Thanks for all the incredibly kind and supportive comments folks. I love D&D, I love DMing, and the idea that I was able to share that with so many people, and actually help folks get into the hobby is...it's probably the thing I'm proudest of in my life.
You deserve the praise Matt. I remember way back when i found you and your advise, being inspired to play dnd and maybe run it one day. Now im playing with friends, forging memories and planning to run a game for them. The impact that you've had on this community is huge. And im happy that im able to support MCDM as a patron and as a keen watcher of your video's. In keanu voice "you are breathtaking"
You have every reason to be proud of what your love for D&D and your desire to see more people engage with this incredible hobby have wrought over these last six years. I say this in all honesty: You make the world a better place. You most certainly have made my gaming table a better place to sit at. And you continue to do so, as I go back and find new inspiration in all the content you have already put out there, and get continually excited and inspired by the new and awesome stuff you keep adding to that wealth of knowledge and perspective.
I just found this a few weeks ago and I ran the knight's tomb you made because I didn't have any time to set up ahead of time. My dad said he thought dnd was boring. At end he said "see you next week" to my best friend sitting next to him. Thank you!
Matt, you're literally the reason I swallowed the gorilla-sized amount of anxiety and started my own campaign. You said "just do it, it's easy." You drew the pressure and mystique away from the role of DM and explained it in simple, easy terms that made it seem doable, made it feel achievable. I stole whole-cloth from you and plotted with friends, kepts secrets, and put the players through the best kind of hell. The campaign is now year in a half in, and it is very special to everyone at my table. Your fingerprints are all over it. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU.
ARCADIA is awesome, just awesome, I think it's like this is the early days of Dragon magazine and I will be there at issue 400 chewing my gums and saying "I was there for issue one!"
Solidarity to everyone else whose life was changed by Running the Game. Extremely thankful to Matt, as well as the friend who introduced me to him whose name is also Matt
My name is also Matt, Running The Game is what inspired me to run DnD for the first time two years ago. LMoP (with the Delian Tomb as a prologe). My players have many a time mentioned how all the best DMs are named Matt, warms my heart. They have fun, I have fun.
@@screamingtongue I consume every scrap of D&D tube that I can find, and honestly I agree. It isn't just stellar DND advice, but it's also just great advice on being a critical thinker and a better person interacting with other people. How to be an anti-wangrod
I know it's not what he's talking about but I'll never forget the reaction I got when I wanted to award a new player some treasure that I hadn't planned ahead of time; I asked them to roll a d100 and they said, dissapointed, "Oh, so it's kind of like a video game loot box...". It really stuck with me even though I know not everyone feels that way.
@@GalvatronRodimus before the game. If you say "in which chest? that chest... (checks notes) oh it's is a bag of holding." It will feel way more real to your players then rolling on a table at the table. In my experience, with my players.
100 episodes of being a river to his people. All the love to you Matt Colville and MCDM for all the help you've given us DMs and players over the years! Peace, out.
I stumbled across Matt's first videos not long after I had separated from my now ex-wife, and his passion for the game got me back into it after a fairly long hiatus. We've just wrapped up a nearly 3 year long campaign and are about to launch into Curse of Strahd.
In 2016 I was deeply depressed following the end of a relationship that had meant... too much to me. A lesson I eventually took out of that was to never invest your self-worth into another person. It must come from within. But while I was suffering and grieving that loss, while I was myself lost, I turned again toward a hobby I had loved deeply in the past that had fallen by the wayside. I came back to D&D, first as a player, and then, finding your videos, I decided to try my hand at running the game again. I was in a dark, dark place, but I won't dare burden anyone but myself with the credit of pulling me out of the shadows. Even so, your videos played an important part in connecting me more deeply to my brother and my friends and this hobby which I love, and 2016 would have been a much harder year without that. So, thanks. And on a lighter note, I am so happy to be a part of this community and to enjoy the fruits of MCDM's labor. Your contributions to D&D have been transcendently awesome. I can't wait to see what you will build as you venture from its shores into your new bespoke system. I have every confidence it will be awesome. And when it's ready for prime time, I'll run a game of it for those folks I've been running games for since 2016. Here's to the next 100.
A world class dungeon master is the one that shows up every week, interested in playing and having fun. That's the perfect game. Not voice acting, not hyper-tactical combats with custom terrain, not elaborate dungeons/worlds with politics, not giving out copious treasure, etc. I've said it many times before, it's not the game system we play in, it's getting together every week and having fun. Congrats on 100!
I gotta say, "I am the Dungeon Master for the Staples Center." as a sentence exists in a small postage stamp of utter badass inside something that should sound mundane.
You made me want to start DMing for my friends and I haven't stopped since. This series is what inspired me and gave me courage back when I had nothing. We started with some poker chips for npcs and enemies instead of miniatures. We only had one set of dice that we shared and we used a chess set as players and combat map. You made me believe it was possible even without knowing all of the rules and I watched your videos on lunch breaks at work. It was always fun and I think it's my favourite thing to do with my friends. I also stole one of your villains, (the guy with the mask that pays for corpses and levitates) for my first campaing and my players loved it. They laughed and they cheered and they cried when an npc (an imaginary being!) died. So thank you Matthew. Really, from the bottom of my hearth. Cheers from Argentina.
Not only I your message wonderful - and I concur - but you've ALSO helped me. Yet another way Coleville has helped is by gathering us together into a co-op community. He truly is a river to his people. When I eventually get to start DMing again (started originally because of Matt's encouragement), I will now be using a chess set as either makeshift theatre of the mind pieces, or a guide for combat before we get to build our collections of table top pieces. Pure genius.
I love that while listening to this video, I get the vibe that you succeeded exactly in what you were trying to express for this 100th episode. Moments like you expressing how "I want you to be your group's best dungeon master" or how these videos are edited and that you're not some sort of perfect DM who somehow can talk for 40 straight minutes without notes or video editing perfectly show that you're just human, and more importantly, that being a great DM isn't some unobtainable status. The idea of "That's it? I can do that!" is poetically perfect, and I thank you for the inspiration you've given to so many on the interwebs!
I've described you as my DM Dad, who taught me everything I know. Thank you immeasurably for this series. It has been better than any Guide/Rulebook that has been released for the entirety of 5e, DMs Guide included
"Running The Game" is by far THE best TTRPG DMing/GMing advice series on the entire internet, Matt. Please never stop making them! They are invaluable to ALL TTRPG players, whether they play D&D or not. We all love what you do! ❤️
That video you did on bad guys was so good, I am running “Rise of Tiamat” with my kids and wife and they didn’t care about the bad guy. After watching that video I created a cut scene where Severin ( the main cultist leader) was basically ‘force’ choking the main leader of the council, my family start attacking - what turns out to be like a hologram and at that moment Severin laughs and says “ there is nothing you can do to stop me”. He explodes the leader and my family’s pc’s are covered in the remains of their leader…. They hate Severin now, and he keeps appearing and they despise him! Thsnks…
How have I never thought of the “The goblins take one of you hostage” back door?! Definitely going to use it. I’ve done the occasional “____ swoops in and saves you, but ____ is not infinitely benevolent and now has you by the proverbial balls.” Nice to have a new arrow in the quiver 😊
I've been forever DM for more than a decade. I got the 4e Red Box for Christmas when I was 12, I ran 3.5, World of Darkness, Call of Cthulhu, then found my deep forever-love with Savage Worlds. A year ago, I talked my friend into chasing an idea for a bronze-age high magic adventure. He began running it three weeks ago, a beautiful world of seas and caves. I got to play an Orc. A fighting, honorable, "normal" Orc. And I was so happy to see my friend run a game and be so proud of it. I cannot attribute this success to you, Matt. But you've taught me so much. And now, another student shall drink from the river. Cheers to the DMs out there. We all are a river to our people.
"Forever DM". I was the default DM because my handwriting was the best of the group. It has been a long road to get any of my players to accept the Place Behind The Screen.
I was inspired to run 5e for some online friends by you a few years ago, and today we’re all flying out together to meet and play in real life for the first time. It seems poetic that I’m watching episode 100 while waiting for my flight at the airport. Thanks, Matt! I’m serious when I say this probably wouldn’t have happened without your work.
