Advice

I was recently having a conversation with some of my gaming buddies that strayed onto the topic of how Wizards of the Coast could really help build up their player base. While we were talking specifically about the Dungeons & Dragons brand, I think the discussion can really be broadened to the RPG gaming industry as a whole. Cal Moore, an editor over at Wizards, brought up a really excellent point. The single biggest limiting factor to getting into the hobby is the availability of Game Masters. No matter how interested you might be in playing the game, if you can't find someone to run it, you're stuck. And, from my own experience, finding a good GM can be especially difficult. Cal's solution was a logical one -- build up the next generation of DMs. More DMs equals more access for players to get in a game. I think he has it exactly right, and it is with that in mind that I kick off P&PG's Ask-a-GM column ...

Dear One Geek,

I've tried to write a pretty letter you could publish and answer, but GAH I'm too frustrated to string words together all good an' stuff.


Here's the situation I need help with: I've joined a gaming group with some old friends. I know everyone there except one person, a new roleplayer who's a friend of the gamemaster. She's obnoxious and pushes my buttons. This unfortunately brings out the worst in me, and I'M going to end up being the one who's a jerk ...