New Gamemaster Month is an effort by several TTRPG publishers to encourage and support those new to gamemastering to run their first game. It takes place throughout January with the idea that participants will have the skills and confidence to run their first game in February.
Resources for the effort include:
- The website https://newgamemastermonth.com/
- A Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NewGamemasterMonth/about/
- A Discord server https://t.co/8K0UBWlZJO
- A Twitter account https://www.twitter.com/newgmmonth/
The effort is sponsored by Evil Hat Productions (creators of Monster of the Week), Arc Dream Publishing (creators of Delta Green), Chaosium, Inc. (creators of Runequest), Pelgrane Press (publishers of Trail of Cthulhu), Atlas Games (creators of Unknown Armies) and Monte Cook Games (creators of Numenera).
The effort gives a new Gamemaster inspiration, advice and a process to lead new GMs to and through running their first game session. Although this begins in January, you can read ahead about forthcoming features on the web site.
There’s nothing more exciting than your first session as a game master! Not only are you unlocking entire worlds and stories that would otherwise never exist, but you’re the essential key that makes it possible for your friends and players to share joy.
Sometimes people feel like GMing is really tough. Or even overwhelming. But the truth is that it’s easier than you think, and the great thing about New Gamemaster Month is that it will walk you through the steps you need to take. It’s like the Google Maps for running a roleplaying game.
Justin Alexander, Atlas Games
Besides the posts on the web site, the Discord server allows you the chance to ask questions on the general channel, or questions about specific games on each of the games’ channels. Likewise the Facebook group offers a chance to connect with other aspiring GMs for those who don’t use Discord.
Game Masters are the literal lifeblood of our hobby, but many potential GMs feel daunted by the prospect of running their first game. New Gamemaster Month offers prospective GMs a week-by-week breakdown of reviewing and preparing their first adventure, as well as specific advice relevant to each game in the program, to empower GMs to run their first game. Pelgrane has been involved for a number of years now, and we’re delighted to be able to provide advice and support to the next age of Trail of Cthulhu GMs.
Cat, Pelgrane Press
We support all efforts to spread the good word about playing and game mastering TTRPGs. Please let us know if you have questions we could help with, or reach out to the sponsors or community for this great effort!
I will be participating in New Gamemaster Month in January, and I’m very excited! I’ve DMed a handful of times but am not confident in my ability to do it, so I’m looking forward to the chance to learn more. I plan to learn to run Monster of the Week. You can already find me in the Discord server, and I’d love to connect with any other new/new-ish GMs hoping to participate so we can all learn together. I plan to write a follow up about my experience in February!
GamerMomLuna, shadomain.com