Congrats on 100 videos. I remember meeting you at the Stream of Annihilation event and you told me that you didn't really know why you were there. I agree that we were all lucky up to that point. Luck cannot be discounted in anyone's success. That shouldn't discount your hard work, charisma, and your ability to approach your hobby as a business. I once had a small business owner I worked for that told me that you do the right thing over and over and then if you get lucky, you will be ready for it. I watched them become super successful by doing this and I tried my best to emulate it. Regardless of your luck, it's great to see what you've done with that success and how you've continued it. I wish you well on your next 100 videos -- and more. -Doug
I don't know why but something about that "Peace... Out" at the end really got to me, and I started to get a little misty eyed. I've been here since day one and to think it's been almost 6 years, and all I've ever done is watch videos and pledge to Kickstarter feels weird. Like I'm not part of the community but an on looker, watching a tv show and buying a book. But also I know that's okay. My games have been better and more fun, and I've learned how to use my neuro divergencies to make better games instead of being afraid it will make worse games. Thanks for being a hammer to help me temper my mind with, Matt and MCDM crew.
Matt's first 5 videos hit TH-cam approximately the same time my friends said, "hey, we should play D&D next week." Somehow the DM anvil landed on me. For as long as Matt has been sharing his skillset, words, and life with us on TH-cam, I have been DMing. If you go back on my Twitter replies you'll see Matt giving me the best piece of advice." Orcs Attack!" about 20 minutes before I ran my first game. It's been a wild ride. I've found my art, my passion, and the thing I want to gift to the world: Dungeons and Dragons. Thanks to you, I've given my friends fun and adventure and love and hatred and discomfort and sorrow and laughter and Life. And they've given it to me. We've all lived a thousand lives in my mind. This is a short thank you to Matt Colville. You've helped me realize that I can do it. And maybe more than just running a game. -Zac
33:10 "Mind you, some of Jerry's cuts are seamless. Even I have a hard time seeing them. Sometimes." Jerry trolls Matt with the most obvious cut in the video. Me: Well played, Jerry. Well played.
26:26 this...right here...this is why I love Matt. Thank you for inspiring me. I could feel the passion in that desk slam. You are not just a world class DM. You are a world class teacher.
I thought that it was a Goodbye video and it almost broke my heart.... this series got me into dnd and of course, to GMing... I cannot thank you enough
3 years ago I discovered the running the game series, I was starting my own game and really needed some help. My group is level 12 now and moving forward! Thank you Matt for all the advices and for making everything fun.
The talk on luck, wow, I've said this about so many things and people are always so offended. They refuse to accept that you can only do all you can do, the rest is up to luck. You're so humble and honest, I'm in love lol
As someone who’s mostly dm’d online, one of my favourite ways to balance my encounters is by having a loose idea of monster hp, and then only deciding on a specific number when the creature is at what feels right for “Half hp/bloodied”. That way I can make boss monsters have the right amount of hp :3
Dear Matt, I'm one of thousands of people that were directly impacted by your videos. My first contact with TTRPG was in college and since then I haven't played anymore. So, by 2015-2016 I wanted to play again and everybody was like "TTRPG? Yeah, I remember that, it was fun..." or like "yeah, totally! I'm also looking for a group", no GMs. Then, by the end of 2017 I was travelling with my now wife and we got sick so we had to spend a day inside, that's when I found your channel. I dug in through several of your videos and decided that I could GM myself - even tough I was going to do it in a completely different system (GURPS). My first campaign was a success and my friends started GMing as well - we've been playing together since then. Thank you very much, Matt - from a random guy in Brazil.
" I remember when all this was fields" sums up my feeling pretty well but its an expression or sentiment that I often roll my eyes at because i dont want to smirk at people who, by pure chance, have come later to the party but I ran the Delian Tomb 5 or so years ago and have very much benefited from your channel so...Thanks, Matt Colville! For some reason I feel ridiculous saying this, but i felt very proud when i first opened my copy of Strongholds&Followers. I think I felt pride because something that i believe is being done "the right way" has been very successful. Also, I love the idea of having castles, organisations and followers in my D&D game so I am definitely the target market but I was supporting Matt Colville first and foremost.
Running the Game has changed my life as well, thanks a ton for putting out all of these amazing videos, I wouldn't know half of what I do about GMing or Game Design for that matter without them. They were a seed to launch my curiosity into the stratosphere.
RtG #99: We'll probably not do anything special for episode 100. RtG #100: Hey guys, it's E100! Let's talk about Episode 0, from me on reddit 7 years ago, 'cause that'd be cool. Hero origin story!
For some reason, I got a sinking feeling seeing this thumbnail, expecting an announcement that this series would be wrapped (100 episodes is a LOT of DM advice to produce). I am so glad I was wrong. Moreover, I am non-hyperbolically ecstatic that not only is the advice-train continuing, but that Matt's passion for what he does is still alive and well. I'm looking forward to MCDM's future projects - all my best to the rest of the staff and crew. And Jerry - that cut was genius.
Matt changed my whole perception about being a DM and running a campaign. He gave me the courage and resources I needed to take up the mantle of DM. Confidence, imagination, and a willingness to say "I might not be the best or even any good, but I CAN and WILL get better." Thank you Matthew Coleville, you've awakened a lot of people's inner DM with your videos.
23:09 - Re: Luck - The most honest answer for success, and the most easily denied or discounted. You can do everything correctly and still fail. You can work harder and longer than anyone else and still not succeed. Life is neither fair nor a meritocracy.
Came to comments to say this. Thank you Matt for that. Also, your fat namesake would agree that luck is important for everyone accept him. Good think he has Mr. Goodwin.
@@78Mathius You are the first person to ever recognize Rex Stout's famous detective as my handle, which is a shame. Rex Stout was such an amazingly talented writer and Nero & Archie are easily two of my favorite characters in mystery / detective fiction.
Im pretty sure the existence of your channel is THE major factor in what got me to not only run more games, but have the AUDACITY to record and post content with "a brand" related to what im doing. Having such a wonderful model for good quality content that isnt abstractly impossible to follow in the footsteps of has been immeasurably valuable. Never thought Id have a podcast, or get so deep in the weeds with posting tons and tons of painted miniatures to instagram. Thanks to Matt and the whole MCDM crew for all you do.
Man, how wild. I remember that post and I never put two and two together and realized it was you that was making it. I'm not very active in communities but I feel like I've been here since the onset and it's wild to see just how far MCDM has come (and how long it's been!) and how cool the community surrounding your channel has stayed throughout the entire process. Parasocial relationships are weird. I feel like MCDM is a memorable part of my life. I've learned a lot of gaming lessons from the videos and streams, but I've also learned a ton of life lessons, too. All this to say that I'm really glad I stumbled on your channel all those years ago and here's to another several down the road as MCDM continues to grow and develop. Can't wait for that monster book. "Better monsters" indeed. Looking back, I'm still flabbergasted by the "an orc is just an orc!" rhetoric we ate up when 5e was announced.
@Matthew Colville Thank you, once again, for being a river to your people. I am 52 years old, a retired counselor, and I have been a forever DM since 1983. Currently I am The DM at our local game store. I run three separate campaigns a week with an average of 6 players each. With great thanks to you, six years ago, I made it a goal to mentor one of my players, from each campaign I run, on how to be a DM. My in-store team has now grown to include Four new DM's with a weekly player participation of 36 regulars and always a space for 2 - 4 new drop-in's. Your first five videos are my go to recommendation. The Campaign Diaries are, for me, the most informative and I love them. "Orcs attack" is my favorite tool to deploy when there is player infighting. Nothing promotes teamwork like the immediate dependence on the characters next to you. One last gratitude. I appreciate how humble and genuine you are. That is a rare thing to observe in the wild. Never loose that. Thanks again, Stay thirsty my friend. Remember kids, stay humble, be respectful, and own your dignity like you can afford to share it.
Over the last year, your videos gave me boldness. Tomorrow I'm going to DM my first game. As a 36 year old, I wish I would have done this years ago. Thank you in advance for my adventures to come.
It’s been 4-5ish years since I found your channel, I started with one set of dice, a pencil case, a couple sets of legal pads, and a binder full of hand written rules from the books that I could find. I slowly took the cardboard from those legal pads and created my very own DM screen, dice box, and so many extra things for free. I used plain graph paper and hand drawn one inch lines for maps, candies as the bad guys, and the pieces from clue as my PC’s minis. Then slowly after that experiment became a hobby I’ve gotten more dice, the physical books, a real DM screen, and, most recently, actual minis that I’ve started to learn how to paint. I want to thank you Matt, 100 episodes of RtG and you’ve gotten me to get 10 newbies into D&D, I’ve become closer friends with people I never would have gotten close to, I’ve gotten my first girlfriend thanks to D&D. There is no way I can ever repay you, Matt Mercer, Dael, and all the other inspirational DMs for all the things you’ve all taught me and inspired me to do. But there is one way I can start… and that’s by continuing to be a DM. Keep on being a kickass DM, thank you, and… be seeing you
Running the game is one of a few playlists that I watch whenever I'm in between adventures, when a character dies, or when I just am low on ideas. Never fails to make me think of something. Many thanks for many hours of thought!
