Keith Baker along with Monte Cook Are Teaching Workshops at Dungeon Master Academy

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing immersive events where experienced game masters run D&D games in historic castles in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are especially popular among career game masters who rarely get the opportunity to actually play themselves, and they often ask for tips from experts on topics ranging from improvisation and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the organizers began designing a organized method to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The first session is scheduled for the start of 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“It's possible to view numerous digital guides on almost every theme and gain significant knowledge, but the concept was that nothing compares to a live, hands-on session alongside other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and other game masters who are probably in a similar position and also want to improve their skills,” noted the program's dean.

Available Classes and Ticket Packages

DMs can select options ranging from just under $1,000 to two thousand five hundred dollars, depending on the level of access they desire with the instructors. The starting package includes selection from four classes:

• Skill Building: Focuses on the essentials of managing a session.
• Story Arc Development: Focuses around building persistent adventures.
• Universe Design: Highlights the art of setting design.
• Professional Development: Aimed at dungeon masters who seek to understand more about the roleplaying business.

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

“The classes are created so that you depart having 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 implement in your local game.”

Professional Teachers

Many sessions are led by duo of instructors. Setting design is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and the creator of Eberron, together instructing the craft of setting creation.

Career building presents four different teachers, such as an author on gaming puzzles, an entertainment professional, and Hunter Fell. The expanded teaching staff is designed to provide specialized information to students with particular aims.

“Some of them aim to start their own live gameplay show and share their stories with the world, several plan to produce and write original content,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, How do I get to be a DM at something like D&D in a Castle? Which abilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A $1,500 enhanced option includes access to a opening gathering, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with a teacher. This marks the inaugural DMU session, though the team has previously run Castle Days during breaks between campaigns at their premium gatherings.

“One could practically host an full two days just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “It's unclear if that’s the optimal application of all participants' schedule – I think the formal instruction and the lab work is highly beneficial – but I believe it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2,500 top package provides an extended personal consultation and the possibility to run a game for five players plus a teacher, who will then give comments and guidance.

“The aim is for the faculty member to review any element is concerned with: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I feel stuck in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a scenario for you and receive input on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl said. “Or maybe they want to receive input and advice on a specific world that they’ve been developing.”

Coming Developments

Responses from the debut workshop will help determine subsequent DMU events. Carl mentioned that likely modifications could include increasing consultation time, extending the program to three days, or testing varied class arrangements.

“I expect that we conduct these very often,” Carl stated. “I would love to see numerous academy events in a given year, in various locations, and in different countries. The response has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be fantastic to be able to do this in collaboration with major events.”