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For many new and even veteran tabletop RPG players, the idea of becoming a first-time Gamemaster can feel a little intimidating. That’s exactly what New Gamemaster Month is hoping to overcome, offering would-be GMs tools, tips and the confidence to get behind the screen for the first time.
While technically new New Gamemaster Month takes place each February, the event actually kicks off in January, offering a series of hands-on seminars designed to get first-timers up to speed before the month begins. The event is also sponsored by some of the TTRPG industry’s biggest names, with materials, discounts and support for games like Daggerheart, Tales of the Valiant, Dungeon Crawl Classics and Numenera.
So just what can participants expect for New Gamemaster Month 2026? Below, we break out all the details.
What is New Gamemaster Month?
New Gamemaster Month is a month-long event that occurs each February and is designed to help new GMs navigate the process of running their very first tabletop RPG session. The event was founded in 2017 by Charles M. Ryan, the COO of Monte Cook Games, who started it as a series of blog posts designed to encourage first time GMs.
The event has since been hosted annually by Monte Cook Games and has grown significantly, getting its own dedicated website and support for a number of other major TTRPG publishers. The event kicks off in early January, at which time Monte Cook Games typically runs a series of twice-weekly posts, each of which is focused on a small, manageable part of the GMing process. This includes topics such as prepping an adventure, running scenes or handling rules at the table, each paired with one or more short activities. The goal is that by the end of January, participants are fully prepared to run their first full session as part of New Game Master Month in February. The larger goal is to also lower the barrier to entry for new GMs, building confidence and proving that GMing is far more approachable and fun than it may seem.
What publishers and games are supporting New GM Month 2026?
Each year, publishers involved with New Gamemaster Month select a specific TTRPG, which they encourage first time GMs to use during the lead up in January. In most cases, publishers offer discounts or even free copies of the rules to make it easy to jump in. For 2026, the publishers and games are as follows:
- Monte Cook Games – Numenera Discovery: You can get $10 off the PDF, hardcover or slipcase set by using the coupon code NewGamemasterMonth2026
- Pelgrane Press – Trail of Cthulhu: You can get $10 off by using the coupon code NewGamemasterMonth2025
- Arc Dream Publishing – Delta Green: You can download free quickstart rules, or get the $10 off the slipcase case by using the coupon code NewGamemasterMonth2025
- Pinnacle Entertainment Group –Savage Worlds: You can use the free test drive rules or get 50% off PDF or print versions of the Core Rules, Player’s Book or Accessory Box using coupon code NGMM
- Goodman Games – Dungeon Crawl Classics: You can get 20% off off the print or PDF version of the DCC core rulebook by using the coupon code GamemasterMonth2026
- Atlas Games – Magical Kitties Save the Day!: There is currently no discount for the core rules, but you can download a free adventure PDF
- Chaosium –Age of Vikings: You can get 20% off by a PDF of hardcover copy (including the leatherette version) using the coupon code NewGamemasterMonth2026
- Evil Hat Productions – Monster of the Week: There is currently no discount available, but you can pick up the rules online or at most local game stores.
- Kobold Press (Tales of the Valiant): You will need the Player’s Guide, which is available for 10% off via the link provided here.
- Darrington Press (Daggerheart): There is currently no discount available, but you can pick up the rules online or at most local game stores.
How can you get involved in New GM Month?
The 2026 version of New Gamemaster Month will start on January 6th, with sessions hosted online by Monte Cook Games weekly. To participate you’ll just need to complete the following steps:
- Choose a game to run from the list provided above and purchase the rules.
- Follow the New Gamemaster Month posts, which guide you step-by-step through preparation and play.
- Join the community,including the official Discord server and Facebook Group for added tips and tools
- Follow along on the NGMM website, for details on sessions
There’s no cost to participate beyond picking up the rulebook for your chosen game.
Final thoughts
New Gamemaster Month succeeds because it treats GMing as a skill you learn by doing, not a test you have to pass before you’re ready to start. By breaking the process into approachable steps and surrounding new GMs with a supportive community, it makes it easier for first timers to get off the sidelines and behind the screen.
You can learn more and get started today by visiting the New Gamemaster Month website.