I play DnD because I saw one of your videos on Reddit in 2016. I literally knew nothing about DnD, but you made it seem accessible and fun. Matt, you were right! I CAN run DnD for my friends! And I love it. Thank you.
i love how the series has evolved. when it started out, it was geared towards new DMs, something i happened to be at the time. (well technically i didn’t find your videos right away but whatever). since then, we’ve shifted: many of the videos aren’t too important for new DMs, at least not brand new ones. i feel like i’ve grown up alongside it, i’m watching videos that are more appropriate for my skill level, something other D&D youtubers sort of lack. that’s not their fault of course, no one’s tailoring their videos for me specifically, but no video you’ve ever made has felt like “#content”. you don’t make a video just so you can get one out this week to pay the bills or keep up with the algorithm or anything, each one feels like it’s as long as it needs to be. thanks matt, every video’s a treasure.
I'm late to the party, but this seems like an appropriate video to leave this response on. I became a GM last year, mainly because I wanted the group to happen. I thought it was scary, and I'd much rather be a player. I didn't know if I could do it well, or at all, and I was very nervous in the beginning and started watching *a lot* of D&D advice videos in an effort to learn how to do things properly. At some point, the algorithm lead me to your channel, and it's absolutely the one that helped me the most and continues to do so. It is hard to describe how important this channel is to me without it sounding like I'm just spouting flattering bs for attention. When I watch these videos, I keep catching myself having to rewind, because I'm so inspired by the ideas and my brain drifts of into all kinds of directions, thinking about how I could apply this or that to my campaign and my world, and then I realize I haven't been listening for the last 5 minutes. I feel empowered because it always feels like I'm getting new tools. Even the "I give you permission to X" bits are great, because those are often things I've been overthinking, and knowing that even an experienced DM like like Matt Colville simplifies that bit or does that "controversial" thing does a lot to calm my anxiety about doing things "the right way". I love that you don't just keep to the game mechanics. You don't just talk about what stats a villain should have, or even what their motivation inside a campaign might be. You instead talk about how power and politics and world views work in the real world, and that makes it easier to grasp, easier to apply and even helps understand the real world better. I also love your think piece videos a lot. Your musings about how playing D&D is basically creating art has stuck with me, because you put into words something that I was feeling, but didn't quite understand until I heard it said out loud. I'm rambling here, and I could probably go on for ages, but the point is that I'm hugely thankful for this channel. Matt, you have inspired me, gave me confidence and helped me become a decent GM over the last few months and have thus given me and my entire group many hours of joy and excitement. In addition, I'm not even sure I want to be a player anymore. Running the game is dope, and you showed me that. Sincerely, thank you.
All I can say is thank you. You made me start Dming for two friends at first. Then, two campaigns later, now I have an active west marches/open table with 20+ players on it, a lot of them never played before, some of them became Dms also. So, you did a great job and I thank you, because this hobby is amazing and I didn't knew it before your videos, and never thought I could be a Dm.
Crazy that it's been 100 of these! I do owe you a debt of gratitude, you were my initial inspiration to create content for TTRPGs almost a year ago now, and more recently you inspired me to branch into TH-cam. Tabletop games have been an important part of my life for years now, and it's great to be able to share my creations with others across the world. Congratulations on this milestone and keep up the great work! :D
The best D&D channel on youtube and the best sign-off from a youtuber. Thank you so much for your support, encouragement and insight, Matt - we're lucky to have you.
I remember reading that reddit post when I started running D&D a few years ago. I used that list of names advice, but I ignored the "names that fit your setting part", so I ended up with lots of NPCs with 2017's popular baby names.
You've been a big help. In fact your action oriented monsters video had sparked me to make more D&D content around that. I loved the idea of making monsters fun without being a spell caster. My TH-cam is new and just starting. I may only ever have 50 subscribers. or.. I will grow to be a top D&D youtuber like you and many others. Running my game has improved greatly and I have a new found love for making players feel badass and cool. So thank you Matthew Colville for being a big help, and a treasure to the D&D community. I will never forget your quotes and advice. Keep up the good work! Take Care!
Time is ceaseless, but I couldn't be happier to have had Matt Colville reinvigorate, grow, and guide the D&D and board game communities. Thank you Matt, and to your teams, for the 100 episodes and cheers for 100 more!
I've been playing D&D sense 2012, a friend invited me to try a starter session and I fell in love with the game. Not too long after I became a DM. I saw your first running the game video and became hooked, was so happy as each new video you made inspired me to become a better DM, inspiring me to improve my style and make it so that my players have as much fun as possible. I have you to thank for that. Seriously Thank You.
I just played my first game as a DM (other than 2 times where I didn't take it seriously, but we do not speak of those!) And your advice was invaluable. I just watched your action oriented monsters video and it blew me over. Just the advice of ignoring my monsters stats and just giving them actions and bonuses broke my brain! Thank you so much for your work and enthusiasm, it's contagious.
You're a big reason why I bit the bullet and started DM'ing. My first campaign (after a couple of one shots) was a steampunk reskin of "Curse of the reptile God" and "Sinister secret of Salt Marsh" mashed together and heavily modded. Two modules I'd never have heard of if not for you 😄
I got into DMing and D&D because of the first Running The Game videos. Now my group showers me with compliments of how great the previous session was or what a good DM I am. Of course it is only for them I am the greatest DM, they don't know better, but each time it makes me feel so warm and good, bringing them joy and having fun doing it. Thank you Matt! You are, undoubtably, a river to your people.
I started D&D with the original box in 1974/75 and have loved TTRPGS and D&D since then. With 48 years under my belt I just love Matt’s enthusiasm and support for this great hobby. Makes me want to be better for me and my players and those that I have been blessed to teach the game to. Thank you, Mr. Colville. 💯
As soon as I found out the lore writer for Evolve was making D&D videos I jumped on them. I’ve been watching every video and thanks to you, I’ve been running my longest campaign and it’s still going. We’ve been through irl player deaths which we used in game to heal, we made it through a pandemic which tested our imagination using online tools, and now we come together again to adventure! Level 20 here we come
Thanks not just for this series, which has been very helpful and full to the brim with inspiration, but also for trying to de-mystify the act of running! The best thing I ever did was convincing my friends they could run too. I'd love to run some games on stream some time and just point a camera at my dm screen so everybody (except the players) can see exactly how little you need to run a fun game.
When I saw fire giants in the lawful evil “special follower” chart I nearly cried. This man truly works the way he wants and I think that is magical. It’s the little things.
I got interested in DnD from Paint to Life, then Facility D20. I found Matt's videos by accident. I'm so happy I did! I'm writing a campaign now because of Matt. I'm looking up the "monsters" and am understanding more and more. Matt's videos sparked something in me that is mind opening. Thank you Matt. I am almost caught up on the running the game videos. You're an awesome guy.
Congratulations Matt! I've been running since you posted the first video and I have run many unforgettable games with my friends, your advices helped me a lot!
I just realized that I'm watching this guy talking for 40min straight without almost any cut, and that's damn impressive. No B roll, no fancy editing, just a guy face cam for 40min. blablablablablablablalbla clap clap clap bravo
I am just glad I discovered this channel when I was just entering college a few years ago, now after dropping out of an engineering major and pursuing audio production/writing career I can only think back to how much it’s affected how I view creativity and art in the things I do. Ty Matt, here’s to another 100.
Back in ~'16/'17 I GM'd for the first time - it took over from a first time GM who had a bad time because I didn't want the fun to end. And then I had a bad time. I was anxious, overwhelmed, and I ended up making enough mistakes that I thought "I AM BAD AT THIS.". This series is a big part of what relit the desire to give it another go - and I've since been called my players favourite GM, and evil genius, and "The bad man". I've ran and played in streamed games (I hated every second of it), and was tapped to run a regular livestreamed game on someone elses channel. I am so grateful this resource is here. The bar to entry we set in our heads - "I need to be as good as Gary\Matt's\Koibu" is why so many people struggle to find games to play. Cheers Matt.
