16 Game Master Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various game master interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

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Common Game Master Interview Questions

• What experience do you have with running tabletop role-playing games?
• What is your favorite game to run and why?
• What do you feel are the most important aspects of a good game master?
• How do you prepare for a game session?
• What do you do when players deviate from the planned story?
• How do you handle player disputes?
• What is your policy on player death?
• How do you deal with players who are disruptive or not following the rules?
• What are your thoughts on player vs player interactions?
• Are you comfortable making rulings on the fly?
• What do you think is the most challenging thing about being a game master?
• What kind of feedback do you like to receive from players after a session?
• What kind of feedback do you give to players during a session?
• How do you handle players who are new to the game or to tabletop role-playing in general?
• What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a game master?
• Do you have any funny or memorable stories from your time as a game master that you can share with us?

What experience do you have with running tabletop role-playing games?

One reason an interviewer might ask a game master about their experience running tabletop role-playing games is to gauge their ability to manage a group of people and keep them engaged in an activity. This is important because game masters need to be able to keep players interested in the game and prevent them from getting bored or disruptive.

Another reason an interviewer might ask about a game master's experience with running tabletop role-playing games is to get a sense of their creativity and ability to come up with new ideas on the fly. This is important because game masters need to be able to keep the game fresh and exciting for players, and they need to be able to come up with new ideas when players get stuck.

Example: “I have been running tabletop role-playing games for over 10 years. I have experience with a variety of game systems, including Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and Savage Worlds. I have also run games at a variety of conventions, including Gen Con and Origins. In addition to my experience running games, I have also written game material for several different systems.”

What is your favorite game to run and why?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a game master. One reason is to get to know the game master's style and preferences. This can help the interviewer understand what kind of games the game master enjoys running, and how they like to run them. Additionally, the interviewer may be interested in hearing about the game master's favorite game to run in order to get some insight into their creative process.

Another reason why this question might be asked is to gauge the game master's level of experience and expertise. If the game master has a favorite game to run, it shows that they are familiar with a variety of games and have a good understanding of how to run them. This can be helpful for the interviewer to know, as it can help them determine if the game master is a good fit for the position they are interviewing for.

Finally, this question can also be used to assess the game master's ability to think on their feet and come up with creative solutions. If the game master is able to easily describe their favorite game to run and why they enjoy it, it shows that they are able to think quickly and come up with original ideas. This is a valuable skill for game masters, as they often need to be able to come up with new ideas and solutions on the fly during gameplay.

Example: “There are so many great games out there, and it's hard to choose just one favorite. However, if I had to narrow it down, I would say my favorite game to run is Dungeons & Dragons. I love the endless possibilities that come with running a D&D game. There are so many different ways to build a campaign, and I love watching my players explore the world and interact with the characters. Plus, there's nothing quite like watching a group of friends come together and roll some dice!”

What do you feel are the most important aspects of a good game master?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a game master. First, they may be trying to gauge the game master's understanding of what makes a good game. Second, they may be trying to get a sense of the game master's priorities when it comes to running a game. Finally, they may be trying to determine whether the game master is someone who is likely to be able to provide a fun and enjoyable gaming experience for their players.

The most important aspects of a good game master, according to the interviewer, are probably __________. However, it is important to tailor your answer to fit the specific game that you are being interviewed for. For example, if the interviewer is looking for a game master for a role-playing game, then you might want to focus on aspects such as being able to create an immersive and believable world, being able to come up with interesting plots and challenges, and having the ability to keep players engaged and invested in the game.

Example: “The most important aspects of a good game master are their ability to create a fun and engaging experience for players, as well as their ability to keep the game flowing smoothly. A good game master will be able to keep players engaged by providing interesting challenges and tasks to complete, as well as keeping the game moving forward at a good pace.”

How do you prepare for a game session?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a game master. First, it shows that the interviewer is interested in the game master's process and how they prepare for a session. This is important because it shows that the interviewer is looking for a game master who is organized and has a plan for each session. Second, it allows the interviewer to gauge the game master's level of experience and knowledge. This is important because it helps the interviewer decide if the game master is a good fit for the position. Finally, it gives the interviewer insight into the game master's creative process and how they come up with ideas for their games. This is important because it helps the interviewer understand how the game master works and how they think about games.

