Being a professional DM sounds a lot like being a teacher... doing the prep work, providing supplies, having to know what you're talking about, engaging the participants and making the experience pleasant for everyone
@@Malpheron A professional GM takes on many hats, but depending on where ya from what you said, would make you a toxic person, in few other countries that could almost be taken as a complement. Part of what she was talking about is ability to read people and know in which way comment is made and how others are going to take it. Before you say something GM is not a typo is Game Master, as in we have played and ran many TTRPG's. Just that Dungeon and Dragon's is on top of that list right now. There are topic's she did not hit on but given her age that is understandable. DnD was first based off History as correct as possible. So being like a teacher does fit the best. It and other games are also used for therapy sessions. Hardest part being a professional is running a session with players from deverst backgrounds and cultures, making sure your session allows all a chance at having fun. As some might be puzzle solvers, some might just like the hack and slash of the game, and others prefer the role play in the game. Just so ya know I am not talking out of my ass I have ran sessions since 1978 for several different games and groups as small as 2 people to as large as 22 people in the adventuring party. And use to run a TSR club back in the day. Any pro is part teacher , part story teller, and part diplomat.
@@TheShiftingBard-Gaming I did not mean the comment as an insult nor as a compliment, but more regarding getting paid to do something you usually do for fun means it takes on a whole different dynamic because of the customer/client relationship. It seems like a lot of the things that change when you become a professional are similar in sex work and in professional GMing. I have not done sex work myself, but I have a few friends who do and are quite happy to talk about it. I have been GMing for over 20 years, so not as long as you, but long enough. Also people with the same background and culture can still want different things from a roleplaying game.
I've been running games professionally for about 3 years now (30 years before that) and I'm currently running 9 weekly games. One mistake I made when I first started was changing my style to make it more "accessible" to as many players as I could. I quickly learned that it was better to run the game I wanted to run because it's how I could provide the most fun. Not everyone will like your style and that's ok, it's much better to find people who love your specific style than find a bunch of people who are lukewarm on your game. The dedicated players will be much more dedicated and will join more of your games. Other than that, it will take time to build up a dedicated following and stable group of players, so don't expect to start doing pro-DMing and having all your games instantly fill up. (Unless perhaps you're advertising professionally.) Like anything, it takes talent and dedication to succeed. Keep on keeping on and find your unique style that people will want to pay you to run!
Fully agreed and that would be another point many don't touch on. As a player find a DM that fits and a group. If you like DM's or GM's style but group is't working for you don't be afraid to ask if there is another group that you could try out. Any Pro should have no problem fitting you into the group with a creative introduction that allows you to join for the session but still be able to leave at the end or stay.
@@HunterMayer I usually either have them roll a new character or, if they really want to keep playing a character that died, we can try to come up with a way where their character might be brought back through some sort of story event or quest.
Thanks Dave! Yeah I have written this video a bunch of times but ultimately I wanted people to be able to know what they should realistically expect, all the connotations that the title holds, and a little bit on how to break in. Hopefully this provides some actionable steps to get into it or to find the reliably enjoyable game folks are looking for.
Your videos keep getting consistently better and better each time, and that’s already saying something considering they’ve always been informative and fun to watch. I’ve been a full-time Pro DM for two and a half years and I still learned a lot watching this. :)
Thanks JC! I super appreciate that coming from someone with your experience. I hoped to approach this video with empathy for both sides of the equation.
@@annerichmond Video was great, some of us old timers wish we where more up on tech end of things which you use well. We relied more on theater of the mind and becoming more descriptive in our story telling, or if at a table using our environment during a session. But game has also changed a lot from it's beginning with no real level cap to a cap of 40 and now to one of 20 unless you played basic at cap of 36 but could try for god hood and might try that as starting a new profession back at level one. Then there was the cross overs where you might introduce tech to the party back then it came from one of three other game. Star frontiers, Gamma World, or Boot Hill. The other games made conversion tables like Iron Crown and Palladium after that, followed by Rifts. Always fun to play in either game knowing a Draconian army was rifted into a ruined Seattle. Most fun I have had in group settings is when a player asked and got to play there favorite race in whatever world setting the rest of the group was in. Having a Mul from Dark Sun play in Grey Hawk made interesting roll play as he asked what a horse was or pulled an egg from his back pack for breakfast scoffing at the timing chicken eggs the rest of the group ate. Always keeping an eye on halflings as they where cannibals from where he was. Or him wanting to horde all metals because they where so rare in Dark Sun LOL. Keep up the good work I will have to watch some of your other videos now.
Thanks for the input, I've been told quite a few times that I should go pro, and people always seemed to want more and willing to pay for it, to a point that some of my groups purposely grind campaigns to an halt in order to make it as long as possible with more RP and side-quests. Now I am at an age where I have a family and a full-time job, and the few times I had to run several games in a week has completely grinded me and I ultimately finish in a burnout-DM mode where DnD is becoming more and more of a chore. I am now at 20 years of DMing, I've ran fabulous and memorable campaigns, but this always come at some point or another at various points in almost all of my games (sometimes after a few months, other times years). So I am now very careful to what I take as "jobs", and it would be worse that if I start to charge people, I feel I would be obliged to run a campaign to a finish and things never go that smoothly. At least now, I can take a break and borrow something for a few months if I do not want to do it anymore.