Thank you all once again, Matt. You and your friends are the reason I have been back playing D&D after a thirty year hiatus, and I have made a lot of great new friends along the way. I've enjoyed your videos, livestreams, and other content for years now and look forward to all the new things you have coming down the pipeline. As much as this has changed your life, and those of your friends out there, it has changed mine as well, and I imagine has had a positive impact on so many others. Thank you all very much for all that you do and have done over the past bunch of years.
Just wanted to say that you got me through my anxiety of becoming a first time DM. Thank you so much for your videos, which I binged for probably a month or so leading up to my very first campaign as DM. I was extremely nervous about how to run a game, and your videos helped me better understand the game and running it before I got behind the screen. Keep being awesome!
The Running the Game videos 100% inspired me to DM. I had just started playing again with 5e and was talking with a friend over lunch and he asked if I'd ever run. "I don't think I can. I don't think I know enough." It was this series that taught me, it's not about knowing everything, it's about creating a fun world and talking to the players. I've taken the lessons I've learnt behind the screen into my work life. DMing a game isn't that far off from managing, and I've done a couple of talks on that very subject. But I use a lot of the points from videos like these to explain that being in charge is a game of balance between running things and letting others bring their experience and thoughts to make the product or story better. Thanks for the inspiriation.
I started with a very narrow mindset, fledgling, with many mistakes, and limitations that I placed upon myself. You helped me broaden my horizons. Branch out beyond D&D and Pathfinder, unshackle myself as a slave to the rules. And most importantly... you taught me how to stop worrying and love the bomb. To actually have fun while running. Thank you, Matt. Happy 100th.
Honestly, this series majorly changed my life. It became the biggest influence on me and how I GM, what I do as a GM, and how to handle some of the hurdles as well as accepting when I flub it. I've even sent players this way when they were thinking of becoming GMs and they've become pretty damn good ones! All because of these videos. Because of your advice, Matt. Thank you, and congrats on 100. I hope that any and all episodes will be as great as the previous ones.
As someone just got invited to be a player by two of my previous players. who in turn where playing in my game when I started running (partly because of this channel) This community has been a great resource, for building new generations of DM/GMs and confidence in people.
The downtime video and the action based monster video are things I come back to reference again and again. Thanks so much for all of you and your team's hard efforts.
As someone for whom a group fell apart because of some players doing hour-long arguments, pretty hard disagree on players arguing about decisions in-game being perfectly fine. There are rare occasions where it can be understandable but most of the time it's indicative of an issue. For example - one player in my group had a combination of A) not being willing to accept any kind of plan he did not completely agree with, B) did not feel confident enough to take charge if others disagreed with him, and C) took any planning session as purely whiteroom argument, completely forgetting that it's a TTRPG and there is the option of acquiring more information, or making preparations, etc. etc. - no, a proper plan had to be flawless with no risks and executable immediately after finishing the planning.
I think your scenario may not be what Matt is talking about. People arguing about *anything* for an hour, let alone a game, is not ok. Imo there's nothing wrong with short arguments about strategy or rules, but as a DM the onus is on you to manage your players' expectations and attitudes, before they boil over and make your job as an entertainer impossible. How much of your scenario could have been prevented by speaking to this friend privately? Matt and other DMs I respect have all talked about this too, pulling people aside, either after or during a session, when their attitude is ruining other people's fun.
As many other have said, your videos and this show was the biggest reason I developed the confidence to actually start running games, and now it's my main hobby I engage with every day of my life. Thank you for providing helpful and very straightforward advice!
Matt, this whole series has been packed full of great stuff, it's inspired the design of my setting, spiced up my combat encounters, helped me craft intrigue, and for all of that and more I just want to say thank you! I look forward to watching your video when I get home from seeing some family.
I blazed through the entire Running the Game series in quarantine, they kept me company during workouts, chores, runs, and more. I am a vastly more confident DM than when I started and I cannot thank you enough. D&D is a tool for me to see my friends on a regular schedule and try to tell great stories, and the better I am the more likely I'll get to keep those stories going. I'm currently running a new group through Against the Cult of the Reptile God, yet another influence of yours on my D&D journey. I have been so inspired by your work, Matt Colville, and I'll be a stalwart supporter of whatever you do next. Thank you very much for your videos and congratulations on your success.
I love how Matt references so many icons in the history of DnD during his videos, and I bet you years from now, Matt Colville and MCDM will be dnd cultural mainstays. And I swear, the dude has a charisma and wisdom score of 30+ each. My cheeks were growing sore from smiling so much while watching this video.
I have been a silent observer of your TH-cam videos, streams, and a kickstarer backer but wanted to take this moment just to express the gratitude I have for you and everyone in the community you have made. With your advice I became a DM for my wife and friends and now even for my 7 year old it has been an amazing 6 year journey as we near the end of that first campaign I started with your work of encouragement through a TH-cam video and can not thank you enough for all you have done and continue to do. Thank you Matt.
matt, i really appreciate the part were you tell about how you career going from good to outstanding was based on luck, I feel like one of the major drawbacks of today's hyper individualism is that we all forget how much luck plays a role in the world
"Running the Game 100" made me think it was a precursor to the "101" that the rest of the series is, and it didn't occur to me that it was the 100th episode.
I stumbled across this channel about 18 months ago. Right around the time I started to DM. I can’t express how helpful they’ve been. Thanks for running them and all the best for the future of MCDM.
This channel's first 5 videos got me into DMing almost 3 years ago, and I've run weekly since then. It took away the fear and mystique of roleplaying and got me to convince my friends (who almost all still play) to come along on that journey with me. Action-oriented monsters was also hugely impactful for my style, almost all my big bad bosses have villain actions now. These videos are an excellent introduction to this wonderful hobby of ours.
I found this channel when I was already a DM, albeit not very experienced, or good. I had hit a roadblock prepping my next campaign. I thought I knew everything from the first five videos, but that the content was entertaining. I was wrong about that first part. I've thrown out basically everything I wrote before finding Running the Game. I don't do everything Matt suggests, but when I don't, I know why I don't. I have actually thought about my design choices, rather than just throwing content down, and hoping it works. As a result, I've now run my longest, and most successful campaign. I think Matt, and the MCDM crew deserve a lot of the credit for that.
Thanks for all the incredibly kind and supportive comments folks.
I love D&D, I love DMing, and the idea that I was able to share that with so many people, and actually help folks get into the hobby is...it's probably the thing I'm proudest of in my life.
You deserve the praise Matt.
I remember way back when i found you and your advise, being inspired to play dnd and maybe run it one day. Now im playing with friends, forging memories and planning to run a game for them.
The impact that you've had on this community is huge. And im happy that im able to support MCDM as a patron and as a keen watcher of your video's.
In keanu voice "you are breathtaking"
You have every reason to be proud of what your love for D&D and your desire to see more people engage with this incredible hobby have wrought over these last six years. I say this in all honesty: You make the world a better place. You most certainly have made my gaming table a better place to sit at. And you continue to do so, as I go back and find new inspiration in all the content you have already put out there, and get continually excited and inspired by the new and awesome stuff you keep adding to that wealth of knowledge and perspective.
It's weird to me that people were intimadated to dm by your videos. I wanted to dm very specifically because of your videos.
No thank you 👍
I just found this a few weeks ago and I ran the knight's tomb you made because I didn't have any time to set up ahead of time. My dad said he thought dnd was boring. At end he said "see you next week" to my best friend sitting next to him. Thank you!
Matt, you're literally the reason I swallowed the gorilla-sized amount of anxiety and started my own campaign. You said "just do it, it's easy." You drew the pressure and mystique away from the role of DM and explained it in simple, easy terms that made it seem doable, made it feel achievable. I stole whole-cloth from you and plotted with friends, kepts secrets, and put the players through the best kind of hell. The campaign is now year in a half in, and it is very special to everyone at my table. Your fingerprints are all over it. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU.
“Some of Jerry’s cuts are seamless. Even I have a hard time seeing them sometimes.” *Immediate cut*
Nice one Jerry!
This made me laugh out loud. Totally agree. Nice one, Jerry!
@@annec8127 Also loled at that. :D
I was just thinking that same thing. 10/10 timing, 10/10 Tight slice
More dope shit
33:11 for anyone who missed that because they had the video in background and were doing something else.
ARCADIA is awesome, just awesome, I think it's like this is the early days of Dragon magazine and I will be there at issue 400 chewing my gums and saying "I was there for issue one!"
