Keith Baker and Monte Cook Are Instructing Classes at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters lead Dungeons & Dragons games in historic castles in Britain and at an American castle venue. These all-inclusive trips are highly favored among career game masters who seldom have the moment to join in the game themselves, and they often look for guidance from the pros on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and creating challenges to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the planners began designing a organized method to answer these inquiries, which led to the establishment of DMU. The inaugural event is set for January 2-3, 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on almost every theme and learn quite a lot, but the concept was that nothing compares to a live, hands-on session together with peers in game mastering, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and your fellow DMs who are probably in a similar position and aim to level up their game,” explained the program's dean.

Available Classes and Ticket Packages

DMs can opt for tiers ranging from just under $1,000 to $2.5K, depending on the level of access they desire with the professionals. The base tier includes selection from four classes:

• Foundational Skills: Focuses on the essentials of running D&D.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Focuses around designing extended campaigns.
• Setting Creation: Concentrates on the crafting of environments.
• Professional Development: Aimed at game masters who aim to explore more about the roleplaying business.

Each course includes multiple sessions of instruction divided across a weekend.

“The workshops are designed so that you walk away with tangible results, probably greater confidence, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they exceed pre-recorded material. These workshops that you can join, absorb insights from, and then head back to your table the week after and put into practice in your regular session.”

Professional Teachers

The majority of workshops are led by two professors. Setting design is taught by Monte Cook and the creator of Eberron, jointly leading the skill of universe design.

Career building presents multiple instructors, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is intended to deliver focused advice to students with definite objectives.

“Certain participants want to launch their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, others plan to produce and write original content,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like an immersive experience? What are the skills that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A fifteen hundred dollar premium package provides access to a welcome reception, a welcome gift pack, and a half-hour consultation appointment with a teacher. This constitutes the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the team has previously run Castle Days during breaks between adventures at their premium gatherings.

“One could practically host an full two days just on office hours for career game masters,” Carl mentioned. “I'm not certain if that’s the optimal application of everybody’s time – In my opinion the coursework and the practical exercises is extremely important – but I believe it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar platinum tier includes an hour of one-on-one time and the possibility to run a game for a small group plus a teacher, who will then provide notes and instruction.

“The goal is for the faculty member to assess any element is focused on: I struggle with improv or I get blocked in certain battle scenarios. May I present a situation for you and receive input on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl explained. “Alternatively they want to receive input and advice on a specific world that they’ve been building.”

Future Plans

Responses from the inaugural session will help guide subsequent DMU events. Carl mentioned that possible changes could include expanding one-on-one sessions, lengthening the event to 72 hours, or testing varied class arrangements.

“I anticipate that we host such events very often,” Carl expressed. “I truly hope to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a single year, in different cities, and in different countries. The reception has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're extremely satisfied with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be amazing to be able to do this in partnership with major events.”