This has been incredibly helpful! I have been a DM for 40 years, and until recently, I never thought of doing this. My players, though, have been urging me, so your video has helped disperse the fog of confusion.
It’s wild cause I filmed this one a while back but I’ve seen so many folks give their two cents on the topic and now really is the time to start a dialogue.
I've been a professional dungeon master since earlier this year. And it has been a rewarding experience. This video is a great example of why someone would want to pay to play a game. I do suggest those that want to jump into the hobby that they should opt for a professional GM who will accommodate new players. Thank you for sharing this.
Stop making people pay you to have the privilege of playing a simple game with you. Just because it makes you feel special to dm doesn't mean you are special for dming. You're making a clown of yourself and are gonna make any friends you had resent you
We dreamed of this age in the 80s... After DMing for the first time 38 years ago (flex?), and dozens of fluid campaign groups (and the ptdmsd that comes from that)... I've been more than tempted to try. But I'd want to keep the home games... Homey... I'd like to give an amazing, but canned/expected, experience to the paid ones. As a forever dm I pay to play and that's nice. I think I'm almost there for in person games with terrain and (confidence oozing) online I need more vtt management chops. I am intrigued!!!
Anne, what a great and helpful video this was for me! I have been toying with going professional for some time. I live in the UK. I already charge the folks at my tables 'running expenses'. This includes, the cost of the module I run for them, the monthly sub I pay at DNDBeyond and so on and at the minute its a very modest £2.50 per game but this literally only covers running costs and only about 75% of them. No-one currently complains at this price as they are very aware of the work I do on campaign backstories and setting the session up. There is a lot to think about in what you have presented in this video. Thank you. I would like to see that AMA [presuming it means Ask Me Anything?] I would also love to see your session 0 document. Kind regards and keep up the videos! /em heads off looking for more of them.
So glad it was helpful. I definitely wouldn’t go back to your current table asking to be paid, but starting a business and attracting new folks will mean a new clean slate for expectations all around.
@@annerichmond yes any time i have asked for a charge is for new tables. I watched a few of your other videos and you are now subbed and belled. You mentioned something about an AMA, how would I get hold of that and I would also like to peek at your session zero doc if you have one. Maybe future videos?
Stop making people pay you to have the privilege of playing a simple game with you. Just because it makes you feel special to dm doesn't mean you are special for dming. You're making a clown of yourself and are gonna make any friends you had resent you
Thanks for talking about this, Anne, I really liked your take on it. My players have tried to encourage me to start running other games for money, but I have turned them down. The reasons are very similar to things you've talked about, but the biggest reason is this: I like to run games for my friends. If I'm running games for rando's that pay me to do it, then they become my clients, and I'm obligated to cater more to their whims, or risk losing their business. Long and short of it is that I keep it un-professional so that I can run the games I like for the people I like. I don't get compensated with money, but frankly in order to live off it, I'd have to charge everyone at my table $150 a week just to make ends meet, and that doesn't come with any extra for savings or benefits, so I'd really have to charge more than that. I just don't think it's worth MY time and effort to pull it off successfully.
Yeah it doesn't work out if you're only running one or two games a week unless you were able to get really well known and charge high dollar value per player. My old GM transitioned to professional GMing, he started out charging 100$ a game session (the whole session, paid for by the players as a communal whole) and running 10 three hour games a week. A genuine work load like any other job lol, but he really seemed to enjoy it
Love this video. I've been a full time professional DM for 6 months so far. Been looking at expanding internationally, but it is interesting to see the price differences in different countries.
Grats! That's quite an achievement. I know a few folks who do it full time and it requires soooo much stamina. What do you find the price culture is like in the US vs internationally?
@@annerichmond I'm finding that locally in New Zealand I can get $30 (about USD$20) for a 2 hour session per player. However looking into the US time zones, it looks like the going rates are about $10-20 of a 4 hour session per player. It isn't going to stop me trying though - my current players think I'm worth it .
Awesome video ! Being a DM is a LOT of efforts. As far as I'm concerned, being paid for these efforts is more legit than not being paid for them. People ranting about professional DMs are just assholes.
I’m so glad you liked it! I think most people ranting are like “my DM better not show up and charge me!” That’s not… what happens. I play and DM plenty of home games. I charge for the games that I charge for based on how the game came to me. If someone who knows my work wants to pay me to do the whole service - I’m gonna charge them.
Great video, Being a paid GM is just like being a normal GM and shouldn't really involve more touching in with players and open communication then a normal game. I've done games for Brick n Mortar stores, Game companies, Game Cons, Roll20 and for Patreon only games and it is super important to have a session 0 and a session 0.5 as you have anyone new join or when the story starts a new chapter so everyone know the score, plus as the Paid GM you really should publish some splash sheet for the players to keep everyone on track (or like me podcast or stream the games so the players and GM can rewatch the game for notes and pregame recap). Again great video!