I'll have to check 'em out after a recommendation like that, lol. And coming from yourself @aj pidckett, your content is amazing as well mate.
@@djh9748 thank you 😊
Another legend in the comments!
Love Arcadia. Just waiting for a Wormy strip. Or a wizard with a fireball sight on the end of a finger. LOL
Solidarity to everyone else whose life was changed by Running the Game. Extremely thankful to Matt, as well as the friend who introduced me to him whose name is also Matt
I was already a DM, but damned if this series isn't the most valuable resource online.
My name is also Matt, Running The Game is what inspired me to run DnD for the first time two years ago. LMoP (with the Delian Tomb as a prologe). My players have many a time mentioned how all the best DMs are named Matt, warms my heart. They have fun, I have fun.
@@matthewjames7504 maybe the real DnD was the Matts we found along the way
@@screamingtongue I consume every scrap of D&D tube that I can find, and honestly I agree.
It isn't just stellar DND advice, but it's also just great advice on being a critical thinker and a better person interacting with other people.
How to be an anti-wangrod
My campaign would be hot garbage without the Politics videos. Deeply greatful for them.
"Folks do not like imagining that the world is basically random."
_me, sweating as I look at my shiny math rocks used for imaginary scenarios_
I know it's not what he's talking about but I'll never forget the reaction I got when I wanted to award a new player some treasure that I hadn't planned ahead of time; I asked them to roll a d100 and they said, dissapointed, "Oh, so it's kind of like a video game loot box...". It really stuck with me even though I know not everyone feels that way.
@@cloak5857 lol , I never thought of it that way...
@@cloak5857 That's why YOU make the rolls!
@@GalvatronRodimus before the game. If you say "in which chest? that chest... (checks notes) oh it's is a bag of holding." It will feel way more real to your players then rolling on a table at the table. In my experience, with my players.
@@solsystem1342 Absolutely. Always always always roll up treasure, monster HP, all that stuff in advance!
100 episodes of being a river to his people. All the love to you Matt Colville and MCDM for all the help you've given us DMs and players over the years! Peace, out.
I see what you did there with the Lawrence of Arabia quote.
The Machine still works, if even only in my head.
@@twi3031 Quoted because Matt's used it ;)
I stumbled across Matt's first videos not long after I had separated from my now ex-wife, and his passion for the game got me back into it after a fairly long hiatus. We've just wrapped up a nearly 3 year long campaign and are about to launch into Curse of Strahd.
In 2016 I was deeply depressed following the end of a relationship that had meant... too much to me. A lesson I eventually took out of that was to never invest your self-worth into another person. It must come from within. But while I was suffering and grieving that loss, while I was myself lost, I turned again toward a hobby I had loved deeply in the past that had fallen by the wayside. I came back to D&D, first as a player, and then, finding your videos, I decided to try my hand at running the game again.
I was in a dark, dark place, but I won't dare burden anyone but myself with the credit of pulling me out of the shadows. Even so, your videos played an important part in connecting me more deeply to my brother and my friends and this hobby which I love, and 2016 would have been a much harder year without that. So, thanks. And on a lighter note, I am so happy to be a part of this community and to enjoy the fruits of MCDM's labor. Your contributions to D&D have been transcendently awesome. I can't wait to see what you will build as you venture from its shores into your new bespoke system. I have every confidence it will be awesome. And when it's ready for prime time, I'll run a game of it for those folks I've been running games for since 2016.
Here's to the next 100.
A world class dungeon master is the one that shows up every week, interested in playing and having fun. That's the perfect game. Not voice acting, not hyper-tactical combats with custom terrain, not elaborate dungeons/worlds with politics, not giving out copious treasure, etc. I've said it many times before, it's not the game system we play in, it's getting together every week and having fun. Congrats on 100!
Couldn't agree more.
Agreed.
33:15 expertly cut, Jerry, and perfectly timed.
Yes!
I gotta say, "I am the Dungeon Master for the Staples Center." as a sentence exists in a small postage stamp of utter badass inside something that should sound mundane.
You made me want to start DMing for my friends and I haven't stopped since. This series is what inspired me and gave me courage back when I had nothing. We started with some poker chips for npcs and enemies instead of miniatures. We only had one set of dice that we shared and we used a chess set as players and combat map. You made me believe it was possible even without knowing all of the rules and I watched your videos on lunch breaks at work. It was always fun and I think it's my favourite thing to do with my friends. I also stole one of your villains, (the guy with the mask that pays for corpses and levitates) for my first campaing and my players loved it. They laughed and they cheered and they cried when an npc (an imaginary being!) died. So thank you Matthew. Really, from the bottom of my hearth. Cheers from Argentina.
Not only I your message wonderful - and I concur - but you've ALSO helped me. Yet another way Coleville has helped is by gathering us together into a co-op community. He truly is a river to his people.
When I eventually get to start DMing again (started originally because of Matt's encouragement), I will now be using a chess set as either makeshift theatre of the mind pieces, or a guide for combat before we get to build our collections of table top pieces. Pure genius.
Way to go Grim.
Why does Matt saying "Peace... Out." on the 100th rtg video make my eyes get watery? I'm so glad I'm here for it. Thank you.
Because HIS eyes got watery. He's the man.
I love that while listening to this video, I get the vibe that you succeeded exactly in what you were trying to express for this 100th episode. Moments like you expressing how "I want you to be your group's best dungeon master" or how these videos are edited and that you're not some sort of perfect DM who somehow can talk for 40 straight minutes without notes or video editing perfectly show that you're just human, and more importantly, that being a great DM isn't some unobtainable status.
The idea of "That's it? I can do that!" is poetically perfect, and I thank you for the inspiration you've given to so many on the interwebs!
"Sometimes I don't even see the[ cuts]" -Matt, .005 seconds before a near seamless cut
You beat me to the comment. I honestly wouldn't've noticed if not for the abrupt jump in topic.
Accidentally wrote the same comment as you, my bad. Didn’t notice until after I finished the video
I've described you as my DM Dad, who taught me everything I know.
Thank you immeasurably for this series. It has been better than any Guide/Rulebook that has been released for the entirety of 5e, DMs Guide included
To be fair: the Dungeon Master Guide is best at overwhelming a new DM at the start with grand worldbuilding stuff you dont even need to start
"Running The Game" is by far THE best TTRPG DMing/GMing advice series on the entire internet, Matt. Please never stop making them! They are invaluable to ALL TTRPG players, whether they play D&D or not. We all love what you do! ❤️
Right...
That video you did on bad guys was so good, I am running “Rise of Tiamat” with my kids and wife and they didn’t care about the bad guy. After watching that video I created a cut scene where Severin ( the main cultist leader) was basically ‘force’ choking the main leader of the council, my family start attacking - what turns out to be like a hologram and at that moment Severin laughs and says “ there is nothing you can do to stop me”. He explodes the leader and my family’s pc’s are covered in the remains of their leader…. They hate Severin now, and he keeps appearing and they despise him! Thsnks…
I went from being too scared to DM to liking DMing more than being a player. You started me on that path. Thanks Matt!
Same
How have I never thought of the “The goblins take one of you hostage” back door?! Definitely going to use it.
I’ve done the occasional “____ swoops in and saves you, but ____ is not infinitely benevolent and now has you by the proverbial balls.” Nice to have a new arrow in the quiver 😊
The "Thumbs up" button doesn't feel like enough. After watching this i think it needs a "Hug" button. I wish i could give Matt a hug. Maybe some day.
I've been forever DM for more than a decade. I got the 4e Red Box for Christmas when I was 12, I ran 3.5, World of Darkness, Call of Cthulhu, then found my deep forever-love with Savage Worlds.
A year ago, I talked my friend into chasing an idea for a bronze-age high magic adventure. He began running it three weeks ago, a beautiful world of seas and caves. I got to play an Orc. A fighting, honorable, "normal" Orc. And I was so happy to see my friend run a game and be so proud of it.
I cannot attribute this success to you, Matt. But you've taught me so much.
And now, another student shall drink from the river.
Cheers to the DMs out there. We all are a river to our people.
"Forever DM". I was the default DM because my handwriting was the best of the group. It has been a long road to get any of my players to accept the Place Behind The Screen.
I was inspired to run 5e for some online friends by you a few years ago, and today we’re all flying out together to meet and play in real life for the first time. It seems poetic that I’m watching episode 100 while waiting for my flight at the airport. Thanks, Matt! I’m serious when I say this probably wouldn’t have happened without your work.
Nice! Hope you folks have fun.
