful specifics or maybe you can but with a lot of caveats.

Regards,
David R

RPGs are just like the rest of life. The common folk may bitch, but deep down they are happiest when someone else is in charge. In other words, they crave a (games) master. And why not, when he not only takes the responsibility but also gives out periodic pats on the head?

TheShadow

Heil The_Shadow! Nice to know fascists are not extinct! :O

-clash

Different groups of people will organize themselves in different ways.

Nominating (sometimes drafting!) one person to act as the central authority is one of those ways.  It is a very robust, very workable way of making a group "go" ... in this case straight to FUN.

It's a good way of organizing.  It's not the only good way.

Is it possible that we can divorce the enthusiasm for GM-driven games from the denigration of other alternatives?  I'd really quite like to get in on the enthusiasm.

Quote from: flyingmiceHeil The_Shadow! Nice to know fascists are not extinct! :O

-clash

Well he is privy to what evil lurks in the hearts of men... that sort of thing has to get to you after a while.

Quote from: KoltarI need to get a Viking Hat.
GMs forever...
....touchy feely Psychodrama games never!!!!

And once again, Koltar, you've managed to reduce a complex argument to the level of a playground chant while completely missing the point.  One wonders, how do you do it?

The GM must be the Alpha Male.

RPGPundit

Quote from: RPGPunditThe GM must be the Alpha Male.

RPGPundit

Awesome!  I just pictured a bunch of nerds grappling with each other until one shows his stomach, signaling his submission to the authority of the GM.

Okay on second thought that particular visual may not be so awesome, but you know what I mean.