Thx for the video! Really helped me. I don't know if professional DMing is something I can do in my country, but if Online DMing is on the table, who know I don't try to make it 'international'. I mean, the only think separating me and my friends is distance and schedule, but this would be the same if I would work with different people in different countries
I paid a professional dungeon master 5$ for a few reasons: 1 to see how that works 2 to see if it's worth it 3 because I wanted to have more RPs 4 I wanted to play test a character 5 I am the DM for every single ongoing campaign in the moment... It was 5$ because I was the only player and I guess they gave me a discount for loneliness...
Great video. I've considered the Professional DM'ing thing several times. I have been DMing for 27 years and it honestly comes second nature to me these days and I have always loved DMing. I always wrestle with, do I want this to become work? I'm not sure where that line would fall.
Stop making people pay you to have the privilege of playing a simple game with you. Just because it makes you feel special to dm doesn't mean you are special for dming. You're making a clown of yourself and are gonna make any friends you had resent you
@LillithPlaysSims 5 to 10 bucks for a 3 hour game every week or two is not bad. That's like going to the movies every week except you get to be in the movie. I run free games all the time as well.
I don't see an issue paying a person for their time and effort, regardless of what it is. I pay my mini painters, I pay my RPG publishers, and (if none of us had the energy to run a game), I'd be fine paying someone to run RPG sessions or campaigns for us. The caveat is I know the quality of my mini painters and the quality of the RPG material I buy. Same for a paid GM. If I don't think the quality matches the cost, I'm not going to continue to use their service. Good-quality reviews from current clients go a long way.
Totally - that's something I need to pull together for my own stuff - but at least I have some example games on my channel. Hoping to add more example play to the channel this year!
my group has paid for a few dms that fell short, so we left, alot of DMs out there that dont really know what they are doing and dont have their stuff together :/
@@tinaprice4948 yeah, it is like any other service - you REALLY want to find some testimonials first. but it's a lot easier to find people talking about a good local plumber than a good for-pay GM
This is what I have been looking into. Also your Content is awesome!! Keep up the good work! Do you have a discord? Wouldn’t mind picking your brain for some tips.
it truly amazes me how players don't realize how much work goes into writing and running a campaign. even store bought modules take a LOT of time to run. maybe its' time to go pro?
i feel that everyone has the right to play as they wish. that being said i would never charge to play in my games. that choice comes from growing up playing games with friends. i have such fond memories of those times. i could never spoil that by charging. but like i said that is me
Really late to the party but let me give you a hypothetical. I grew up with pleasant roleplaying games among friends too, but my girlfriend never did and is interested in trying it out. So let's say I, a random internet person, want to find a game with people, hoping to share some of that magic with her. To a guy like me, paying someone to run a good game might be like paying for a nice date night out. Like you say, play as you wish! But people have all sorts of reasons for seeking out a game. Putting on a good game can be a thing you do to GIVE the world some of that magic you've experienced in the past, providing that service to those who can't find it otherwise. As opposed to ruining a thing, you're growing it.
Being a GM myself for most of my life, my answer is simply: Never. I do what I do because I really love it. I like world-building, I like the creative side of developing plots and narratives, and most of all, I like making games a fun experience for everyone involved. And I do this because I love doing those things, It's how I love to fill my free time. And I'll never devalue this experience by turning in into a paid job.
That’s totally fair. I monetize a lot of my skills because I love to be passionate about my work. I hate when I feel nothing, but I also understand that people just want clear separation and to let joyful hobbies be that for them.
This was a great video! I am just starting to kick up my professional DM career from 2 games a week to hopefully enough to pay the rent. I'm going to dig into more of your videos, but how do you get into the corporate team-building side of it? That sounds really neat to me but it seems like the opportunities that come up for that sort of thing tend to be in much bigger cities. Any advice you have for that side would be welcome
The corporate side is about having a sell sheet for what you offer and then I’ve just made friends with people who are in HR or who are managers at their workplace. It’s a lot of networking and who you know and making sure people have a sense of what you’re offering at what cost.
Stop making people pay you to have the privilege of playing a simple game with you. Just because it makes you feel special to dm doesn't mean you are special for dming. You're making a clown of yourself and are gonna make any friends you had resent you
@@LillithPlaysSims funny, I don't have to MAKE people pay me. What do you think, I hold a weapon to their head and say "pay or else" ?? I am sorry you are so upset by me and my players choices. I hope your life gets better.
Great video, but for me at least, the title was misleading. This is more of "should you be a pro DM?" And less "should you pay for a pro DM?" The title feels framed from a player/customer's perspective, but the video presented is almost entirely from the budding pro DM's perspective. Just some constructive criticism. Again, awesome video, just not what I was looking for. ❤
I mean people spend money on hobbies, both equipment and personal training, why RPGs should be different is more baffling than people being baffled that it is a thing. I don't think I would ever do it, but never say never. I have a regular group I play with, and I on a regular basis run different systems for new and old players, turning that into work sounds like....work. ;) Now if I ever decided to hire a GM I'd have so specific requirements I'd price myself out of the market, but that is a problem for another day.