Congrats on 100 videos. I remember meeting you at the Stream of Annihilation event and you told me that you didn't really know why you were there. I agree that we were all lucky up to that point.
Luck cannot be discounted in anyone's success. That shouldn't discount your hard work, charisma, and your ability to approach your hobby as a business. I once had a small business owner I worked for that told me that you do the right thing over and over and then if you get lucky, you will be ready for it. I watched them become super successful by doing this and I tried my best to emulate it.
Regardless of your luck, it's great to see what you've done with that success and how you've continued it. I wish you well on your next 100 videos -- and more.
-Doug
I don't know why but something about that "Peace... Out" at the end really got to me, and I started to get a little misty eyed. I've been here since day one and to think it's been almost 6 years, and all I've ever done is watch videos and pledge to Kickstarter feels weird. Like I'm not part of the community but an on looker, watching a tv show and buying a book. But also I know that's okay. My games have been better and more fun, and I've learned how to use my neuro divergencies to make better games instead of being afraid it will make worse games. Thanks for being a hammer to help me temper my mind with, Matt and MCDM crew.
I also got emotional at it.
I think so did Matt.
The onlooking crowd is as important to the theater as the actor. You’re a great part of the community
Matt's first 5 videos hit TH-cam approximately the same time my friends said, "hey, we should play D&D next week."
Somehow the DM anvil landed on me.
For as long as Matt has been sharing his skillset, words, and life with us on TH-cam, I have been DMing. If you go back on my Twitter replies you'll see Matt giving me the best piece of advice." Orcs Attack!" about 20 minutes before I ran my first game. It's been a wild ride.
I've found my art, my passion, and the thing I want to gift to the world: Dungeons and Dragons. Thanks to you, I've given my friends fun and adventure and love and hatred and discomfort and sorrow and laughter and Life. And they've given it to me. We've all lived a thousand lives in my mind.
This is a short thank you to Matt Colville. You've helped me realize that I can do it. And maybe more than just running a game.
-Zac
33:10 "Mind you, some of Jerry's cuts are seamless. Even I have a hard time seeing them. Sometimes."
Jerry trolls Matt with the most obvious cut in the video.
Me: Well played, Jerry. Well played.
This was hilarious, I scrubbed through the rest of the video looking for cuts after I noticed this joke and damn, Jerry really is so good at editing
26:26 this...right here...this is why I love Matt. Thank you for inspiring me. I could feel the passion in that desk slam. You are not just a world class DM. You are a world class teacher.
I thought that it was a Goodbye video and it almost broke my heart.... this series got me into dnd and of course, to GMing... I cannot thank you enough
3 years ago I discovered the running the game series, I was starting my own game and really needed some help. My group is level 12 now and moving forward! Thank you Matt for all the advices and for making everything fun.
The talk on luck, wow, I've said this about so many things and people are always so offended. They refuse to accept that you can only do all you can do, the rest is up to luck. You're so humble and honest, I'm in love lol
As someone who’s mostly dm’d online, one of my favourite ways to balance my encounters is by having a loose idea of monster hp, and then only deciding on a specific number when the creature is at what feels right for “Half hp/bloodied”. That way I can make boss monsters have the right amount of hp :3
God, I miss the Chain stream. It was great content. Totally get that everybody had not signed on to be performers. But it was fun to watch.
Dear Matt, I'm one of thousands of people that were directly impacted by your videos. My first contact with TTRPG was in college and since then I haven't played anymore. So, by 2015-2016 I wanted to play again and everybody was like "TTRPG? Yeah, I remember that, it was fun..." or like "yeah, totally! I'm also looking for a group", no GMs. Then, by the end of 2017 I was travelling with my now wife and we got sick so we had to spend a day inside, that's when I found your channel. I dug in through several of your videos and decided that I could GM myself - even tough I was going to do it in a completely different system (GURPS). My first campaign was a success and my friends started GMing as well - we've been playing together since then. Thank you very much, Matt - from a random guy in Brazil.
The Staples Center anecdote is one of the most amazing stories I've ever heard. I hope you're proud of yourself because you absolutely earned it
" I remember when all this was fields" sums up my feeling pretty well but its an expression or sentiment that I often roll my eyes at because i dont want to smirk at people who, by pure chance, have come later to the party but I ran the Delian Tomb 5 or so years ago and have very much benefited from your channel so...Thanks, Matt Colville!
For some reason I feel ridiculous saying this, but i felt very proud when i first opened my copy of Strongholds&Followers. I think I felt pride because something that i believe is being done "the right way" has been very successful.
Also, I love the idea of having castles, organisations and followers in my D&D game so I am definitely the target market but I was supporting Matt Colville first and foremost.
Running the Game has changed my life as well, thanks a ton for putting out all of these amazing videos, I wouldn't know half of what I do about GMing or Game Design for that matter without them. They were a seed to launch my curiosity into the stratosphere.
RtG #99: We'll probably not do anything special for episode 100.
RtG #100: Hey guys, it's E100! Let's talk about Episode 0, from me on reddit 7 years ago, 'cause that'd be cool. Hero origin story!
For some reason, I got a sinking feeling seeing this thumbnail, expecting an announcement that this series would be wrapped (100 episodes is a LOT of DM advice to produce).
I am so glad I was wrong. Moreover, I am non-hyperbolically ecstatic that not only is the advice-train continuing, but that Matt's passion for what he does is still alive and well.
I'm looking forward to MCDM's future projects - all my best to the rest of the staff and crew.
And Jerry - that cut was genius.
Matt changed my whole perception about being a DM and running a campaign. He gave me the courage and resources I needed to take up the mantle of DM. Confidence, imagination, and a willingness to say "I might not be the best or even any good, but I CAN and WILL get better." Thank you Matthew Coleville, you've awakened a lot of people's inner DM with your videos.
23:09 - Re: Luck - The most honest answer for success, and the most easily denied or discounted.
You can do everything correctly and still fail. You can work harder and longer than anyone else and still not succeed. Life is neither fair nor a meritocracy.
Came to comments to say this. Thank you Matt for that.
Also, your fat namesake would agree that luck is important for everyone accept him. Good think he has Mr. Goodwin.
@@78Mathius You are the first person to ever recognize Rex Stout's famous detective as my handle, which is a shame. Rex Stout was such an amazingly talented writer and Nero & Archie are easily two of my favorite characters in mystery / detective fiction.
Im pretty sure the existence of your channel is THE major factor in what got me to not only run more games, but have the AUDACITY to record and post content with "a brand" related to what im doing. Having such a wonderful model for good quality content that isnt abstractly impossible to follow in the footsteps of has been immeasurably valuable. Never thought Id have a podcast, or get so deep in the weeds with posting tons and tons of painted miniatures to instagram. Thanks to Matt and the whole MCDM crew for all you do.
Running the Game has changed my life, it gave me the confidence to be a DM
Man, how wild. I remember that post and I never put two and two together and realized it was you that was making it. I'm not very active in communities but I feel like I've been here since the onset and it's wild to see just how far MCDM has come (and how long it's been!) and how cool the community surrounding your channel has stayed throughout the entire process. Parasocial relationships are weird. I feel like MCDM is a memorable part of my life. I've learned a lot of gaming lessons from the videos and streams, but I've also learned a ton of life lessons, too. All this to say that I'm really glad I stumbled on your channel all those years ago and here's to another several down the road as MCDM continues to grow and develop.
Can't wait for that monster book. "Better monsters" indeed. Looking back, I'm still flabbergasted by the "an orc is just an orc!" rhetoric we ate up when 5e was announced.
I can still remember watching those first videos in MIDDLE SCHOOL! I am in college now and have fallen in love with DnD ever since.
That's going to be some real nostalgia down the line.
@Matthew Colville
Thank you, once again, for being a river to your people.
I am 52 years old, a retired counselor, and I have been a forever DM since 1983. Currently I am The DM at our local game store. I run three separate campaigns a week with an average of 6 players each. With great thanks to you, six years ago, I made it a goal to mentor one of my players, from each campaign I run, on how to be a DM. My in-store team has now grown to include Four new DM's with a weekly player participation of 36 regulars and always a space for 2 - 4 new drop-in's. Your first five videos are my go to recommendation. The Campaign Diaries are, for me, the most informative and I love them. "Orcs attack" is my favorite tool to deploy when there is player infighting. Nothing promotes teamwork like the immediate dependence on the characters next to you.
One last gratitude. I appreciate how humble and genuine you are. That is a rare thing to observe in the wild. Never loose that.
