P13-116 Game Master: Basics

Game Master/ Zeus Introduction

 

Game Masters, often referred to as ‘Zeuses’ are the most important Mission Support role and arguably the most important role in an operation. Game Masters (GMs) are expected to be capable of designing and running a mission which is challenging, realistic and immersive for the rest of the players in attendance. During any given mission, a GM can be responsible for troop/ asset deployment and reactions for enemy and friendly forces alike; ‘dressing the set’ of each projected engagement; acting as the ‘Crossroads’ element for friendly forces, and using the wide range of tools provided to ensure smooth running from start to finish.

 

IMG: How players appear on the Zeus interface.

 

 

The basic guidelines

Here are a few basic rules expected of Game Masters:
 

1. As architect of the operation your job is to create a fun and challenging mission for the players.

2. Killing of players is to be avoided. You are not there for PvP.

3. At all times try to maintain immersion. This includes not spawning entities or objects in front of players once the mission has begun (save for rectifying any game issues). Players will enjoy a mission much more if they feel immersed in the world you are creating.

4. Aim for a sense of atmosphere and realism that is logical for the mission at hand- tying in to immersion, try to make events in your operations believable- the chances of some local villagers fielding a NATO tank of the future are almost nil, despite how fun it may be for you as a GM to drive.

5. Wherever possible, do things authentically- enemy off-map air assets flying in, QRFs from a nearby enemy stronghold, even making friendly pilots fly supply runs out rather than just manually airdropping them in. All these reduce the chances of it being obvious that there is someone pulling all the strings behind the scenes, thus making your mission more immersive.

6. Take to your role as Crossroads responsibly to provide mission clarification and to field support and supply requests.

7. When controlling OPFOR assets and troop movement, do so acting upon intelligence that the enemy would have, not according to the intelligence of BLUFOR units that you have access to because of your GM position.

 

 

Gear & Communication

As the majority of operation time for a GM consists of being in the Zeus interface or controlling AI units, your personal gear (other than communication equipment) is of little consequence.

Since what you can hear whilst in the Zeus interface is based upon where the camera is located- and since you’ll often be many kilometres away when organising objectives- you’ll need a Long Range radio (Radio backpack), in addition to your regular 152 to ensure a continuation of communication between yourself and the ground elements. Bear in mind that whilst your Zeus camera allows you to listen in to far away conversations, when you speak in the Zeus interface your voice still projects from your actual player character, wherever he may be.

 

IMG: A typical zeus outfit; note the long range antenna of the backpack radio. Cosmetics are worn for personal ID and flair.
 

Each mission will affect your communication requirements. If you have other people in Mission Support roles with you then you’ll likely need a channel dedicated to inter- support comms which the players will not be monitoring. The designated Crossroads Net for the mission needs to be monitored for mission-related and game-related issues alike; it can be as likely you’ll receive mission-critical tasking or information requests as a request to fix an ArmA-physics related issue, and anything in between.
Where possible attempt to maintain an immersive attitude on any net that the players are monitoring.

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CREDITS
This SOP has been contributed to by 1 editors:
Major James

REFERENCES
UNITAF Standard Operating procedures (SOP) are adapted primarly from US Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). Our written and audio procedures are a combination of the following primary source materials, as well as our own learnings, modifications and adaptations:
- US Army Techniques Publication, Infantry Platoon and Squad (ATP 3-21.8)
- Soldier’s Manual of Common Tasks Warrior Leader Skills Level 2, 3, and 4 (STP 21-24-SMCT)
- The Warrior Ethos and Soldier Combat Skills (FM 3-21.75 / FM 21-75)
- Leadership Development (FM 6-22)
- Dyslexi's Tactics, Techniques, & Procedures for Arma 3 (TTP3)

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