Also super specific question, so I'm putting it by itself so it's easier to delete. ;) Since WotC has the DM trademark, can you advertise as a professional DM or do you have to use GM then? Just curious how it works. :)
That's a great question. I've actually never researched that but I think as a descriptor it's fair use. I advertise that way, but I also say - "I also offer professional Game Master and Storyteller services for 'X other games.'"
You'd be surprised what people offer and at what prices. I price myself out of regular games, but I have a full-time job so I can only create one shots or short arcs at this point. I offer the same service for a lot less for Patreon subscribers because not everyone is opting in every month and it's just a different model. I play in a game that someone is paying for (on behalf of the party) and it is the most reliable game I've ever had and I don't have to do ANY organization. People will pay for what they feel is worth it, and that's great.
@@annerichmond the OGL allows people to develop and sell DM tools advertised as DM tools so while I'm not sure advertising DM services is ok but I'd be surprised if it was a problem.
Not trying to come off as combative but isn't there a bit of conflict of interest for a Paid DM to make a video titled "is it worth it to pay your DM?"
I can totally understand that point of view, but I also think I have a unique perspective as to what each route gets you. I am also not saying that everyone should - just that for certain groups with specific needs it can be great. The main part of the title is about defining the role, which is the primary topic in the video. :)
Save you trouble and 15 minutes, no. They aren't. That is the biggest scam ive ever heard of. Paying to play a damn simple tabletop game If you're charging to run games, maybe just give up the hobby entirely, clearly you've picked it for the wrong reasons. Not everything has to be ruled by capatilism. You can just have fun without being a greedy money hoarding dragon irl
How do you feel it’s bad for the hobby? It has already caught on. Lots of companies/individuals out there providing and thriving. And plenty of tables out there happy playing for free. Demand determines business and if there’s a demand it will be filled. Not sure how that affects those who don’t want that service. How is it ruining it for you?
@@annerichmond Bunch of people, LIKE YOU, only doing it for money means actually fun and quality will suffer. Creative people and greedy people are usually incompatible traits.
@@LillithPlaysSims I don’t only do it for the money. I run and play in plenty of games that aren’t paid games. It’s not greed. It’s a service some people want and for the right person can be a good option. Your comments definitely make me feel like you’ve had a bad experience with someone making money doing this who isn’t me - and if that is the case, I’m sorry you had a bad experience. If paying a Dm is something you’ll never do, right on! But I do not agree that me playing and enjoying dnd as a hobby while also making money at it from time to time under consensual circumstances is predatory or ruining the hobby. You do you, boo boo.
No one should get paid or have to pay to play a ttrpg. This should just be a fun get together and make a story. If ya don’t love running it don’t. If ya don’t love playing the game don’t.
I mean I don’t have a problem with everyone playing as a hobby but saying no one should get paid is a little judgmental when TTRPG performance makes money - and creators should get compensated for their work - and the market exists. It’s fine not to engage in it if you don’t care to.
What if your group doesn't have a DM and no one's willing to step up? Just because you're not interested in hiring a pro doesn't mean it shouldn't exist. When you join a recreational sporting team you pay the umpires and refs to officiate. A pro DM isn't that much different other than it's a much newer market.
I am seriously disappointed with this video. The title makes it sound like you're talking to players who would be making the payments but instead the whole video is about dungeon Masters and whether they should do DM for money. This video is totally not what I was looking for this video is totally not what I was looking for and I imagined the people who would want to watch this video with skip it because of the title.
Being a professional DM sounds a lot like being a teacher... doing the prep work, providing supplies, having to know what you're talking about, engaging the participants and making the experience pleasant for everyone
In a lot of ways it is! Especially when dealing with new players or new systems for the table.
Being a professional DM sounds a lot like being a sex worker.
@@Malpheron A professional GM takes on many hats, but depending on where ya from what you said, would make you a toxic person, in few other countries that could almost be taken as a complement. Part of what she was talking about is ability to read people and know in which way comment is made and how others are going to take it. Before you say something GM is not a typo is Game Master, as in we have played and ran many TTRPG's. Just that Dungeon and Dragon's is on top of that list right now. There are topic's she did not hit on but given her age that is understandable. DnD was first based off History as correct as possible. So being like a teacher does fit the best. It and other games are also used for therapy sessions. Hardest part being a professional is running a session with players from deverst backgrounds and cultures, making sure your session allows all a chance at having fun. As some might be puzzle solvers, some might just like the hack and slash of the game, and others prefer the role play in the game. Just so ya know I am not talking out of my ass I have ran sessions since 1978 for several different games and groups as small as 2 people to as large as 22 people in the adventuring party. And use to run a TSR club back in the day. Any pro is part teacher , part story teller, and part diplomat.
@@TheShiftingBard-Gaming I did not mean the comment as an insult nor as a compliment, but more regarding getting paid to do something you usually do for fun means it takes on a whole different dynamic because of the customer/client relationship. It seems like a lot of the things that change when you become a professional are similar in sex work and in professional GMing.
I have not done sex work myself, but I have a few friends who do and are quite happy to talk about it. I have been GMing for over 20 years, so not as long as you, but long enough.
