Jeezus, do you need a hug?The DM is very much there to entertain the players. The DM is a special elite role, while the players just stumble in and want to "play".
The vast majority of players I have ever meet, can't even be bothered to bring a character sheet or dice to a game. And that is on top of the problem where they can't be bothered to even know the game rules.
Even most of the players that show up with a character and dice, most just sit there and wait to react to something the DM does. Even if they are asked anything they will answer with a "Idonno", and asking them to do something is just talking to a wall.
And while the DM is making the game for all, most players are there to take from others and run a selfish solo game for themselves. Few players will 'play in a group' or anything like that on their own. If the DM asks them too, they might sort of make a tiny effort, or most likely ignore the DM.
The players that even come close to 1% as engaged in the game as the DM are Rare to the extreme.
As someone who primarily DMs I definitely feel that one of my primary duties is being responsible for running an entertaining game, and consequently, entertaining my players. However, it does run both ways and my players are also responsible for being engaged and making the game fun for me and the other players. The burden though. does fall on me. I set the tone, develop the story and determine how difficult the game is (and my responsibilities don't stop there). Most of my group has gamed with me for decades but there is also a new player in the group and I need to accept and cater to the idiosyncrasies of my long term players and learn the idiosyncrasies of my new player so that I can craft a game that allows them to feel comfortable, engaged and entertained.Do you think the GM is responsible for your fun when you play? Does how you feel depend on whether you are playing with friends, randos or pros?
To me, a DM is the architect. An architect's job is to design a space that serves the people who will use it. An architect who designs a playground does want to entertain the kids who will use it.
<snip>
I see my role as a DM as being a playground architect. I am designing structures through which my players create fun.
This is why I prefer RPGing where the GM is not the one in charge of deciding what the game will be about, what the setting contains, and the like!Something to think about is how much control the players and DM have in making the game fun.
As a player, I can help make the game fun by designing a character who fits in with group dynamics, interacts proactively with the campaign world, and doesn't hog the spotlight. I can take an active role in talking with NPCs, exploring dungeons and the setting, and supporting other characters. But if I really like to solve puzzles, fight undead, or command followers... well, my ability to bring those elements into the game is limited.
On the other hand, as a DM it's extremely easy to put what I find fun into the game! If I like traps... Poof! There's a trap! If I let political drama... Abracadabra! Political drama!
I think it should be a player's responsibility to communicate with the DM about what they find fun... And a DM's responsibility to listen and do their best to provide opportunities for players to have fun.
I would say "The DM is responsible for fun" and "The DM is responsible for entertainment" are two entirely different things.Do you think the GM is responsible for your fun when you play? Does how you feel depend on whether you are playing with friends, randos or pros?