Editing Gamemaster (section)

==In traditional tabletop role-playing games==
{{See also|Dungeon Master}}
The gamemaster prepares the game session for the players and the characters they play (known as [[player character]]s or PCs), describes the events taking place and decides on the outcomes of players' decisions. The gamemaster also keeps track of [[non-player character]]s (NPCs) and [[random encounter]]s, as well as of the general state of the game world.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Samantha |date=2019-02-21 |title=A beginner's guide to playing Dungeons and Dragons |url=https://www.polygon.com/deals/21294556/dnd-how-to-play-dungeons-dragons-5e-guide-spells-dice-character-sheets-dm |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref> The game session (or "[[adventure (role-playing games)|adventure]]") can be metaphorically described as a [[Play (theatre)|play]], in which the players are the lead actors, and the GM provides the [[Stage (theatre)|stage]], the [[Theatrical scenery|scenery]], the basic [[Plot (narrative)|plot]] on which the [[improvisation]]al script is built, as well as all the [[bit part]]s and [[supporting character]]s. Gamemasters can also be in charge of RPG board games making the events and setting challenges.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Lawton |first=Chuck |title=Confessions of a First Time DM: First Encounter |url=https://www.wired.com/2011/08/introduction-to-d-and-d-2/ |access-date=2024-10-03 |magazine=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028}}</ref>

GMs may choose to run a game based on a [[campaign setting|published game world]], with the maps and history already in place; such game worlds often have pre-written adventures. Alternatively, the GM may [[Conworld|build their own world]] and script their own [[Adventure (role-playing games)|adventures]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Kemner |first1=Louis |last2=Aravind |first2=Ajay |last3=Melzer |first3=Jenny |last4=Gunn |first4=Conor |last5=Williams |first5=Isaac |last6=Raley |first6=Christopher |date=2021-04-29 |title=15 Beginner Friendly D&D Campaigns for New DMs to Start With |url=https://www.cbr.com/dnd-campaigns-for-new-players-dm/ |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref>