Keith Baker along with Keith Baker Are Teaching Workshops at Dungeon Master University

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters run fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are widely appreciated among career game masters who seldom have the opportunity to join in the game themselves, and they often ask for tips from experts on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the organizers began crafting a organized method to answer these inquiries, which led to the establishment of DMU. The debut workshop is set for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“It's possible to view countless online tutorials on virtually any subject and gain significant knowledge, but the concept was that nothing compares to an in-person experience in the company of fellow DMs, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and your fellow DMs likely in a similar position and also want to enhance their abilities,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Course Offerings and Ticket Packages

Dungeon Masters can choose from packages ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, according to the amount of contact they desire with the experts. The starting package includes one of four courses:

• Core Techniques: Teaches the basics of running D&D.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Centers on crafting long-running games.
• Universe Design: Highlights the crafting of environments.
• Career Building: Tailored to dungeon masters who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.

Each course includes eight hours of classwork divided across 48 hours.

“The classes are created so that you walk away with immediate practical outcomes, enhanced belief in your abilities, and many practical techniques,” Carl noted. “They’re not just lectures and they go beyond recorded content. These are sessions that you can participate in, gain knowledge from, and then return to your group the next week and implement in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

Most classes are taught by duo of instructors. Setting design is led by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, both teaching the skill of universe design.

Professional development features four different teachers, such as an author on gaming puzzles, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The extra instructors is designed to offer targeted guidance to students with specific goals.

“Some of them aim to start their own D&D actual play and share their stories with the world, some of them plan to produce and create new material,” Carl explained. “Several only seek to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like an immersive experience? Which abilities that I need? Is this achievable?”

Higher Tiers

A $1,500 premium package provides access to a opening gathering, a starter kit, and a half-hour consultation appointment with an instructor. This represents the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the company has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between campaigns at their castle events.

“One could practically host an complete event just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl observed. “I don’t know if that’s the optimal application of each attendee's hours – I think the structured learning and the practical exercises is highly beneficial – but I believe it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2,500 premium option provides an extended personal consultation and the chance to lead a session for a small group plus one of the faculty members, who will then give comments and coaching.

“The goal is for the instructor to review any element is focused on: I have difficulty with improvisation or I get blocked in certain battle scenarios. Could I demonstrate a scene for you and receive input on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl said. “Alternatively they want to get feedback and advice on a particular setting that they’ve been building.”

Next Steps

Input from the inaugural session will help guide subsequent DMU events. Carl suggested that likely modifications could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to three days, or testing alternative workshop formats.

“I anticipate that we host such events frequently,” Carl expressed. “I truly hope to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a calendar year, in various locations, and in multiple countries. The response has been really terrific. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I feel it would be wonderful to be able to conduct this in collaboration with major events.”