Thanks again,
Stay thirsty my friend.
Remember kids, stay humble, be respectful,
and own your dignity like you can afford to share it.
Over the last year, your videos gave me boldness. Tomorrow I'm going to DM my first game. As a 36 year old, I wish I would have done this years ago. Thank you in advance for my adventures to come.
It’s been 4-5ish years since I found your channel, I started with one set of dice, a pencil case, a couple sets of legal pads, and a binder full of hand written rules from the books that I could find. I slowly took the cardboard from those legal pads and created my very own DM screen, dice box, and so many extra things for free. I used plain graph paper and hand drawn one inch lines for maps, candies as the bad guys, and the pieces from clue as my PC’s minis.
Then slowly after that experiment became a hobby I’ve gotten more dice, the physical books, a real DM screen, and, most recently, actual minis that I’ve started to learn how to paint. I want to thank you Matt, 100 episodes of RtG and you’ve gotten me to get 10 newbies into D&D, I’ve become closer friends with people I never would have gotten close to, I’ve gotten my first girlfriend thanks to D&D. There is no way I can ever repay you, Matt Mercer, Dael, and all the other inspirational DMs for all the things you’ve all taught me and inspired me to do. But there is one way I can start… and that’s by continuing to be a DM.
Keep on being a kickass DM, thank you, and… be seeing you
Running the game is one of a few playlists that I watch whenever I'm in between adventures, when a character dies, or when I just am low on ideas. Never fails to make me think of something. Many thanks for many hours of thought!
Yep, it's great to come back to when I'm low on inspiration and need to do some thinking.
I play DnD because I saw one of your videos on Reddit in 2016. I literally knew nothing about DnD, but you made it seem accessible and fun.
Matt, you were right! I CAN run DnD for my friends! And I love it. Thank you.
i love how the series has evolved. when it started out, it was geared towards new DMs, something i happened to be at the time. (well technically i didn’t find your videos right away but whatever). since then, we’ve shifted: many of the videos aren’t too important for new DMs, at least not brand new ones. i feel like i’ve grown up alongside it, i’m watching videos that are more appropriate for my skill level, something other D&D youtubers sort of lack. that’s not their fault of course, no one’s tailoring their videos for me specifically, but no video you’ve ever made has felt like “#content”. you don’t make a video just so you can get one out this week to pay the bills or keep up with the algorithm or anything, each one feels like it’s as long as it needs to be. thanks matt, every video’s a treasure.
I'm late to the party, but this seems like an appropriate video to leave this response on.
I became a GM last year, mainly because I wanted the group to happen. I thought it was scary, and I'd much rather be a player. I didn't know if I could do it well, or at all, and I was very nervous in the beginning and started watching *a lot* of D&D advice videos in an effort to learn how to do things properly. At some point, the algorithm lead me to your channel, and it's absolutely the one that helped me the most and continues to do so.
It is hard to describe how important this channel is to me without it sounding like I'm just spouting flattering bs for attention. When I watch these videos, I keep catching myself having to rewind, because I'm so inspired by the ideas and my brain drifts of into all kinds of directions, thinking about how I could apply this or that to my campaign and my world, and then I realize I haven't been listening for the last 5 minutes.
I feel empowered because it always feels like I'm getting new tools. Even the "I give you permission to X" bits are great, because those are often things I've been overthinking, and knowing that even an experienced DM like like Matt Colville simplifies that bit or does that "controversial" thing does a lot to calm my anxiety about doing things "the right way".
I love that you don't just keep to the game mechanics. You don't just talk about what stats a villain should have, or even what their motivation inside a campaign might be. You instead talk about how power and politics and world views work in the real world, and that makes it easier to grasp, easier to apply and even helps understand the real world better.
I also love your think piece videos a lot. Your musings about how playing D&D is basically creating art has stuck with me, because you put into words something that I was feeling, but didn't quite understand until I heard it said out loud.
I'm rambling here, and I could probably go on for ages, but the point is that I'm hugely thankful for this channel. Matt, you have inspired me, gave me confidence and helped me become a decent GM over the last few months and have thus given me and my entire group many hours of joy and excitement. In addition, I'm not even sure I want to be a player anymore. Running the game is dope, and you showed me that.
Sincerely, thank you.
Wow, feels like just yesterday I found this series! Can’t believe it’s been so long. Congrats, Matt and MCDM :)
All I can say is thank you. You made me start Dming for two friends at first. Then, two campaigns later, now I have an active west marches/open table with 20+ players on it, a lot of them never played before, some of them became Dms also. So, you did a great job and I thank you, because this hobby is amazing and I didn't knew it before your videos, and never thought I could be a Dm.
Crazy that it's been 100 of these! I do owe you a debt of gratitude, you were my initial inspiration to create content for TTRPGs almost a year ago now, and more recently you inspired me to branch into TH-cam. Tabletop games have been an important part of my life for years now, and it's great to be able to share my creations with others across the world. Congratulations on this milestone and keep up the great work! :D
This has been one of the most influential video series of my life, sounds silly but it’s true.
Mine too!! :D
Hey Matt! You’re the reason I ever felt comfortable starting to DM. You’re an asset to the community. Thanks for everything you do.
The best D&D channel on youtube and the best sign-off from a youtuber.
Thank you so much for your support, encouragement and insight, Matt - we're lucky to have you.
I remember reading that reddit post when I started running D&D a few years ago. I used that list of names advice, but I ignored the "names that fit your setting part", so I ended up with lots of NPCs with 2017's popular baby names.
You've been a big help. In fact your action oriented monsters video had sparked me to make more D&D content around that. I loved the idea of making monsters fun without being a spell caster. My TH-cam is new and just starting. I may only ever have 50 subscribers. or.. I will grow to be a top D&D youtuber like you and many others. Running my game has improved greatly and I have a new found love for making players feel badass and cool. So thank you Matthew Colville for being a big help, and a treasure to the D&D community. I will never forget your quotes and advice. Keep up the good work! Take Care!
Time is ceaseless, but I couldn't be happier to have had Matt Colville reinvigorate, grow, and guide the D&D and board game communities. Thank you Matt, and to your teams, for the 100 episodes and cheers for 100 more!
I've been playing D&D sense 2012, a friend invited me to try a starter session and I fell in love with the game. Not too long after I became a DM. I saw your first running the game video and became hooked, was so happy as each new video you made inspired me to become a better DM, inspiring me to improve my style and make it so that my players have as much fun as possible. I have you to thank for that. Seriously Thank You.
We love you Matt! My players and I have had hundreds of hours of incredible adventures thanks to your inspiration to me. Thank you, truly.
I just played my first game as a DM (other than 2 times where I didn't take it seriously, but we do not speak of those!) And your advice was invaluable. I just watched your action oriented monsters video and it blew me over. Just the advice of ignoring my monsters stats and just giving them actions and bonuses broke my brain! Thank you so much for your work and enthusiasm, it's contagious.
This series literally saved my life Matt. Thank you.
You're a big reason why I bit the bullet and started DM'ing. My first campaign (after a couple of one shots) was a steampunk reskin of "Curse of the reptile God" and "Sinister secret of Salt Marsh" mashed together and heavily modded. Two modules I'd never have heard of if not for you 😄
I got into DMing and D&D because of the first Running The Game videos. Now my group showers me with compliments of how great the previous session was or what a good DM I am. Of course it is only for them I am the greatest DM, they don't know better, but each time it makes me feel so warm and good, bringing them joy and having fun doing it. Thank you Matt! You are, undoubtably, a river to your people.
I started D&D with the original box in 1974/75 and have loved TTRPGS and D&D since then. With 48 years under my belt I just love Matt’s enthusiasm and support for this great hobby. Makes me want to be better for me and my players and those that I have been blessed to teach the game to. Thank you, Mr. Colville. 💯
As soon as I found out the lore writer for Evolve was making D&D videos I jumped on them. I’ve been watching every video and thanks to you, I’ve been running my longest campaign and it’s still going.
We’ve been through irl player deaths which we used in game to heal, we made it through a pandemic which tested our imagination using online tools, and now we come together again to adventure! Level 20 here we come
Thanks not just for this series, which has been very helpful and full to the brim with inspiration, but also for trying to de-mystify the act of running! The best thing I ever did was convincing my friends they could run too. I'd love to run some games on stream some time and just point a camera at my dm screen so everybody (except the players) can see exactly how little you need to run a fun game.
When I saw fire giants in the lawful evil “special follower” chart I nearly cried. This man truly works the way he wants and I think that is magical. It’s the little things.