Also people with the same background and culture can still want different things from a roleplaying game.
What a coincidence, I’m a teacher looking into becoming a professional DM.
Why, yes…I have made lore dumb PowerPoint for my players. Why do you ask?
I've been running games professionally for about 3 years now (30 years before that) and I'm currently running 9 weekly games. One mistake I made when I first started was changing my style to make it more "accessible" to as many players as I could. I quickly learned that it was better to run the game I wanted to run because it's how I could provide the most fun. Not everyone will like your style and that's ok, it's much better to find people who love your specific style than find a bunch of people who are lukewarm on your game. The dedicated players will be much more dedicated and will join more of your games. Other than that, it will take time to build up a dedicated following and stable group of players, so don't expect to start doing pro-DMing and having all your games instantly fill up. (Unless perhaps you're advertising professionally.)
Like anything, it takes talent and dedication to succeed. Keep on keeping on and find your unique style that people will want to pay you to run!
Fully agreed and that would be another point many don't touch on. As a player find a DM that fits and a group. If you like DM's or GM's style but group is't working for you don't be afraid to ask if there is another group that you could try out. Any Pro should have no problem fitting you into the group with a creative introduction that allows you to join for the session but still be able to leave at the end or stay.
Thanks for sharing. How do you handle character death?
@@HunterMayer I usually either have them roll a new character or, if they really want to keep playing a character that died, we can try to come up with a way where their character might be brought back through some sort of story event or quest.
Great video super helpful for people shopping for a pro DM.
Nerdarchist Dave
Thanks Dave! Yeah I have written this video a bunch of times but ultimately I wanted people to be able to know what they should realistically expect, all the connotations that the title holds, and a little bit on how to break in. Hopefully this provides some actionable steps to get into it or to find the reliably enjoyable game folks are looking for.
Your videos keep getting consistently better and better each time, and that’s already saying something considering they’ve always been informative and fun to watch. I’ve been a full-time Pro DM for two and a half years and I still learned a lot watching this. :)
Thanks JC! I super appreciate that coming from someone with your experience. I hoped to approach this video with empathy for both sides of the equation.
@@annerichmond Video was great, some of us old timers wish we where more up on tech end of things which you use well. We relied more on theater of the mind and becoming more descriptive in our story telling, or if at a table using our environment during a session. But game has also changed a lot from it's beginning with no real level cap to a cap of 40 and now to one of 20 unless you played basic at cap of 36 but could try for god hood and might try that as starting a new profession back at level one. Then there was the cross overs where you might introduce tech to the party back then it came from one of three other game. Star frontiers, Gamma World, or Boot Hill. The other games made conversion tables like Iron Crown and Palladium after that, followed by Rifts. Always fun to play in either game knowing a Draconian army was rifted into a ruined Seattle. Most fun I have had in group settings is when a player asked and got to play there favorite race in whatever world setting the rest of the group was in. Having a Mul from Dark Sun play in Grey Hawk made interesting roll play as he asked what a horse was or pulled an egg from his back pack for breakfast scoffing at the timing chicken eggs the rest of the group ate. Always keeping an eye on halflings as they where cannibals from where he was. Or him wanting to horde all metals because they where so rare in Dark Sun LOL. Keep up the good work I will have to watch some of your other videos now.
@@TheShiftingBard-Gaming Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the input,
I've been told quite a few times that I should go pro, and people always seemed to want more and willing to pay for it, to a point that some of my groups purposely grind campaigns to an halt in order to make it as long as possible with more RP and side-quests. Now I am at an age where I have a family and a full-time job, and the few times I had to run several games in a week has completely grinded me and I ultimately finish in a burnout-DM mode where DnD is becoming more and more of a chore. I am now at 20 years of DMing, I've ran fabulous and memorable campaigns, but this always come at some point or another at various points in almost all of my games (sometimes after a few months, other times years).
So I am now very careful to what I take as "jobs", and it would be worse that if I start to charge people, I feel I would be obliged to run a campaign to a finish and things never go that smoothly. At least now, I can take a break and borrow something for a few months if I do not want to do it anymore.
This has been incredibly helpful! I have been a DM for 40 years, and until recently, I never thought of doing this. My players, though, have been urging me, so your video has helped disperse the fog of confusion.
I've been seeing a lot of opinions about this subject lately. I like your take on it! Thanks
It’s wild cause I filmed this one a while back but I’ve seen so many folks give their two cents on the topic and now really is the time to start a dialogue.
Great video. Thanks for putting it together.
Thank you! I have been so gratified by the response to this one.
I've been a professional dungeon master since earlier this year. And it has been a rewarding experience. This video is a great example of why someone would want to pay to play a game. I do suggest those that want to jump into the hobby that they should opt for a professional GM who will accommodate new players. Thank you for sharing this.
It’s absolutely a good way for new players to learn the game!
Stop making people pay you to have the privilege of playing a simple game with you. Just because it makes you feel special to dm doesn't mean you are special for dming. You're making a clown of yourself and are gonna make any friends you had resent you
Amazing video on an interesting topic. I would deff pay a DM because I get how much work it could be.
