Keith Baker along with Monte Cook Will Lead Classes at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters run fantasy roleplaying games in old manors in England and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are especially popular among career game masters who seldom have the moment to actually play themselves, and they often ask for tips from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the organizers began developing a structured way to tackle these topics, which led to the creation of DMU. The debut workshop is planned for the start of 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on almost every theme and acquire valuable insights, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces face-to-face interaction alongside peers in game mastering, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and your peers who are probably in a similar position and also want to improve their skills,” explained the program's dean.

Available Classes and Pricing Tiers

Dungeon Masters can choose from packages ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to two thousand five hundred dollars, based on the level of access they desire with the professionals. The starting package includes selection from four classes:

• Skill Building: Teaches the basics of running D&D.
• Story Arc Development: Centers on designing extended campaigns.
• Setting Creation: Emphasizes the development of worlds.
• Industry Advancement: Aimed at game masters who want to learn more about the gaming industry.

Every class includes multiple sessions of instruction divided across a weekend.

“The workshops are structured so that you depart having immediate practical outcomes, probably greater confidence, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “It's more than presentations and they go beyond recorded content. These are sessions that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then head back to your table the following week and apply in your local game.”

Expert Instructors

Many sessions are taught by a pair of experts. Universe creation is guided by an industry veteran and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the skill of universe design.

Professional development presents several experts, such as a puzzle design specialist, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The additional faculty is designed to deliver focused advice to participants with specific goals.

“Certain participants want to launch their own live gameplay show and share their stories with the world, others aim to release and develop fresh ideas,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, How do I get to be a DM at something like a castle event? What are the skills that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Advanced Options

A $1,500 premium package offers access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with an instructor. This represents the inaugural DMU session, though the organizers has previously run similar events during breaks between game sessions at their premium gatherings.

“It would be possible to organize an complete event just on consultation sessions for career game masters,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the optimal application of all participants' schedule – In my opinion the structured learning and the hands-on activities is extremely important – but I believe it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar platinum tier provides an extended personal consultation and the possibility to lead a session for a small group plus a teacher, who will then give comments and instruction.

“The purpose is for the faculty member to review whatever the DM is interested in: I struggle with improv or I encounter obstacles in certain battle scenarios. May I present a scenario for you and obtain advice on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl explained. “Alternatively they want to obtain critique and information on a specific world that they’ve been building.”

Future Plans

Responses from the inaugural session will help determine future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl said that likely modifications could include expanding one-on-one sessions, lengthening the event to 72 hours, or trying out varied class arrangements.

“I anticipate that we conduct these very often,” Carl stated. “I would love to see numerous academy events in a single year, in various locations, and in various nations. The response has been overwhelmingly favorable. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I think it would be fantastic to be able to do this in conjunction with major events.”