The Functions of the Gamemaster: A comprehensive, practice-based overview of the role of the gamemaster of tabletop roleplaying games

Wilbraham, Che (2025) The Functions of the Gamemaster: A comprehensive, practice-based overview of the role of the gamemaster of tabletop roleplaying games. Doctoral thesis, Falmouth University / University of the Arts London.

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Abstract / Summary

This research provides a comprehensive, practice-based overview of the role of the gamemasters (GMs, akin to referees, storytellers, and guides, leading a tabletop roleplaying game) of tabletop roleplaying games (RPGs, games primarily played in conversation between multiple people in a shared space, led by a GM). All functions that a GM performs are investigated, derived and discussed. The contribution to knowledge provided by this work is the complete, evidenced-based list of the Functions of the Gamemaster, presented throughout Chapters 2, 3, and 4, and summarised in Chapter 5. This has value for RPG participants (GMs and players), designers, developers, scholars, and other stakeholders, in that the detailed analysis of the GM’s role furthers studies of the concept of the GM and provides a strong pathway into understanding its functions, responsibilities, and practices. Potential value is also provided to stakeholders in related fields, such as videogame design, due to the complex nature of the GM’s role in managing an experience via rules, storytelling, and social interaction – understanding how to best perform a GM’s functions can provide insight into performing roles with similar functions.
This investigation follows the principles of practice (-led, -based, -driven) research, using the structure of Archer (1995) and Frayling (1994): The research is through practice – investigation by the attempted constructing/enacting of some work made to embody, explore or test the subject (Archer 1995: 11). This investigation is also autoethnographic, in the tradition of similar research projects dealing with RPGs and GMs, such as Cover (2010). To these ends, the accompanying ‘Gamemastering Practice Document’ (GMPD) contains the substantive, significant record of this practice, and should be considered a substantial appendix to this thesis. The GMPD is the record of the substantial majority of the research and evidence for this investigation – the practice research. It records an estimated 1,200+ hours of gamemastering practice, as well as other work, and reflections and analysis relating to the practice.

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