I got interested in DnD from Paint to Life, then Facility D20. I found Matt's videos by accident. I'm so happy I did!
I'm writing a campaign now because of Matt. I'm looking up the "monsters" and am understanding more and more. Matt's videos sparked something in me that is mind opening.
Thank you Matt. I am almost caught up on the running the game videos. You're an awesome guy.
Congratulations Matt! I've been running since you posted the first video and I have run many unforgettable games with my friends, your advices helped me a lot!
I just realized that I'm watching this guy talking for 40min straight without almost any cut, and that's damn impressive.
No B roll, no fancy editing, just a guy face cam for 40min. blablablablablablablalbla
clap clap clap bravo
I am just glad I discovered this channel when I was just entering college a few years ago, now after dropping out of an engineering major and pursuing audio production/writing career I can only think back to how much it’s affected how I view creativity and art in the things I do.
Ty Matt, here’s to another 100.
Good luck with the new career!
Back in ~'16/'17 I GM'd for the first time - it took over from a first time GM who had a bad time because I didn't want the fun to end. And then I had a bad time. I was anxious, overwhelmed, and I ended up making enough mistakes that I thought "I AM BAD AT THIS.".
This series is a big part of what relit the desire to give it another go - and I've since been called my players favourite GM, and evil genius, and "The bad man". I've ran and played in streamed games (I hated every second of it), and was tapped to run a regular livestreamed game on someone elses channel. I am so grateful this resource is here. The bar to entry we set in our heads - "I need to be as good as Gary\Matt's\Koibu" is why so many people struggle to find games to play.
Cheers Matt.
When I decided that "hey, I could do it too!", I came across your videos, and they helped so much!! So, thank you Matthew and MCDM :)
Thank you all once again, Matt. You and your friends are the reason I have been back playing D&D after a thirty year hiatus, and I have made a lot of great new friends along the way. I've enjoyed your videos, livestreams, and other content for years now and look forward to all the new things you have coming down the pipeline. As much as this has changed your life, and those of your friends out there, it has changed mine as well, and I imagine has had a positive impact on so many others. Thank you all very much for all that you do and have done over the past bunch of years.
Just wanted to say that you got me through my anxiety of becoming a first time DM. Thank you so much for your videos, which I binged for probably a month or so leading up to my very first campaign as DM. I was extremely nervous about how to run a game, and your videos helped me better understand the game and running it before I got behind the screen. Keep being awesome!
The Running the Game videos 100% inspired me to DM. I had just started playing again with 5e and was talking with a friend over lunch and he asked if I'd ever run. "I don't think I can. I don't think I know enough." It was this series that taught me, it's not about knowing everything, it's about creating a fun world and talking to the players.
I've taken the lessons I've learnt behind the screen into my work life. DMing a game isn't that far off from managing, and I've done a couple of talks on that very subject. But I use a lot of the points from videos like these to explain that being in charge is a game of balance between running things and letting others bring their experience and thoughts to make the product or story better.
Thanks for the inspiriation.
I started with a very narrow mindset, fledgling, with many mistakes, and limitations that I placed upon myself. You helped me broaden my horizons. Branch out beyond D&D and Pathfinder, unshackle myself as a slave to the rules. And most importantly... you taught me how to stop worrying and love the bomb. To actually have fun while running. Thank you, Matt. Happy 100th.
Honestly, this series majorly changed my life. It became the biggest influence on me and how I GM, what I do as a GM, and how to handle some of the hurdles as well as accepting when I flub it. I've even sent players this way when they were thinking of becoming GMs and they've become pretty damn good ones! All because of these videos. Because of your advice, Matt. Thank you, and congrats on 100. I hope that any and all episodes will be as great as the previous ones.
Sincere gratitude to be along for the ride. Also, Jerry has cuts as sharp as an obsidian knife.
As someone just got invited to be a player by two of my previous players.
who in turn where playing in my game when I started running (partly because of this channel)
This community has been a great resource, for building new generations of DM/GMs and confidence in people.
Is that The Campaign for North Africa next to Night Below? Beautiful
Also, congratulations! RTG really kickstarted me into DMing!
The downtime video and the action based monster video are things I come back to reference again and again. Thanks so much for all of you and your team's hard efforts.
As someone for whom a group fell apart because of some players doing hour-long arguments, pretty hard disagree on players arguing about decisions in-game being perfectly fine. There are rare occasions where it can be understandable but most of the time it's indicative of an issue. For example - one player in my group had a combination of A) not being willing to accept any kind of plan he did not completely agree with, B) did not feel confident enough to take charge if others disagreed with him, and C) took any planning session as purely whiteroom argument, completely forgetting that it's a TTRPG and there is the option of acquiring more information, or making preparations, etc. etc. - no, a proper plan had to be flawless with no risks and executable immediately after finishing the planning.
I think your scenario may not be what Matt is talking about. People arguing about *anything* for an hour, let alone a game, is not ok.
Imo there's nothing wrong with short arguments about strategy or rules, but as a DM the onus is on you to manage your players' expectations and attitudes, before they boil over and make your job as an entertainer impossible. How much of your scenario could have been prevented by speaking to this friend privately? Matt and other DMs I respect have all talked about this too, pulling people aside, either after or during a session, when their attitude is ruining other people's fun.
As many other have said, your videos and this show was the biggest reason I developed the confidence to actually start running games, and now it's my main hobby I engage with every day of my life. Thank you for providing helpful and very straightforward advice!
Matt, this whole series has been packed full of great stuff, it's inspired the design of my setting, spiced up my combat encounters, helped me craft intrigue, and for all of that and more I just want to say thank you! I look forward to watching your video when I get home from seeing some family.
I blazed through the entire Running the Game series in quarantine, they kept me company during workouts, chores, runs, and more. I am a vastly more confident DM than when I started and I cannot thank you enough. D&D is a tool for me to see my friends on a regular schedule and try to tell great stories, and the better I am the more likely I'll get to keep those stories going. I'm currently running a new group through Against the Cult of the Reptile God, yet another influence of yours on my D&D journey.
I have been so inspired by your work, Matt Colville, and I'll be a stalwart supporter of whatever you do next. Thank you very much for your videos and congratulations on your success.
I love how Matt references so many icons in the history of DnD during his videos, and I bet you years from now, Matt Colville and MCDM will be dnd cultural mainstays.
And I swear, the dude has a charisma and wisdom score of 30+ each. My cheeks were growing sore from smiling so much while watching this video.
I have been a silent observer of your TH-cam videos, streams, and a kickstarer backer but wanted to take this moment just to express the gratitude I have for you and everyone in the community you have made. With your advice I became a DM for my wife and friends and now even for my 7 year old it has been an amazing 6 year journey as we near the end of that first campaign I started with your work of encouragement through a TH-cam video and can not thank you enough for all you have done and continue to do. Thank you Matt.
matt, i really appreciate the part were you tell about how you career going from good to outstanding was based on luck, I feel like one of the major drawbacks of today's hyper individualism is that we all forget how much luck plays a role in the world
Great advice. Congrats on 100 Running the Game episodes!
"Running the Game 100" made me think it was a precursor to the "101" that the rest of the series is, and it didn't occur to me that it was the 100th episode.
I stumbled across this channel about 18 months ago. Right around the time I started to DM. I can’t express how helpful they’ve been.
Thanks for running them and all the best for the future of MCDM.
The first episode of The Chain is what did it to me. That first cinematic boss fight made me want to DM and do it seriously.
This channel's first 5 videos got me into DMing almost 3 years ago, and I've run weekly since then. It took away the fear and mystique of roleplaying and got me to convince my friends (who almost all still play) to come along on that journey with me.
Action-oriented monsters was also hugely impactful for my style, almost all my big bad bosses have villain actions now. These videos are an excellent introduction to this wonderful hobby of ours.
Gotta get on that D&D book naming trend. "Colville's Compendium of Combatants" xD Can't believe its been so long already.
I found this channel when I was already a DM, albeit not very experienced, or good. I had hit a roadblock prepping my next campaign. I thought I knew everything from the first five videos, but that the content was entertaining.
I was wrong about that first part.
I've thrown out basically everything I wrote before finding Running the Game. I don't do everything Matt suggests, but when I don't, I know why I don't. I have actually thought about my design choices, rather than just throwing content down, and hoping it works.
As a result, I've now run my longest, and most successful campaign. I think Matt, and the MCDM crew deserve a lot of the credit for that.