DMs Should Join Other Games

D20I think the best thing any Dungeon Master can to do improve his or her game is to join a game. You can learn a lot from other games and gamers. I find that I learn so much about how to improve my own DM’ing skills when I play or listen to other games. I can study other DMs. Learn what they are doing right and what they are doing wrong and use that to help me improve my own game.

If your not able to join a D&D game the next best thing you can do is listen to D&D podcasts of games. Wizards of the Coasts has several podcasts with Chris Perkins, Penny Arcade, PvP, and Wil Wheton all sitting around and playing D&D. I have learned a lot just from listening to these games in my spare time and as a result my own personal game has improved quite a bit. These podcasts have become an invaluable recourse for me.

Wizards of the Coast has also released a video of a game with Chris Perkins and the writers from robot chicken. This is great because you can actually watch the game and not just listen to it. These videos and podcasts are great tools for any one who DM’s.

What gaming podcasts do you listen to and how have they improve your game?

29-year-old working as a facility manager and living on the final frontier in Juneau, Alaska. Writing, reading, computers, drumming and playing some Dungeon & Dragons top my interest.

6 comments

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Stargazer

That's good advice. I think over the last years I learned a lot from participating in other people's games.

And if you are planning to run Call of Cthulhu I can wholeheartedly recommend "Lovecraftian Tales from the Table", a actual play recording of two complete CoC campaigns. I've reviewed this DVD last July. Check it out here.

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Lunatyk

I listen to way too many podcasts…

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DNAphil

Our game group has three running campaigns, that run on a tri-weekly schedule, so that each GM has enough time to prep their game.

So in our group, I am GM for one game, and a player for two others. I find it to be enlightening to be on the player side of the table, seeing how other GM's present their game.

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Matthew Arcilla

I've said it before, I'll say it again: Chris Perkins is a sexy, sexy DM, and I believe that this fact is so true, it does nothing to undermine my heterosexuality.
.-= Matthew Arcilla´s last blog ..February 2010 Blog Roundup: Choice Bits =-.

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Rook

Great advice. If possible, everyone should be doing this. In my home group I DM a 4e game and play in a Star Wars Saga game. I also play in another group from time to time, which is particularly enlightening because the other group’s play style is radically different from what we play at home. So, mix it up whenever you get the chance. I know it’s helped me be a better DM and player.

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Sunglar

Youseph I agree… I am primarily a DM/GM and for YEARS I did little gaming as player. Becoming a player, even if it has been in the campaigns some of my players are running has been an eye opener and I believe has helped me get back in touch with the necessities of a player.

I listen to few podcasts. I’d love your recommendations on what’s good out there.