[RPG] Difference between a GM and a DM

terminology

Terminology question for you; what's the difference between calling yourself a DM (Dungeon Master) or a GM (Game Master)? I've seen both terms on this site and I can't figure out if there's an actual difference between them, or it's just a quirk of either time or preference.

To be more specific;

  1. Is this a rpgSE-specific terminology creation, or do the two terms (Dungeon Master vs Game Master) refer to different things across the entire bredth of rpgs?
  2. If they are different, how so?

My best guess is Dungeon Master is specific to running a Dungeons and Dragons game, where Game Master is more universal but even there I'm not sure if that's just on this site or everywhere.

Best Answer

Game Master (GM) is a generic term for the person who's running the game.

Some games have their own name for that role — Dungeon Master is the term Dungeons & Dragons uses. It's even a Wizards of the Coast trademark. (Yes, really.)

Some games use “GM” for their actual official name for the role, such as Fate or Dungeon World. Others use a more specific term. We can often use “GM” as a generic replacement for this type of role regardless. Games vary considerably in the roles and responsibilities they place upon the GM, so one game's GM is not necessarily another's, and some games have chosen their term for this role (such as “Master of Ceremonies” in Apocalypse World) specifically to evoke a reminder of those responsibilities.

We didn't invent these terms. Dungeon Master arose sometime in the 70's, and Game Master was already in use before our hobby started: see inky's chronicle of the history of these terms here.