Example: “There are a few things I like to do before a game session to help me prepare. First, I take some time to review the material we will be covering in the session. This helps me to be familiar with the content and better able to answer any questions that come up. Additionally, I try to come up with a few fun activities or games that we can play during the session to keep everyone engaged. Finally, I make sure to have all of the materials I need for the session organized and easily accessible.”

What do you do when players deviate from the planned story?

There can be many reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a Game Master. It could be to gauge the Game Master's ability to think on their feet and come up with solutions to problems that arise during gameplay. It could also be to see how the Game Master deals with players who might be disruptive or uncooperative.

This question is important because it can give the interviewer a good idea of what type of person the Game Master is and how they would handle situations that could come up during a game. If the Game Master is able to come up with creative solutions to problems that arise, it shows that they are flexible and adaptable. If the Game Master is able to handle disruptive players without losing their cool, it shows that they have good people skills and can keep a level head under pressure.

Example: “There are a few different ways that a game master can handle players who deviate from the planned story. One way is to simply go with the flow and allow the players to take the story in their own direction. This can be especially effective if the game master is comfortable improvising. Another way is to gently guide the players back towards the planned story, using subtle hints and nudges. Finally, if the deviation is severe enough, the game master may need to take more drastic measures, such as resetting the game to a previous point or having an NPC step in to force the plot back on track.”

How do you handle player disputes?

This question is important because it allows the interviewer to gauge how the Game Master would handle difficult situations that may arise during gameplay. It also allows the interviewer to see if the Game Master is familiar with the game's mechanics and how they can be used to resolve player disputes.

Example: “When two players have a dispute, the first thing I do is try to mediate between them and see if they can come to an agreement. If they are unable to reach an agreement, I will make a ruling based on the facts of the situation and what I think is fair. I will also take into account the preferences of both players when making my decision.”

What is your policy on player death?

An interviewer might ask "What is your policy on player death?" to a/an Game Master to gauge how they handle difficult situations and how they work to keep their players engaged in the game. It is important to know how a Game Master handles player death because it can be a very sensitive issue for some players.

Example: “Our policy on player death is that it is a part of the game and should be treated as such. Players should not be afraid to die, as it is a natural part of the game and can provide interesting and unique opportunities for roleplay. If a player does die, we will work with them to determine an appropriate course of action, such as respawning them in a nearby location or providing them with a new character.”

How do you deal with players who are disruptive or not following the rules?

An interviewer might ask this question to a game master in order to gauge their ability to handle difficult situations. It is important for a game master to be able to deal with disruptive players in a calm and effective manner so that the game can continue smoothly.

Example: “There are a few different ways to deal with players who are disruptive or not following the rules. The first step is to try and talk to the player and see if they are willing to cooperate. If they are not willing to cooperate, then you may need to take more drastic measures such as asking them to leave the game or banning them from the game.”

What are your thoughts on player vs player interactions?

This question is important because it allows the interviewer to gauge the Game Master's understanding of player interactions and how they can affect the game. It also allows the interviewer to see if the Game Master is able to maintain a balance between player interactions.

Example: “PvP interactions can be a fun and engaging way for players to interact with each other in a game. They can also be a source of frustration and conflict if not managed properly. As a game master, it is important to be aware of the potential for PvP interactions and to have a plan for how to handle them if they do occur.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when managing PvP interactions is that not all players will enjoy them. Some players may prefer to avoid conflict altogether, while others may thrive on the challenge and excitement of competition. It is important to respect each player's preferences and to create an environment where everyone can enjoy the game.

If PvP interactions do occur, it is important to be fair and impartial in your handling of them. All players should feel like they have a chance to win, and no one should feel like they are being unfairly targeted. If there are rules governing PvP interactions, be sure to enforce them evenly and fairly.

Finally, remember that player vs player interactions are just one aspect of the game. There are many other ways for players to interact with each other, and not all of them need to be competitive or confrontational. Encourage players to explore all the different ways they can interact”

Are you comfortable making rulings on the fly?

This question is important because it allows the interviewer to gauge whether the Game Master is comfortable making decisions on the fly and whether they are able to think quickly and adapt to changes. This is important because the Game Master needs to be able to make decisions quickly and efficiently in order to keep the game flowing smoothly.

Example: “Yes, I am comfortable making rulings on the fly. I am familiar with the rules of the game and can make rulings based on those rules. I am also comfortable making rulings based on my own judgment, if necessary.”

