High Programmer > Alan De Smet > Games > Role-Playing Games > Tips for Game Masters > Never defend your actions

Never defend your actions

by Alan De Smet

More GM tips

It's not uncommon for players to chat with their GMs about the game. It's also not uncommon for players to be a bit dissatisfied with part of a game. After all, you can't please everyone all of the time. However, when a player expresses concern about part of a game, listen to them and accept their opinions as valid.

Your players are your game. Without them, you'd be gamemastering for no one. Their opinions on the game are at least as valid as your own. You may disagree, but you can't discount their opinions. The game must remain a two way street. It's quite reasonable to want to explain why you made decisions the player may not like. Be careful to not cross the line from explaining to defending.

When you defend, you're encouraging the player to further challenge your ruling. This will just slow the game done. It causes the players to invest more emotions into the argument leaving them increasing frustrated if you don't rule as they hope.

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