Gamemaster

The Gamemaster, often abbreviated as GM, is the person who organizes and runs a game session, typically in tabletop role-playing games. The GM acts as referee, storyteller, and facilitator, describing environments, controlling non-player characters, and adjudicating rules to keep play moving and fair.

In tabletop RPGs, GMs create or select adventures, design encounters, and manage pacing. They narrate scenes, manage NPCs and monsters, handle combat and skill checks, and interpret and apply the rules. A GM adapts to player actions, improvises when plans change, and balances challenge with player agency to maintain engagement and flow.

In online or video game contexts, "Game Master" can refer to staff members or moderators who enforce rules, moderate chat, and coordinate in-game events. Some games provide sanctioned GM tools to modify environments or resolve disputes, while players may also assume temporary GM-like roles in custom campaigns or modes.

Key skills for a Gamemaster include strong knowledge of the game system, improvisational ability, clear communication, problem-solving, and fairness. Effective GMs use organization, storytelling, and pacing to guide sessions, while conflict-resolution and diplomacy help maintain a positive play experience. Common tools include rulebooks, dice, character sheets, virtual tabletop software, maps, timers, and audio cues.

Terminology varies by tradition. "Dungeon Master" is the traditional term in Dungeons & Dragons; other systems use "referee," "narrator," or simply "GM." Across formats, the Gamemaster serves as the guiding authority responsible for setting the scene, interpreting rules, and fostering collaborative storytelling.