Because there's nothing that a 'pro' GM can do that is worth paying for. I can already run any campaign I want and I have several entirely free, community based options for joining a game as a player. And no, that's not "got lucky with a party", it's called community building. - ThreadSky

gallowglass.bsky.social • 17 days ago

Because there's nothing that a 'pro' GM can do that is worth paying for. I can already run any campaign I want and I have several entirely free, community based options for joining a game as a player.
And no, that's not "got lucky with a party", it's called community building.

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dmchuck.bsky.social•17 days ago

That's valid.

gallowglass.bsky.social•17 days ago

I think a better question would be "what can a paid GM do that substantially improves the gaming experience beyond what normal groups can provide?"

dmchuck.bsky.social•17 days ago

That's a great question. Define a normal tabletop experience.

gallowglass.bsky.social•17 days ago

A group of people getting together to enjoy an activity that can involve collaboratively experiencing a story, playing out fictional scenarios, engaging in miniatures-oriented mini games, or engaging in conversation about the framework that supports these things. Usually there are dice and snacks.

dmchuck.bsky.social•17 days ago

That's a pretty solid baseline. What about consistency, terrain, and environment? What's the minimum expectation?

gallowglass.bsky.social•17 days ago

Minimum expectations for those three?
Consistency is once a week or twice a month, with an acknowledgement that life happens so sometimes game can't.
Most games, especially outside D&D circles, do not need terrain. Theater of the mind is more than sufficient. If you want terrain, a battlemat works

dmchuck.bsky.social•17 days ago

Okay, so by these standards, you've defined a hobby DM. A pro should have at minimum the following: miniatures and terrain for those with aphantasia for combat in particular, prepped maps and props, private space, some semblance of mood lighting and music. They should be able to handle a table

gallowglass.bsky.social•17 days ago

As for environment, most games happen in a player's home, online, or in a game store. Some people use library space or cafes; a lucky handful get to play in pubs.

I'd be more than happy to pay for dedicated gaming space, but that could be achieved without the GMing services.

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