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

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters run fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among long-time dungeon masters who infrequently find the moment to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the planners began developing a systematic approach to answer these inquiries, which led to the founding of Dungeon Master University. The debut workshop is planned for early January 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and acquire valuable insights, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces face-to-face interaction in the company of fellow DMs, where there’s live engagement with seasoned educators and your peers likely in a similar position and seek to improve their skills,” noted the program's dean.

Workshop Options and Cost Levels

DMs can choose from options ranging from $995 to two thousand five hundred dollars, according to the level of access they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes:

• Skill Building: Covers the essentials of managing a session.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Focuses around designing extended campaigns.
• Worldbuilding: Concentrates on the crafting of environments.
• Professional Development: Tailored to dungeon masters who aim to explore more about the gaming industry.

Each course includes two days of instruction split over 48 hours.

“The workshops are structured so that you depart having usable skills, probably greater confidence, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl noted. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These workshops that you can participate in, absorb insights from, and then head back to your table the next week and implement in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

Most classes are taught by two professors. Worldbuilding is led by an industry veteran and Keith Baker, together instructing the art of worldbuilding.

Career building features four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, a podcast co-host, and Hunter Fell. The expanded teaching staff is designed to deliver focused advice to participants with definite objectives.

“Some of them plan to create their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, some of them plan to produce and write original content,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, What's the path to be a DM at an event like a castle event? What are the skills that I need? Is this achievable?”

Premium Packages

A $1.5K enhanced option includes access to a opening gathering, a welcome gift pack, and a half-hour consultation appointment with a teacher. This marks the debut of the program, though the team has previously run similar events during breaks between campaigns at their castle events.

“It would be possible to organize an entire weekend just on one-on-one meetings for professional dungeon masters,” Carl observed. “I'm not certain if that’s the best use of all participants' schedule – I believe the coursework and the lab work is too valuable – but I suspect it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2,500 premium option includes an extended personal consultation and the opportunity to run a game for several participants plus an instructor, who will then provide notes and coaching.

“The goal is for the teacher to evaluate whatever the DM is focused on: I struggle with improvisation or I feel stuck in certain battle scenarios. Could I demonstrate a scene for you and receive input on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl said. “Or maybe they want to get feedback and guidance on a particular setting that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Input from the debut workshop will help guide future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl said that possible changes could include expanding one-on-one sessions, making it longer to a longer period, or testing different seminar structures.

“I expect that we conduct these regularly,” Carl expressed. “I would love to see numerous academy events in a calendar year, in different cities, and in multiple countries. The feedback has been overwhelmingly favorable. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I feel it would be fantastic to be able to do this in partnership with major events.”