Gamer Terms/Jargon that Needs to Change

[Zhaleskra]

I'm beginning to think that some of the terms and jargon we use in our games is dated, makes people devalue other participants, or is just plain confusing.

NPC - Non-player character. I feel this should be changed because it encourages the idea that the GM is not also a player. But what to use instead? GMPC already has its own negative connotations, and GMC would probably be associated with GMPC.

Various titles for the person who runs the game - honestly, just stop it all together. I've seen a trend toward being more specific at the expense of being verbose (wordy). While I'm not fond of it, I can see its use. Just say "host" or "the person who runs the game".

While I'm on the subject of game runner titles, let me tackle some specific ones. Referee? Are we playing sports? Judge? This ain't no legal proceeding. Anything "Master". This implies that the person running the game is better than you.

 

[Lanefan]

I'm beginning to think that some of the terms and jargon we use in our games is dated, makes people devalue other participants, or is just plain confusing.

I'll hazard a guess you may find yourself in a severe minority...

NPC - Non-player character. I feel this should be changed because it encourages the idea that the GM is not also a player. But what to use instead? GMPC already has its own negative connotations, and GMC would probably be associated with GMPC.

GMC makes me think of trucks.

Non-party NPCs could be simply called "extras". In-party NPCs are another question; I think I'll stick with NPC for those.

Various titles for the person who runs the game - honestly, just stop it all together. I've seen a trend toward being more specific at the expense of being verbose (wordy). While I'm not fond of it, I can see its use. Just say "host" or "the person who runs the game".

Won't happen. The DM is the person who runs the game (though not always the person who hosts it) and does in fact often have to perform the role of referee, or judge, or arbiter, whatever.

Lan-"when DMs start being called central processing units, I'm done"-efan

 

[Dice4Hire]

I'm beginning to think that some of the terms and jargon we use in our games is dated, makes people devalue other participants, or is just plain confusing.

I do not agree it is that serious.

NPC - Non-player character. I feel this should be changed because it encourages the idea that the GM is not also a player. But what to use instead? GMPC already has its own negative connotations, and GMC would probably be associated with GMPC.

The GM is not really a player, they are the Dungeon Master.

Various titles for the person who runs the game - honestly, just stop it all together. I've seen a trend toward being more specific at the expense of being verbose (wordy). While I'm not fond of it, I can see its use. Just say "host" or "the person who runs the game".

The-person-(man or woman)who-is-sitting-in-the-seat-at-the-head-of-the-table-behind-the-screen-who-is-telling-us-what-we-are-encountering-on-our-way-to-glory,-fame-and--riches-and-fairly-adjudicating-our-efforts-in-a-way-that-is-fun-for-all.

Nah, DM or GM or whatever is easier. Maybe a better word could be found, but DM is traditional, so I can live with it.

While I'm on the subject of game runner titles, let me tackle some specific ones. Referee? Are we playing sports? Judge? This ain't no legal proceeding. Anything "Master". This implies that the person running the game is better than you.

Maybe the DM is more important. I can do a game with one player and one DM, but not with 12 players. They are the one stepping up to do the lion's share of the work.

If they take this importance outside of the game, then, by all means, slap them own a bit.

The only PC in my games is Player Character.






Which is not to say I go out of my way to antagonize people. But maimed is maimed, blind is blind and the village idiot, is, sadly, the village idiot.

 

[the Jester]

I'm beginning to think that some of the terms and jargon we use in our games is dated, makes people devalue other participants, or is just plain confusing....

No thanks, but feel free to do whatever makes you happy!

 

[Janx]

MC master of ceremony is most likely an influencing source for the term Dungeon Master. Which was trademarked by TSR, hence alternates like GM.

There aint no problem with Dungeon Master, manhole, woman,stewardess, etc.

The real bad words are those spoken only in hate. Spending your time trying to change our words is a waste. Fix the source, our hearts which is the wellspring of what we speak.

 

[jonesy]

Ahem: http://www.enworld.org/forum/general-rpg-discussion/298283-who-runs-your-game.html

 

[El Mahdi]

I prefer Expediter of your Dreams.



And while we're at it, I think player character is a problem also. Sounds like someone who fancies themself a flamboyant pick-up artist...

(a non-player character would be somebody like the above, but just isn't very good at it...)

 

[MinistryOfGame]

I'll stick to DM, especially when I'm running D&D. Even when I run WoD, I find Storyteller too prancy.

Yes, Dungeon Master makes it sound like I am in charge. Funny, that. I'm a huge fan of collaborative storytelling, but someone has to make final decisions, and it's me. Considering that I control everything from gods to plankton and bacteria, as well as the final definition of abstract concepts, I think calling me "player" is perhaps confusing the role. Like Dice4Hire said, I put in enough work to afford a title that a grand total of seven people currently use for me. They in turn get called "players", and their characters get called "characters".

I will accept "O Mighty One" too.

 

[Thondor]

Here I thought the OP would start with the term "Level"

Which incidentally was addressed in the 1978 1st edition Advanced Dungeons and Dragons Players Handbook as being possibly confusing but decided to stict to the 'traditional' uses of the term level. (P.8) And even suggested contemplated alternate terms:

Character power =rank, monster strength = order, spell level= spell "power"

 

[Glade Riven]

Zod. They may call be Zod, and bow before me.