The original D&D boxed sets, often referred to as the “basic” sets, featured distinct volumes for players and the game master (then called the “referee”). These early editions provided a foundational framework for tabletop role-playing games. The referee’s volume contained rules for adjudicating play, creating adventures, managing non-player characters, and the core mechanics of the game system, information essential for running a game session. For example, these texts included tables for generating random encounters, treasure, and dungeon layouts, giving the referee the tools to craft dynamic and unpredictable game experiences.
This separation of player and referee materials was a key innovation in early tabletop RPG design. It allowed players to focus on character creation and gameplay while providing the game master with the necessary resources to create and manage the game world. This established a paradigm that persists in many tabletop role-playing games to this day. Understanding these early editions provides valuable context for the evolution of the hobby and highlights the enduring significance of dedicated resources for game masters.
