There is No Wrong Way to Play TTRPGs.

This argument pops up on social media and YouTube more often than it should.

I’ll say it loud for the people in the back, “There is no wrong way to play or run your tabletop roleplaying game!”

I can’t count the number of times recently I’ve seen someone on YouTube or TTRPG related social media calling someone a “bad DM” or “terrible Game Master” just because they run things their own way. It’s like no one stops to ask if its working for the group or what the players had to say about the situation. Of course and GM with few than 20 years of experience has no idea what they’re talking about according to a lot of us old fartz.

I think the real trick here is not to view the same situation through every lens. I watched Ginny Di’s GM Bad Habits video the other day. I thought it was pretty good. I didn’t agree. She gave some of the same advice I was giving 30 some years ago and that’s cool. Take the nuggets of wisdom wherever you find them. Sometimes younger or newer GMs see some thing us old timers might have missed.

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.

My constant call to action around here is:

Don’t be a jerk to other Game Masters. Somebody could be just starting out and trying things we found out don’t work as well. Sometimes people have to learn through their mistakes. Let their group and their experiences guide them. It turns out we don’t always have to comment on someone’s YouTube video or social media post.

I have this one specific YouTuber who I harbor kind of a grudge against, but I’m keeping my mouth shut when I watch his videos. He goes on YouTube specifically to harangue and belittle other TTRPG Content Creators. My best advice is: Don’t be that guy.

Sure someone can always improve. Last I checked it’s not my job or anyone else’s to fix the real world. Sometimes Grognards gotta grog, I guess. If you see a YouTuber who repeatedly makes bigoted comments while harshly critiquing some other TTRPG YouTubers video, it’s your option to report them. I usually do, but you might see things differently and we can coexist.

Don’t be a gatekeeper.

Yes, it’s okay to give advice online. Ask questions and really listen to what people are saying in a constructive way. Tell the critics and vitriolic, abusive commenters to go kick rocks. If someone is being nasty in the comments, obviously anything they say is worth next to nothing. Let it go and move on.

There are GMs in the TTRPG hobby who legitimately seems to want to keep out the younger generation, anyone with green hair, tattoos, or piercings, and basically anyone who is not-them. We need to invite more and more people into the hobby, not chase them away from it with spite and bitterness.

Is it really worth it to push for a GM shortage? Did anyone ever cut you some slack when you were starting out, Mr. or Mrs. Gatekeeper? Just because some piece of advice works one way doesn’t mean it’s going to work for everyone in every situation. Don’t be a dick about it.

That’s really about all it boils down to.

Please be kind to new players and especially new GMs. They’re a special breed and we need to keep encouraging them. Otherwise we’ll be sitting through another round of talk about a “GM shortage” that doesn’t exist and was made to push closer to AI Dungeon Masters.

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