Keith Baker and Monte Cook Are Teaching Workshops at DMU

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters lead fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among forever DMs who infrequently find the chance to join in the game themselves, and they often seek advice from the pros on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the planners began designing a systematic approach to tackle these topics, which led to the creation of Dungeon Master University. The debut workshop is set for early January 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“There are thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and acquire valuable insights, but the philosophy was that nothing compares to face-to-face interaction in the company of fellow DMs, where direct communication with seasoned educators and other game masters who are probably in a similar position and aim to enhance their abilities,” noted the program's dean.

Course Offerings and Cost Levels

Game masters can opt for options ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2.5K, based on the amount of contact they desire with the professionals. The entry-level option includes one of four courses:

• Foundational Skills: Teaches the essentials of managing a session.
• Story Arc Development: Centers on designing extended campaigns.
• Worldbuilding: Emphasizes the development of worlds.
• Career Building: Designed for dungeon masters who seek to understand more about the roleplaying business.

Every class includes two days of instruction split over two days.

“The classes are created so that you depart having tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl noted. “It's more than presentations and they go beyond recorded content. These classes that you can participate in, learn from, and then go right back home the week after and put into practice in your regular session.”

Professional Teachers

Many sessions are instructed by a pair of experts. Universe creation is guided by an industry veteran and the creator of Eberron, together instructing the art of worldbuilding.

Industry advancement includes several experts, such as a puzzle design specialist, an entertainment professional, and an early professional game master. The expanded teaching staff is designed to deliver focused advice to attendees with definite objectives.

“Certain participants aim to start their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, several aim to release and develop fresh ideas,” Carl stated. “Several only seek to ask, How do I get to be a DM at something like a castle event? What capabilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Premium Packages

A $1.5K premium package offers access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a brief one-on-one appointment with an instructor. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the organizers has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between game sessions at their castle events.

“You could almost run an full two days just on office hours for career game masters,” Carl mentioned. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of all participants' schedule – I think the structured learning and the lab work is highly beneficial – but I think it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar platinum tier provides an 60-minute private session and the opportunity to lead a session for a small group plus a teacher, who will then give comments and coaching.

“The purpose is for the instructor to evaluate whatever the DM is interested in: I struggle with improv or I feel stuck in certain battle scenarios. Could I demonstrate a scenario for you and receive input on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl detailed. “Perhaps they want to get feedback and information on a particular setting that they’ve been building.”

Future Plans

Responses from the first event will help determine future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to 72 hours, or trying out different seminar structures.

“I hope that we do this regularly,” Carl stated. “I would love to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a calendar year, in different cities, and in multiple countries. The reception has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I think it would be wonderful to be able to conduct this in conjunction with large gatherings.”