To me, this is a style of DMing that is very hard to sustain for long-form campaigns. It is perfect for 1-shots and convention games. During covid, this is what I strove for, because it seemed like the norm on the interwebs as I got back into DnD. But as I get older, mustering the energy for this punishing rock tour pace of game sessions just ain't possible with all the adulting I have to do. Like you said, "Life" can be a bastard that we carve out time from to play. That said, I think a lot of your advice applies either way, esp. about confidence and keeping it moving.
I totally agree that showmanship is absolutely exhausting and can take a lot out of a DM. In my personal experience, there's a certain "high" that comes from this style of running a game - especially when the players get into it and start giving you the same energy back. But the crash afterwards, when you're exhausted from running the game, is a mighty one.
Recommend reading John Wick’s books Play Dirty 1 & 2. VERY much in the same vein as showmanship. In fact, John opens a few of the articles portraying the MC of a live studio event.
This is throughly in the school of thought of Tracy Hickman. Have you read “XDM”? Your style, approach and telos aligns with people like “DM Scotty” and “Professor Dungeon Master.”
It’s not for me, but it has its uses. Particularly for new or very casual players and events.
Literally, why I game..to be the DM Rockstar or Metal God!!!
To me, this is a style of DMing that is very hard to sustain for long-form campaigns. It is perfect for 1-shots and convention games. During covid, this is what I strove for, because it seemed like the norm on the interwebs as I got back into DnD. But as I get older, mustering the energy for this punishing rock tour pace of game sessions just ain't possible with all the adulting I have to do. Like you said, "Life" can be a bastard that we carve out time from to play. That said, I think a lot of your advice applies either way, esp. about confidence and keeping it moving.
I totally agree that showmanship is absolutely exhausting and can take a lot out of a DM. In my personal experience, there's a certain "high" that comes from this style of running a game - especially when the players get into it and start giving you the same energy back. But the crash afterwards, when you're exhausted from running the game, is a mighty one.
Recommend reading John Wick’s books Play Dirty 1 & 2. VERY much in the same vein as showmanship. In fact, John opens a few of the articles portraying the MC of a live studio event.
This is throughly in the school of thought of Tracy Hickman. Have you read “XDM”? Your style, approach and telos aligns with people like “DM Scotty” and “Professor Dungeon Master.”
It’s not for me, but it has its uses. Particularly for new or very casual players and events.
I'm very much a fan of XDM, though strangely enough I think the first edition of the book is better than the second.