Turning TTRPG Passion into Profit: A Guide to Becoming a Paid Dungeon Master or Game Master
TTRPGs (Tabletop role-playing games) have seen a resurgence in the last decade, with more folks than ever delving into the immersive worlds of Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, Call of Cthulhu, and other RPG systems. While playing these games with friends is undeniably enjoyable, did you know that you can actually turn your TTRPG passion into a side hustle? The truly skilled (and a little lucky) can even make it a full-time gig. Let’s take a peek at the exciting possibilities of becoming a paid Dungeon Master (DM) or Game Master (GM) and how you can make money while doing what you love.
Understanding the Role of a Dungeon Master or Game Master
Before we dive into the ways you can monetize your TTRPG skills, let’s take a peek what a job announcement might look like- what are the minimum qualifications, recommended qualifications, etc. While the terminology can vary depending on the game system you’re playing, these roles generally involve (note: this is not an exhaustive list, rather a TL;DR):
- Creating Worlds: GMs design and build the worlds in which the game’s story takes place. This includes crafting settings, locations, NPCs (non-player characters), and plotlines.
