What Do You Call a Person in Charge of a Game? Terminology by Context

Terminology by Context

The title for someone overseeing a game varies widely depending on the type of game and setting:

Tabletop & Role-Playing Games

• Game Master (GM) / Dungeon Master (DM): Runs the narrative, controls NPCs, and adjudicates rules in TTRPGs like Dungeons & Dragons.

Video Game Development

• Game Director: Oversees creative vision, design, and overall project direction.
• Game Lead / Lead Designer: Manages the design team and day-to-day development decisions.

Sports & Competitive Games

• Referee / Umpire: Enforces rules and ensures fair play (e.g., soccer, baseball, tennis).
• Official: Generic term for any rule-enforcing authority.

Card & Table Games

• Dealer / Croupier: Handles cards, manages bets, and runs the table (casino games, poker).

Online & Community Spaces

• Moderator (Mod): Enforces community guidelines, manages discussions, and handles reports in forums or multiplayer lobbies.

Game Shows & TV

• Showrunner / Host: Oversees production and creative direction or presents the show to contestants.

Choose the term that matches your specific context.