Superb Screen: Making my own.

A lot of us Game Masters are guilty of having a screen in front of us that is shwacked over with sticky notes and things paperclipped onto it. Sometimes the original screen is just there to hold up all of the extra paper to go with the information on the GM screen. Hey, I said “us.” I do it just as much as other GMs.

Disclaimer: Statements expressed in this article are strictly my opinion. If you disagree or have a different opinion, that’s okay. I’m not an expert on everything. I’m not always right. I’m just writing from my experience as I know it. Your mileage may vary.

What’s the solution? Make my own GM screen for whichever game we’re going to play. Don’t worry, I’m not into arts and crafts that much. I mean, I could. I know how and all. It’s not that hard to make a cardboard and duct tape GM screen and have it look good.

However, I figured out a solution that works better ages ago. I spent the big bucks (like $14 at the time, cheap compared to a dozen cardboard screens now) on a reusable GM Screen. Simply slide up to four 8 ½” x 11” sheets of typing paper in it and go. The front is likewise customizable. I’m going to use forest art and campfire backgrounds with info on the two peripheral panels. The idea is to give players something to focus on without being a distraction.

Because I’ve been doing print media stuff for so long, I just grab tables, info, and a list of NPC names from the core rulebook or my own notes, then edit them into one Publisher document. (Someday you’ll be mine, Affinity 2.) It’s not that hard for me to do and I actually enjoy doing some layout now and then.

One point I want to make about my GM screens is that they are 100% analog. Once upon a time, during my 3.5 ampersand game era, I had my laptop open behind my GM screen. It was a lot to maneuver with the adventure, my notes, dice tray, minis, and everything else. (Coffee mug, too.) Nowadays with everything and anything being electronic, I have effectively banned computers, phones, etc. I make it very clear during Session Zero that I don’t want to see phones out during the game, and no laptops.

Someday down the road, I might upgrade to one of those big, fancy wooden GM screens with the dice tower and all the inserts. Until then, I’m very happy using my old Quad Screen by Citizen Games.

Thank you for being here today with me. I appreciate you. Please embrace the things that bring you the most joy.