It’s Wednesday so it’s time for another interview with a member of the TTRPG community! Today we’ll hear from Matt Joro | DungeonGlitch.
What does he do?
Artist, writer, actor, creator, consultant. I own Gemmed Firefly – a nerdy / meme merch shop. I also make music as DungeonGlitch, available everywhere music is streamed. I have two items up on DMsGuild, both award-winning! I’m also starring as Gale, a serpent-shifter monk on the 5e podcast “The Aetherlogue.”
You can find him at:
Twitter: @dungeonglitch
Website: https://www.dungeonglitch.com
What attracted you to TTRPGs?
I’ve used TTRPGs as my personal pocket dimension demiplane. Role playing has helped me step outside of the real world and provided numerous benefits, from testing ideas, working through emotions, storytelling, connecting with friends, to just escaping reality for a while. TTRPGs are like taking any traditional form of intellectual entertainment and making it infinitely interactive – and it’s only limited by the collective imagination of the people you play with. Dream BIG. Escape well.
What is your favorite video game or board game?
Currently 5e is my boardgame of choice, but I am constantly testing and warping it. For video games, Mass Effect, APEX, Slay the Spire, and many rogue-lite games.
What advice do you give to players looking to try TTRPGs?
Your focus should be on safety and kindness so you can build confidence escaping your comfort zone. Play new games with good people. Test the limits of your skills. Play with or watch people who will make you better. The more you grow roleplaying and creative muscles, the more you can personalize your own brand of “fun” and really get the experience you feel you deserve. Be kind, give more than you take, study, take chances, own your mistakes. It’s a process and a lifestyle.
If you gave a eulogy for a party who was TPK’d, what would you say?
“And such is the fate of many in this line of work. Sometimes you are the experience points for others.”
What do you think is absolutely essential in creating a safe space for all in a TTRPG game?
Communication and discussing topics while encouraging social maturity. Speaking only comes when people are comfortable and encouraged to speak but they also need to know the power of their own voice. Sometimes people don’t have the words for the things they feel. Those of us who may have the words and the experience should be seen using them in order to help others grow through example. Investing energy in your community and safe space is the best way to foster that space. A focus on safety – and completely eradicating problematic people – ensures a stable growth with space for confident communication. Speak but teach others to speak – and that it’s ok.
Something else you’d like us to know about you:
I have a lot going on and despite all the effort and cost to each project, I think the only reason I survive is that I have zero expectations for any of it. If something works and is successful – wonderful! I’m at the point in my life where if I’m not creating something or contributing some goodness to the world, then what’s the point? So, I just keep making stuff. In the end, I hope I’ll be judged by the span of my work and not just any one piece – but I can only do that if I make a lot of things, right? Success comes from massive action. I’m in a podcast with talented people I love, I’m making products that help gamers, I make shirts that make people feel good, I make music that supports creativity, I’m a voice that makes people feel safe. There’s nothing special about me – I’m just being what I want to see others become to show them it can be done. Figure out what you want, learn what you need to to do it, then go do it. Managing your energy, taking risks, handling burnout, learning from mistakes – all come with experience, but you only get experience from action. Go get messy.
