Abstract:
As Dungeons and Dragons and other tabletop roleplay games grow in popularity, it is
reasonable to assume more adults will engage in the hobby. Central to the playing of these games
is the role of Dungeon Master (DM). While the extant literature on games and role-playing
abounds, there has been scant study on what it is that DM’s learn simply by running tabletop
roleplay games for fun without anything educational added. Using Knowles’ Self-directed
Learning as a guide, the present study examines the narratives DM’s construct around what they
learn at the game table that they then apply in their work, social, and personal lives away from
the table. Purposive sampling was used to recruit five to participants who engaged in semistructured interviews. The DM’s who participated in this study reported learning a number of
skills that they applied to their work and social lives away from the game table, including
flexibility, creativity, strategic thinking, and conflict management.
