General Are these 6 things the only things a Referee needs to explain, describe, or role-play to/for the Players?

[Spinward Scout]

These 6 things are what I think Referees explain and describe, or role-play for the Players that are in the Game World.

1.) Main Encounters
2.) Minor Interactions
3.) Location Foregrounds
4.) Activities Characters voluntarily participate in
5.) Events that happen to or near the Characters
6.) Backgrounds and Background Information

I can't think of any others, but am I missing anything?

 

[Spinward Scout]

Nobody?

 

[coliver988]

well, maybe also let players know that the rules are guidelines, not a straitjacket. And it is supposed to be fun. And a few of those listed I think can be interactive: let players help create background and events to give them more agency and ownership. Which usually should translate to more playing.

several of the games I've played and run over the years have taken some really cool turns because the players came up with interesting things happening. Some games even have mechanics to allow players to have more control over what is happening: a chance for a large tire iron being nearby sort of thing. The referee does not have to make the entire universe, but I think is more a stage manager.

 

[Badenov]

6.) Backgrounds and Background Information

I can't think of any others, but am I missing anything?

So this is an iceberg sort of answer for some groups. It's far more than the sixth grade social studies report listing gross planetary product, current population, tech level, and the rest of the UPP. The background can include local gangs, the availability of earthmoving equipment for rent, the pervasiveness of communications, and a million other things. In a creative group, it's more than the GM will have thought of because the players have thought of an angle that the GM didn't.

 

[Spinward Scout]

Thanks to both of you. Great information.