So glad you liked it!
Found you via Basically Good Podcast. I love the content! Can't wait to dive into more! :D
Thanks so much for coming by! Welcome!
Thank you! Very helpful. Thinking of doing PT DM’n but got some leg work to do
You can do it!
We dreamed of this age in the 80s... After DMing for the first time 38 years ago (flex?), and dozens of fluid campaign groups (and the ptdmsd that comes from that)... I've been more than tempted to try. But I'd want to keep the home games... Homey... I'd like to give an amazing, but canned/expected, experience to the paid ones. As a forever dm I pay to play and that's nice.
I think I'm almost there for in person games with terrain and (confidence oozing) online I need more vtt management chops.
I am intrigued!!!
Anne, what a great and helpful video this was for me! I have been toying with going professional for some time. I live in the UK.
I already charge the folks at my tables 'running expenses'. This includes, the cost of the module I run for them, the monthly sub I pay at DNDBeyond and so on and at the minute its a very modest £2.50 per game but this literally only covers running costs and only about 75% of them.
No-one currently complains at this price as they are very aware of the work I do on campaign backstories and setting the session up.
There is a lot to think about in what you have presented in this video. Thank you.
I would like to see that AMA [presuming it means Ask Me Anything?]
I would also love to see your session 0 document.
Kind regards and keep up the videos!
/em heads off looking for more of them.
So glad it was helpful. I definitely wouldn’t go back to your current table asking to be paid, but starting a business and attracting new folks will mean a new clean slate for expectations all around.
@@annerichmond yes any time i have asked for a charge is for new tables.
I watched a few of your other videos and you are now subbed and belled.
You mentioned something about an AMA, how would I get hold of that and I would also like to peek at your session zero doc if you have one.
Maybe future videos?
Stop making people pay you to have the privilege of playing a simple game with you. Just because it makes you feel special to dm doesn't mean you are special for dming. You're making a clown of yourself and are gonna make any friends you had resent you
Thanks for talking about this, Anne, I really liked your take on it. My players have tried to encourage me to start running other games for money, but I have turned them down. The reasons are very similar to things you've talked about, but the biggest reason is this: I like to run games for my friends. If I'm running games for rando's that pay me to do it, then they become my clients, and I'm obligated to cater more to their whims, or risk losing their business. Long and short of it is that I keep it un-professional so that I can run the games I like for the people I like.
I don't get compensated with money, but frankly in order to live off it, I'd have to charge everyone at my table $150 a week just to make ends meet, and that doesn't come with any extra for savings or benefits, so I'd really have to charge more than that. I just don't think it's worth MY time and effort to pull it off successfully.
That’s totally valid - and not every skill needs to be compensated if that’s not how you want your relationship to the hobby to change.
Yeah it doesn't work out if you're only running one or two games a week unless you were able to get really well known and charge high dollar value per player.
My old GM transitioned to professional GMing, he started out charging 100$ a game session (the whole session, paid for by the players as a communal whole) and running 10 three hour games a week.
A genuine work load like any other job lol, but he really seemed to enjoy it
Love this video. I've been a full time professional DM for 6 months so far. Been looking at expanding internationally, but it is interesting to see the price differences in different countries.
Grats! That's quite an achievement. I know a few folks who do it full time and it requires soooo much stamina. What do you find the price culture is like in the US vs internationally?
@@annerichmond I'm finding that locally in New Zealand I can get $30 (about USD$20) for a 2 hour session per player. However looking into the US time zones, it looks like the going rates are about $10-20 of a 4 hour session per player. It isn't going to stop me trying though - my current players think I'm worth it .
Awesome video !
Being a DM is a LOT of efforts. As far as I'm concerned, being paid for these efforts is more legit than not being paid for them. People ranting about professional DMs are just assholes.
I’m so glad you liked it! I think most people ranting are like “my DM better not show up and charge me!” That’s not… what happens. I play and DM plenty of home games. I charge for the games that I charge for based on how the game came to me. If someone who knows my work wants to pay me to do the whole service - I’m gonna charge them.
Great video, Being a paid GM is just like being a normal GM and shouldn't really involve more touching in with players and open communication then a normal game. I've done games for Brick n Mortar stores, Game companies, Game Cons, Roll20 and for Patreon only games and it is super important to have a session 0 and a session 0.5 as you have anyone new join or when the story starts a new chapter so everyone know the score, plus as the Paid GM you really should publish some splash sheet for the players to keep everyone on track (or like me podcast or stream the games so the players and GM can rewatch the game for notes and pregame recap). Again great video!
Thx for the video! Really helped me. I don't know if professional DMing is something I can do in my country, but if Online DMing is on the table, who know I don't try to make it 'international'. I mean, the only think separating me and my friends is distance and schedule, but this would be the same if I would work with different people in different countries
I paid a professional dungeon master 5$ for a few reasons:
1 to see how that works
2 to see if it's worth it
3 because I wanted to have more RPs
4 I wanted to play test a character
5 I am the DM for every single ongoing campaign in the moment...
It was 5$ because I was the only player and I guess they gave me a discount for loneliness...
great video!
