How to be a Great Gamemaster

Guy Sclanders

He/Him

"Oh, don't ask. He's so old he'd played this color box and that color book and blah blah blah. If you ask me, he was playing D&D in the womb. And don't ask about where he's played it. Everywhere. That's the short answer. The only continent he's not played on is South America. Isn't that interesting? No? I didn't think so either.

He's a giant geek, and a nerd and if you really want to avoid being stuck in a conversation with him, don't mention history, Star Trek, or Star Wars. In short, he likes to talk, loves to learn, and isn't afraid to engage in conversation. You've been warned."

Storytelling has been a part of Guy's life since he was old enough to hold a crayon in his fingers. Growing up in a family of storytellers, Dungeons and Dragons was not really a choice game, but a way of life. From the early age of 10 he began playing, and hasn't stopped since. Studying Film, and specifically scriptwriting at the Durban University of Technology, and working in the television industry as an award-winning script writer and voice actor, Guy focused on mastering his craft: telling good stories.

In 2016 Guy started the YouTube channel: How to be a Great GM which, today, boasts over 200 000 subscribers and an active and loyal following on twitter and discord. Producing over 500 videos on how to tell a better story within the RPG context quickly moved from passion to full time occupation when in 2018 Guy published his first book: The complete guide to creating Epic campaigns. With over 25 000 PDF copies sold, it proved to be the first of many books. In 2019 Guy was the DM for the official D&D Twitch channel and ran two successful seasons for the Ghosts of Saltmarsh supplemental book, and later for the Descent into Avernus book.

Since then, Guy has continued to write books, most recently successfully kickstarting his latest book: The practical guide to becoming a great GM. He continues to run games, make videos and write and now lives in London, England - the place where dragons live...

Game Style

Guy Sclanders loves to create epic, heroic-style situations where players' characters rise to impossible challenges and defeat mighty, terrifying foes. Together, he and his players build the campaign around something huge, grand, and spectacular that all will remember for decades.

Darkness always lurks in the corners, but light banishes it, and comedy—sometimes sharp, sometimes silly—helps laugh away the tears. His storytelling is a thrilling roller-coaster of subtle clues, mysterious minions, and a lot of fun, leaving players deeply immersed in a world of adventure and camaraderie.

Upcoming Events with Guy Sclanders

D&D in a Castle | UK | April 15 - 19, 2026

D&D in a Castle | UK

Lothmere Castle (Darlington, UK)

April 15–19, 2026

Imagine D&D Heaven. Well-prepared, top-tier Dungeon Masters, invested players, iconic monsters, custom minis, epic terrain, and unforgettable Campaigns, and immersive fantastical settings - all await you at D&D in a Castle.

From $3,400.00
Price varies by registration
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Dungeon Master University Branch Campus | UK

Lothmere Castle (Darlington, UK)

April 19–20, 2026

Where Dungeon Masters gather to hone their craft under the tutelage of industry professionals. The Dungeon Master University is the first event of its kind, a conference-style retreat focused entirely on the art of Dungeon Mastering. Branch Campuses are pop-up DMU Events with Guest Faculty and Self-Selected Training.

$800.00
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D&D in a Castle | UK | April 21 - 25, 2026

D&D in a Castle | UK

Lothmere Castle (Darlington, UK)

April 21–25, 2026

Imagine D&D Heaven. Well-prepared, top-tier Dungeon Masters, invested players, iconic monsters, custom minis, epic terrain, and unforgettable Campaigns, and immersive fantastical settings - all await you at D&D in a Castle.

From $3,400.00
Price varies by registration
View Event
D&D in a Castle | UK | August 11 - 15, 2026

D&D in a Castle | UK

Lothmere Castle (Darlington, UK)

August 11–15, 2026

Imagine D&D Heaven. Well-prepared, top-tier Dungeon Masters, invested players, iconic monsters, custom minis, epic terrain, and unforgettable Campaigns, and immersive fantastical settings - all await you at D&D in a Castle.

From $3,400.00
Price varies by registration
View Event
D&D in a Castle | UK | August 16 - 20, 2026

D&D in a Castle | UK

Lothmere Castle (Darlington, UK)

August 16–20, 2026

Imagine D&D Heaven. Well-prepared, top-tier Dungeon Masters, invested players, iconic monsters, custom minis, epic terrain, and unforgettable Campaigns, and immersive fantastical settings - all await you at D&D in a Castle.

From $3,400.00
Price varies by registration
View Event

D&D in a Castle | UK

Lothmere Castle (Darlington, UK)

October 9–13, 2026

Imagine D&D Heaven. Well-prepared, top-tier Dungeon Masters, invested players, iconic monsters, custom minis, epic terrain, and unforgettable Campaigns, and immersive fantastical settings - all await you at D&D in a Castle.

From $3,400.00
Price varies by registration
View Event

D&D in a Castle | UK

Lothmere Castle (Darlington, UK)

October 16–20, 2026

Imagine D&D Heaven. Well-prepared, top-tier Dungeon Masters, invested players, iconic monsters, custom minis, epic terrain, and unforgettable Campaigns, and immersive fantastical settings - all await you at D&D in a Castle.

From $3,400.00
Price varies by registration
View Event

D&D in a Castle | UK

Lothmere Castle (Darlington, UK)

October 21–25, 2026

Imagine D&D Heaven. Well-prepared, top-tier Dungeon Masters, invested players, iconic monsters, custom minis, epic terrain, and unforgettable Campaigns, and immersive fantastical settings - all await you at D&D in a Castle.

From $3,400.00
Price varies by registration
View Event