The feel of playing the game -- DM POV vs. Player POV

[Quasqueton]

Can you describe the difference in feeling between playing as DM and playing as a character?

I've done both, and there really is a distinct difference in how playing D&D feels from the point of view of DM and the POV of Player. I've been trying to nail down exactly what those differences are.

Quasqueton

 

[Psion]

I feel more helpless when I'm a player

I feel more responsible for the fun of others when I am DM

 

[Shallown]

Control.

To me the greatest difference is in controlling what is going on. I have to restrain myself when playing so I don't step on my GM's toes during the game. I think of all sorts of cool ideas and how I would run this or that differently etc. I think itis mostly a matter, for me, of creating the world and that flow wants to explode during the game.

Of course giving up that control and responsibility ( and work ) is also the fun, the not knowing what's around the corner. I don't know if it is more fun becuase I can think of a hundred intereting thingsa around the corner or not but that is what makes the game fun from a Player POV.

I think for most player/gm's that difference will depend on their style. Hard to nail down for some.

Later

 

[Crothian]

As a DM it is about control but it is also more about the group. I tend to see things as they effect the group more then how they effect specific individuals. I do include things that are specific to certain players but not at the exclution of the others.

As a player it can be more about me. Not that players are selfish but they see things how it effects their character first.

 

[IronWolf]

As a DM I have to think more about how one action is going to affect a future action, but not just on the singular level. Making sure I drop a clue here or there so that the main arc continues through the campaign. Making sure to remember how various NPC's react over time etc. Definitely a high level of control as DM and a responsibility to keep the game fun. I find DM'ing a very rewarding experience.

As a player, you don't have to think so many moves out or for some many people. You can focus on one character and their actions. I find being a player a nice break and a refreshing more carefree experience.

I enjoy doing both but probably prefer being the DM. Not sure I can pinpoint much beyond that....

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

First off, I agree with Shallown.

Also, I find that as a player I feel a little like a kid at Christmas; each encounter is like opening another present. Great anticipation for something new and exciting - or fear that it is another pair of socks.

As a DM I feel like a parent at Christmas; a great feeling of pride when the group succeeds in overcoming the challenges I set and has obviously enjoyed doing it - or when they do not succeed and call me a Rat Bastard.

 

[kenobi65]

I concur with Thornir's analogy. I also agree with IronWolf that playing is refreshing, after the preparation that goes into DMing.

However, at least for me, playing can actually be more stressful than DMing...I get emotionally involved as a player, and can get frustrated when things go poorly (i.e., bad dice). As a DM, about the only time I get upset is when the players aren't listening; being asked to repeat he exact same thing the third time in a row, because the players are off in a sidebar conversation, or reading, or whatever, gets my goat.

 

[Rel]

Also, I find that as a player I feel a little like a kid at Christmas; each encounter is like opening another present. Great anticipation for something new and exciting - or fear that it is another pair of socks.

As a DM I feel like a parent at Christmas; a great feeling of pride when the group succeeds in overcoming the challenges I set and has obviously enjoyed doing it - or when they do not succeed and call me a Rat Bastard.

I think this may be the single best and most succinct explanation of the player mindset vs. the GM mindset I've ever seen. Awesome.

 

[IronWolf]

Now Thornir's Christmas analogy is great! That is a good summary of the different feelings from playing versus DM'inf.

 

[EricNoah]

As DM I'm busy 100% of the time, very engaged (perhaps hyper-engaged), focused, and feel like I'm on stage. I am in charge of the pace of the game. I try to be a good leader.

As a player I'm not the center of attention, I can defer to others and let them make decisions, I might not have much to do for a fairly long stretch. I am not in charge of the pace of the game. I do stay alert and try to be ready when it's my turn (in combat or otherwise) and try to be a good team member.