Glad you enjoyed it. I never expected this one to get the response it has so I'm glad it's started a lot of conversation.
30 seconds in and my complete fear of going pro has almost subsided.
Go for it!
Honestly as coming from PRoject Management, this is just that profession but more fun. Where do I sign up?
💯
Great video. I've considered the Professional DM'ing thing several times. I have been DMing for 27 years and it honestly comes second nature to me these days and I have always loved DMing. I always wrestle with, do I want this to become work? I'm not sure where that line would fall.
I have very much enjoyed it! I hope you give it a chance, but yeah, it can become work just like anything else.
Did an AMA ever get made? I'm not finding one.
I’m actually curious if the recent stuff with Wizards of the Coast, might have affected the demand for being a professional DM
It certainly caused many pro GM’s to consider their facility and ability to run games in multiple systems.
I am just getting into paid DMing and this helped a lot in my motivation.
Stop making people pay you to have the privilege of playing a simple game with you. Just because it makes you feel special to dm doesn't mean you are special for dming. You're making a clown of yourself and are gonna make any friends you had resent you
@LillithPlaysSims 5 to 10 bucks for a 3 hour game every week or two is not bad. That's like going to the movies every week except you get to be in the movie. I run free games all the time as well.
I don't see an issue paying a person for their time and effort, regardless of what it is. I pay my mini painters, I pay my RPG publishers, and (if none of us had the energy to run a game), I'd be fine paying someone to run RPG sessions or campaigns for us.
The caveat is I know the quality of my mini painters and the quality of the RPG material I buy. Same for a paid GM. If I don't think the quality matches the cost, I'm not going to continue to use their service. Good-quality reviews from current clients go a long way.
Totally - that's something I need to pull together for my own stuff - but at least I have some example games on my channel. Hoping to add more example play to the channel this year!
my group has paid for a few dms that fell short, so we left, alot of DMs out there that dont really know what they are doing and dont have their stuff together :/
@@tinaprice4948 That’s rough buddy.
@@tinaprice4948 yeah, it is like any other service - you REALLY want to find some testimonials first. but it's a lot easier to find people talking about a good local plumber than a good for-pay GM
This is what I have been looking into. Also your Content is awesome!! Keep up the good work! Do you have a discord? Wouldn’t mind picking your brain for some tips.
Yup! It's in the info section: www.discord.gg/x85dZQ7
it truly amazes me how players don't realize how much work goes into writing and running a campaign. even store bought modules take a LOT of time to run. maybe its' time to go pro?
i feel that everyone has the right to play as they wish. that being said i would never charge to play in my games. that choice comes from growing up playing games with friends. i have such fond memories of those times. i could never spoil that by charging. but like i said that is me
Totally fair!
Really late to the party but let me give you a hypothetical. I grew up with pleasant roleplaying games among friends too, but my girlfriend never did and is interested in trying it out. So let's say I, a random internet person, want to find a game with people, hoping to share some of that magic with her. To a guy like me, paying someone to run a good game might be like paying for a nice date night out.
Like you say, play as you wish! But people have all sorts of reasons for seeking out a game. Putting on a good game can be a thing you do to GIVE the world some of that magic you've experienced in the past, providing that service to those who can't find it otherwise. As opposed to ruining a thing, you're growing it.
Being a GM myself for most of my life, my answer is simply: Never. I do what I do because I really love it. I like world-building, I like the creative side of developing plots and narratives, and most of all, I like making games a fun experience for everyone involved. And I do this because I love doing those things, It's how I love to fill my free time. And I'll never devalue this experience by turning in into a paid job.
That’s totally fair. I monetize a lot of my skills because I love to be passionate about my work. I hate when I feel nothing, but I also understand that people just want clear separation and to let joyful hobbies be that for them.
@@annerichmond You can be passionate without nickel and diming other people, you're just greedy, own it instead of making excuses.
What is your out productive place to find players online?
This was a great video! I am just starting to kick up my professional DM career from 2 games a week to hopefully enough to pay the rent. I'm going to dig into more of your videos, but how do you get into the corporate team-building side of it? That sounds really neat to me but it seems like the opportunities that come up for that sort of thing tend to be in much bigger cities. Any advice you have for that side would be welcome
The corporate side is about having a sell sheet for what you offer and then I’ve just made friends with people who are in HR or who are managers at their workplace. It’s a lot of networking and who you know and making sure people have a sense of what you’re offering at what cost.
Stop making people pay you to have the privilege of playing a simple game with you. Just because it makes you feel special to dm doesn't mean you are special for dming. You're making a clown of yourself and are gonna make any friends you had resent you
@@LillithPlaysSims funny, I don't have to MAKE people pay me. What do you think, I hold a weapon to their head and say "pay or else" ?? I am sorry you are so upset by me and my players choices. I hope your life gets better.
You charge 200 per person or per session total?
Great video, but for me at least, the title was misleading. This is more of "should you be a pro DM?" And less "should you pay for a pro DM?"
The title feels framed from a player/customer's perspective, but the video presented is almost entirely from the budding pro DM's perspective.
