TTRPG author Mike Shea has launched his Kickstarter for Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster. This crowdfunding campaign is for the latest book in Shea's "Lazy GM" series, packed with years' worth of advice on how to run exciting, memorable games at the table without putting in too much effort.

For those not aware, Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster is the culmination of 18 years' worth of GMing advice by Mike Shea. Shea got into the industry freelancing for several studios in 2011, including Wizards of the Coast, Kobold Press, and MCDM.

But Shea's most enduring contribution to the hobby is the Lazy DM series. What started as posts on Shea' Sly Flourish blog were slowly consolidated into books full of concise, helpful advice for aspiring Game Masters that can be applied to any game, setting, or system. Whether you're playing Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, or Daggerheart, these books will serve you well.

Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster is the fourth title in the series. The book is standalone but can be used in tandem with other Lazy DM books. It contains useful and practical advice on "the eight steps of lazy GM prep," a collection of tips from hundreds of veteran GMs, material on building compelling campaigns and worlds. and how to build and maintain healthy gaming tables both online and in-person.

On top of that, the book includes premade outlines and models for your moment-to-moment play. The pages contain ten adventure scenarios, ten common adventure types, a lazy GM toolbox with helpful tips and tricks, and even random tables and premade maps to slot into your game.

The pledge levels for the Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster Kickstarter campaign are as follows:

• Digital for $20: A PDF copy of the book
• Lazy GM Digital Bundle for $50: PDFs of Lazy DM, Lazy DM Companion, Lazy DM Workbook, Return of the Lazy DM, Forge of Foes, and Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster
• All-In Digital Bundle for $110: Everything in the Lazy GM Digital Bundle and PDF copies of City of Arches, Fantastic Lairs, Ruins of the Grendleroot, Fantastic Adventures, and Fantastic Locations
• Lazy GM Print + Digital Bundle for $145: Physical hardcover and PDF copies of Lazy M, Lazy DM Companion, Lazy DM Workbook, Return of the Lazy DM, Forge of Foes, and rise of the Lazy Gamemaster
• All-In Print + Digital Bundle for $220: Physical hardcover and digital copies of Lazy DM, Lazy DM Companion, Lazy DM Workbook, Return of the Lazy DM, Forge of Foes, Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster, City of Arches, Fantastic Lairs, Ruins of the Rendleroot, Fantastic Adventues, and Fantastic Locations

At the time of writing, the Rise of the Lazy Gamemaster Kickstarter campaign has raised $233,964, more than six times its initial funding goal of $35,000. The campaign ends on August 6, 2026.