What do you think is the most challenging thing about being a game master?

There are many possible reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a game master. It could be to gauge the game master's level of experience and expertise, to get a sense of their ability to handle challenging situations, or to simply get their opinion on what they believe is the most challenging aspect of the job. Regardless of the reason, it is important for the game master to be able to articulate their thoughts on the matter clearly and concisely. This will show that they are truly knowledgeable about the role and its challenges, and that they are capable of thinking critically about the job.

Example: “There can be a number of challenges that come with being a game master. First and foremost, it can be difficult to keep track of all the different elements of the game and make sure that they are all working together seamlessly. It is also important to be able to think on your feet and come up with solutions to problems that may arise during the course of the game. Additionally, it can be difficult to keep players engaged and interested in the game, especially if they are not used to playing role-playing games.”

What kind of feedback do you like to receive from players after a session?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the GM's ability to take feedback from players and use it to improve the game. It is important because a GM who can take feedback and use it to improve the game will be able to keep the players engaged and improve the overall experience for everyone.

Example: “I like to receive feedback that is both positive and constructive. I want to know what the players enjoyed about the session, as well as what they thought could be improved. This helps me to gauge what is working well and what needs to be changed in order to make the game more enjoyable for everyone involved.”

What kind of feedback do you give to players during a session?

One reason an interviewer might ask a game master about the feedback they give players during a session is to gauge the game master's ability to provide constructive criticism. It is important for game masters to be able to give feedback that will help players improve their performance without discouraging them. The interviewer wants to know if the game master is able to do this.

Example: “I usually give feedback to players after each session, depending on how they did. If they did well, I might praise them for their role-playing or their tactical decisions. If they didn't do so well, I might give them some constructive criticism on what they could improve.”

How do you handle players who are new to the game or to tabletop role-playing in general?

The interviewer is asking how the Game Master would handle players who are new to the game or to tabletop role-playing in general because it is important to know how the Game Master would handle players who are new to the game or to tabletop role-playing in general. It is important to know how the Game Master would handle players who are new to the game or to tabletop role-playing in general because it is important to ensure that the players are able to understand and enjoy the game.

Example: “There are a few different ways to handle players who are new to the game or to tabletop role-playing in general. The most important thing is to be patient and explain things clearly. Here are a few tips:

- Start with the basics. Explain how the game works and what the objective is.
- Let the players ask questions and answer them as best you can.
- Give examples of what actions the players can take in various situations.
- Encourage the players to try different things and experiment.
- Be prepared to answer any questions that come up during the game.”

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a game master?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a game master. One reason is to gauge the game master's level of experience and expertise. By asking for advice, the interviewer is also asking the game master to share any insider knowledge or tips that might be helpful for someone considering the same career path. This question also allows the interviewer to get a sense of the game master's personal philosophy or approach to game design and running games. Ultimately, this question is designed to help the interviewer better understand the game master as a professional and as a person, and to see if they would be a good fit for the company or organization.

Example: “There are a few things to keep in mind if you're thinking about becoming a game master. First, it's important to be organized and prepared for each session. This means having a well-thought-out plan for the game, knowing the rules well, and being able to think on your feet. Secondly, it's important to be flexible and adaptable. Things will inevitably go off the rails at some point, so being able to roll with the punches and keep the game moving is key. Finally, it's important to be supportive and encouraging of your players. This means creating an inclusive and fun environment where everyone can feel like they're contributing to the game. If you can do all of these things, then you'll be well on your way to being a great game master!”

Do you have any funny or memorable stories from your time as a game master that you can share with us?

An interviewer might ask this question to a game master in order to gauge their ability to think on their feet and come up with creative solutions to problems. This is important because it can indicate whether the game master would be able to handle unexpected situations that might arise during a game.

Example: “I definitely have some funny and memorable stories from my time as a game master! One time, I was running a session of Dungeons & Dragons for my friends, and one of the players decided to try and sneak up on a dragon by disguising himself as a sheep. Unfortunately, he didn't quite think his plan through and ended up getting roasted alive by the dragon. We all had a good laugh about it afterwards. Another time, we were playing a horror-themed RPG and one of the players got so scared that she ran out of the room and refused to come back in! It was pretty hilarious.”