GM Appreciation: Make ‘The GM’s a player too’ mean something

Today I wanna talk about something we say all the time in the TTRPG space:  “The GM’s a player too.”

It’s a good sentiment, and I think we all definitely want to be good players who enable that. But most of the time? We don’t actually do much to support it and it just end up being one of those meaningless platitude messages like ‘no prep’.

I really don’t like that so this video is about changing that - because if we really believe the GM is a player, a collaborator, a human being at the table, then our behavior should reflect it. I want to talk about some stuff that I’ve been doing that I hope lands well but at the very least lets my GMs know I appreciate them.

Because I mean, I’m a GM and I try to show up with intention so I know that behind every game, heart-wrenching NPC, and thrillingly stressful encounter is a Game Master running on caffeine, Google Docs, and willpower. So if you’ve ever had a great session as a player, this one’s for you.

Let’s get into three intentional, actionable ways to support and appreciate the player, the person behind the screen.

1. Mention specifics, Not just “Good Game”

We’ve all said it. "Thanks for running." And sure, that’s better than nothing but I think we can do better without a whole lot more effort. 

Was the banter with that shopkeeper hilarious? Was the tension in the dungeon legit stressful? Tell them. Be specific. This tells your GM two things:

• First, that their effort was noticed.

• And second, what’s working - which fuels their creative fire for next time.

It costs nothing, and it builds that sacred GM-player feedback loop we all thrive on. That appreciative feedback becomes fuel. It affirms their instincts and gives them clarity about what makes your table click. 

2. Check In After the Session

Here’s a reality we don’t talk about enough: Many GMs burn out quietly. Most don’t say a word, for a myriad reasons - not least of which is often compounded by the feeling of not wanting to let anyone down. But one day they just stop running games.

So if we really believe GMs are players too, they deserve the same emotional check-ins we’d give any other member of the table. And it doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s just letting them know you give a shit, so send a low-pressure message after your session:

“Hey, how are you feeling about the campaign lately?”
“Anything we could do differently next session to make it smoother for you?”

These check-ins give your GM permission to be a person, not just a facilitator. Whether they’re feeling drained or delighted, you’ve made space for humanity. Even if they don’t really have anything they want to share, it’s important to give your GM room to speak as a person, not just a storyteller. 

It’s just aftercare. That’s how you build campaigns that last - not just in story arcs, but in emotional sustainability. Everyone needs to know their time at the table is meaningful - this includes GMs too. 

3. Be Prepared and Present

Okay, this one’s a bit of tough love: show up like their time matters.

• Did they send a recap or ask you to level up before session? Do it.

• Are you always late or distracted at the table? Fix it. Also with this one, I promise your GM isn’t the only one who notices and might find your distraction disruptive.

• Did you promise certain details and never deliver? Maybe… deliver.
  
  

Being present, attentive, and prepared isn’t about perfection or being teacher’s pet. It’s about respect. We’re all adults with a billion competing priorities and your GM has decided you are one of theirs and is investing time and creativity outside the session to elevate your experience. Meeting them halfway is the baseline of a healthy, collaborative game.  Your GM isn’t a content machine. They’re a person offering you their ideas, their labor, their vulnerability -

So if you’ve ever been moved by a session? Tell them.
If they look tired? Ask.
If you love the game? Show up like it matters.

Obviously if you have debilitating accessibility issues with health or mental health, I’m not going to speak to navigating that but if you need certain allowances, you owe it to your table and the GM to let them know as best as you can. I regularly need allowances for my speech or the speed at which I can do things because of the ataxia but people around me are usually incredibly kind and want to help if given a chance. Hopefully that’s true for you too.

Again - You don’t have to be perfect. Just intentional.

So to close out - At the end of the day, your GM isn’t just a narrator or rule adjudicator. They’re a collaborator. A fellow player. A human being offering you a piece of themselves like you are for them. 

So let’s start treating that effort like it matters. That’s how we create safer, stronger, more joyful tables.