THERE IS NO SHORTAGE! STOP living in LACK!!!

A certain popular DungeonTuber went on camera recently to promote the new Dungeons & Dragons Beginner Boxed Set. It appears Wizards of the Coast has reached out to some of their more loyal shills to promote this pile of felgercarb and convince people that being a Dungeon Master is difficult, but that’s okay because now we don’t need one. Remember Cynthia Williams saying, “the D&D player base is undermonetized?” I’m pretty sure we’re seeing part of her end-of-regime scheming right now.

Keep an eye open because any day now we’ll get to hear about how being a Dungeon/Game Master is hard, stressful, and just scary awful. Why would anyone want to be a Dungeon Master? Just buy this boxed set and try DM-less play. The nausea and tensions are rising here at ringside, sports fans.

“Let me tell ya something, Mean Gene…”

It gets my blood boiling when people talk about a GM/DM shortage. I think it’s pure propaganda. Being a GM is easy for the most part and a lot of fun. Yes, there’s a bit of homework involved which is why we’re seeing more videos and articles about session prep again these days. Yes, newbie DM/GMs need to know how to do some or all of these things to be ready for a game.

Please believe me when I say that YOU, yes YOU CAN DO THIS! Anyone can be a DM/GM. It doesn’t require any special training or even much talent. Acting, writing, and organizing skills go a long way. Thinking strategically and tactically goes a long way. All of the skills I just listed can be learned. Every DM/GM has their strengths.

It’s not as hard as people on YouTube and elsewhere would have you believe. There’s a group of people trying to make Dungeon Mastering out to be difficult and stressful because they’re building a narrative in order to sell you a product. That product is the 2024-25 D&D Beginner’s Box Set. They’re also still pushing the narrative toward online play, although that might change slightly since the death of Project Sigil. They’re also still pushing for that 2024 DMG.

I’m going to spoil the secret.

I’m going to be cast out of the Super-Secret Society of Old School Game Masters for this. The Game-inati will put a bounty on my head so large I won’t be able to travel anywhere near a populated star system again. I’ll probably have to burn my XDM card.

Ready? The secret to being a good Dungeon/Game Master is confidence. If you have it, you know what I’m saying.

I can walk into any convention in the United States tomorrow and if they need a GM for “Blah” RPG and can’t find one. If no one else can help, and if they pull me aside to ask. Maybe I will run that TTRPG. (Cue A-Team Music.)

Seriously, I don’t even have to know the game system. I can pick up an adventure, look through it, maybe make a few notes, and do the thing. The same goes for the game system. Learn the genre, some of the basic terminology, and the core mechanic and I’m good to go. All it really takes is the ability to run some of the key NPCs and let the players do the rest. Now you know the secret.

No module? No problem. Making an adventure on the fly is pretty easy when you set your mind to it. The whole concept hinges on confidence. You need to develop the ability to command the room, in other words run the game. This will work for any game. You just have to step up and do the thing.

If you’ve spent any time in the tabletop RPG community lately, you’ve probably heard about the so-called “GM shortage.” More people than ever are eager to dive into games like Dungeons & Dragons, Dragonbane, and Shadowdark, but many struggle to find someone to run the game. While some see this as a problem, I see it as an opportunity—a chance for new Game Masters to step up, build amazing experiences, and shape the future of the hobby.

One of the biggest reasons people hesitate to GM is the idea that they need to be perfect. They see popular online Dungeon Masters and think, “I could never be that good.” But here’s the secret: you don’t have to be perfect! Every GM, no matter how experienced, started somewhere. Your players don’t expect a flawless performance—they just want someone willing to tell a great story and facilitate fun at the table.

The Benefits of Becoming a GM

Stepping into the GM’s seat isn’t just about making sure games happen—it’s an incredibly rewarding experience. Here are just a few reasons why taking on this role is worth it:

  • Creative Freedom – As a GM, you get to craft worlds, shape stories, and bring characters to life in ways that playing alone can’t match.
  • Stronger Friendships – Running a game fosters deep connections with your players. There’s something special about collaborating on an adventure that brings people closer together.
  • Skill Development – GMing hones skills like improvisation, leadership, storytelling, and problem-solving—all valuable beyond the gaming table.
  • More Games, More Fun – When you GM, you control when and how often your games happen. No more waiting for someone else to step up!

Breaking the Fear Barrier

If fear is holding you back, here’s how to overcome it:

  • Start Small – Run a one-shot instead of a full campaign. Use a simple system like Dragonbane or Shadowdark if D&D feels overwhelming.
  • Use Pre-Made Adventures – You don’t have to create everything from scratch. There are plenty of beginner-friendly adventures available.
  • Lean on Your Players – GMing isn’t a solo act. Engage your players, ask for their input, and remember that everyone at the table is there to have fun together.
  • Learn as You Go – Every session will teach you something new. Embrace mistakes—they’re just part of the journey.

The Future of RPGs Needs You!

The gaming community thrives when more people step up to GM. Whether you’re running your first session or your hundredth, your contribution keeps the hobby alive and growing. So, if you’ve ever considered trying your hand at being a Game Master, now is the time! Pick up the dice, gather your friends, and start telling stories—because the best GM isn’t the most experienced one; it’s the one who’s willing to give it a shot.

Thank you for being here with me today. I appreciate you. Keep it real, but please strive for positivity, too. Please embrace the things that bring you the most joy in your life.