From Hobby to Profession: The Life of Paid Game Masters

The Diceology Podcast

Have you ever wondered what it's like to turn your tabletop gaming passion into a profession? Judd Karlman and I chat about our extraordinary path from hobbyists to professional game masters (GMs), revealing the quirky, exciting, and sometimes absurd adventures that come with the territory. From hilarious bachelor party RPG requests to the broader implications of monetizing our love for gaming, we peel back the curtain on a niche that's rapidly gaining traction. Join us as we reminisce about our initial foray into paid GMing and how it has evolved into a noteworthy part of our creative and community endeavors.
As seasoned GMs, we also tackle the practical side of running various campaign styles, including the nuances of open table versus West Marches formats. I open up about the routines I've adopted to stay sane and healthy during long sessions at the screen, and we both reflect on the rewarding experience of watching players shape their own narratives. Setting boundaries and creating inclusive spaces for our players is paramount, and we share how we navigate these responsibilities to ensure that everyone at the table feels comfortable and safe.
The episode concludes with a critical discussion on maintaining a safe and respectful gaming community, addressing the challenge of confronting 'broken stairs'—problematic individuals who threaten the group's play. We highlight the cultural impact of phenomena like Critical Role and the excitement around the Dungeons & Dragons movie, emphasizing how they shape our approach to community building. Our conversation is an invitation to listeners to engage with us and contribute to a dialogue that prioritizes safety, inclusion, and the pure joy of collaborative storytelling in gaming.

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Chapters

1. From Hobby to Profession: The Life of Paid Game Masters (00:00:00)

2. Getting Paid to GM Games (00:00:02)

3. Running Open Table and West Marches (00:11:11)

4. Paid GMs (00:23:22)

5. Strategies and Challenges for Pro Gamemasters (00:29:54)

6. Money Games, Set Expectations, Running (00:35:50)

7. Safe Gaming Spaces and Code Conduct (00:48:25)

8. X Card Concerns, Prioritize People (00:58:04)