Just some constructive criticism. Again, awesome video, just not what I was looking for. ❤
DM for over 40 years... I'm actually considering going pro. The shortage is real. I'm just not sure we solve it by becoming professionals
I'm in the same boat. Thinking about trying it out to see what I can make out of it.
I mean people spend money on hobbies, both equipment and personal training, why RPGs should be different is more baffling than people being baffled that it is a thing.
I don't think I would ever do it, but never say never. I have a regular group I play with, and I on a regular basis run different systems for new and old players, turning that into work sounds like....work. ;)
Now if I ever decided to hire a GM I'd have so specific requirements I'd price myself out of the market, but that is a problem for another day.
Also super specific question, so I'm putting it by itself so it's easier to delete. ;) Since WotC has the DM trademark, can you advertise as a professional DM or do you have to use GM then? Just curious how it works. :)
That's a great question. I've actually never researched that but I think as a descriptor it's fair use. I advertise that way, but I also say - "I also offer professional Game Master and Storyteller services for 'X other games.'"
You'd be surprised what people offer and at what prices. I price myself out of regular games, but I have a full-time job so I can only create one shots or short arcs at this point. I offer the same service for a lot less for Patreon subscribers because not everyone is opting in every month and it's just a different model. I play in a game that someone is paying for (on behalf of the party) and it is the most reliable game I've ever had and I don't have to do ANY organization. People will pay for what they feel is worth it, and that's great.
@@annerichmond the OGL allows people to develop and sell DM tools advertised as DM tools so while I'm not sure advertising DM services is ok but I'd be surprised if it was a problem.
Wooooooooooo im gonna become a GM!!!!!!!!
Do it!
Pizza sounds good to me, beer not so much. I don't drink!
Fair! I actually don’t like beer. I do like a thematic cocktail or mocktail. What’s your favorite gaming beverage?
@@annerichmond I usually go to anything caffeinated, to help my ADHD brain to focus, thus I have not really a choice in that regard.
Yum! Yeah I don’t drink soda anymore except on special occasions. I miss it so much.
Not trying to come off as combative but isn't there a bit of conflict of interest for a Paid DM to make a video titled "is it worth it to pay your DM?"
I can totally understand that point of view, but I also think I have a unique perspective as to what each route gets you. I am also not saying that everyone should - just that for certain groups with specific needs it can be great. The main part of the title is about defining the role, which is the primary topic in the video. :)
Thats like saying a car mechanic can’t market their auto shop lol
It absolutely is but what is self awareness these days on the internet if not entirely MIA
Oh wow you deceive me you said your not but you are... I been fooled... why did I put my wisdom as a 10 my passiveinsight isn't high enough....
Said I’m not what? Sorry I’m confused.
3:51 so it is a lot like being a sex worker after all I guess? lmao, just gotta have the helping hands
Save you trouble and 15 minutes, no. They aren't. That is the biggest scam ive ever heard of. Paying to play a damn simple tabletop game If you're charging to run games, maybe just give up the hobby entirely, clearly you've picked it for the wrong reasons. Not everything has to be ruled by capatilism. You can just have fun without being a greedy money hoarding dragon irl
paid gm is really bad for the hobby, I hope it never catches on
How do you feel it’s bad for the hobby? It has already caught on. Lots of companies/individuals out there providing and thriving.
And plenty of tables out there happy playing for free. Demand determines business and if there’s a demand it will be filled. Not sure how that affects those who don’t want that service. How is it ruining it for you?
@@annerichmond Bunch of people, LIKE YOU, only doing it for money means actually fun and quality will suffer. Creative people and greedy people are usually incompatible traits.
@@LillithPlaysSims I don’t only do it for the money. I run and play in plenty of games that aren’t paid games. It’s not greed. It’s a service some people want and for the right person can be a good option. Your comments definitely make me feel like you’ve had a bad experience with someone making money doing this who isn’t me - and if that is the case, I’m sorry you had a bad experience. If paying a Dm is something you’ll never do, right on! But I do not agree that me playing and enjoying dnd as a hobby while also making money at it from time to time under consensual circumstances is predatory or ruining the hobby. You do you, boo boo.
No one should get paid or have to pay to play a ttrpg. This should just be a fun get together and make a story. If ya don’t love running it don’t. If ya don’t love playing the game don’t.
I mean I don’t have a problem with everyone playing as a hobby but saying no one should get paid is a little judgmental when TTRPG performance makes money - and creators should get compensated for their work - and the market exists. It’s fine not to engage in it if you don’t care to.
What if your group doesn't have a DM and no one's willing to step up? Just because you're not interested in hiring a pro doesn't mean it shouldn't exist.
When you join a recreational sporting team you pay the umpires and refs to officiate. A pro DM isn't that much different other than it's a much newer market.
Lol
I am seriously disappointed with this video. The title makes it sound like you're talking to players who would be making the payments but instead the whole video is about dungeon Masters and whether they should do DM for money. This video is totally not what I was looking for this video is totally not what I was looking for and I imagined the people who would want to watch this video with skip it because of the title.