A Forever GM is someone who almost always finds themselves running a tabletop roleplaying game rather than playing in it. It’s a bittersweet moniker but an affectionate one.
There are some clearcut reasons why people end up as Forever GMs;
- They’re Good at It: They might be exceptionally skilled at storytelling, world-building, improvisation, or group management (cat herding). Equally, some players might be hesitant to offer to take the role for a bit out of fear they can’t meet the same standard.
- They Enjoy It (Mostly): Many Forever GMs genuinely love running games, even if they also long to play sometimes.
- Nobody Else Wants To: In some groups, other players might be reluctant to take on the responsibility of being the GM.
However, it’s worth treating your Forever GM with respect and consideration. The risk of burnout is real, and sometimes responsibility is a burden that can suck the fun out of an evening.
Is it too cheesy to throw in an affiliate link here and say something like “So buy your Forever GM a gift!“… I guess not! :)
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