Keith Baker along with Monte Cook Are Instructing Workshops at Dungeon Master University

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs run D&D games in old manors in Britain and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are widely appreciated among forever DMs who seldom have the moment to join in the game themselves, and they often seek advice from experts on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and puzzle design to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the organizers began crafting a organized method to answer these inquiries, which led to the creation of Dungeon Master University. The first session is set for early January 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“There are numerous digital guides on almost every theme and gain significant knowledge, but the idea was that nothing compares to an in-person experience in the company of peers in game mastering, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and your fellow DMs who are probably in the same boat and aim to enhance their abilities,” stated the program's dean.

Course Offerings and Cost Levels

Game masters can select packages ranging from $995 to two thousand five hundred dollars, based on the amount of contact they desire with the experts. The starting package includes selection from four classes:

• Skill Building: Covers the basics of leading a game.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Focuses around designing extended campaigns.
• Universe Design: Concentrates on the crafting of environments.
• Professional Development: Designed for DMs who seek to understand more about the gaming industry.

All workshops includes two days of classwork spread over a weekend.

“The workshops are created so that you depart having immediate practical outcomes, enhanced belief in your abilities, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl said. “They’re not just lectures and they exceed pre-recorded material. These workshops that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then head back to your table the week after and put into practice in your regular session.”

Professional Teachers

The majority of workshops are taught by a pair of experts. Universe creation is taught by the founder of Monte Cook Games and Keith Baker, together instructing the skill of universe design.

Industry advancement presents four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, a podcast co-host, and Hunter Fell. The extra instructors is intended to deliver focused advice to attendees with particular aims.

“Some of them aim to start their own D&D actual play and present their narratives with the world, others want to publish and create new material,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, What's the path to be a DM at something like D&D in a Castle? Which abilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A fifteen hundred dollar gold tier includes access to a introductory event, a welcome gift pack, and a half-hour consultation appointment with one of the faculty. This represents the debut of the program, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between adventures at their immersive experiences.

“It would be possible to organize an entire weekend just on office hours for expert DMs,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the most effective utilization of everybody’s time – I think the coursework and the lab work is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2,500 premium option provides an hour of one-on-one time and the chance to run a game for several participants plus one of the faculty members, who will then provide notes and guidance.

“The aim is for the instructor to evaluate any element is interested in: I struggle with spontaneous decisions or I feel stuck in specific fight encounters. Can I run a scenario for you and receive input on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl said. “Or maybe they want to obtain critique and information on a specific world that they’ve been developing.”

Coming Developments

Feedback from the debut workshop will help determine future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl mentioned that likely modifications could include expanding one-on-one sessions, making it longer to a longer period, or trying out varied class arrangements.

“I expect that we do this regularly,” Carl expressed. “I would love to see numerous academy events in a calendar year, in different cities, and in various nations. The response has been really terrific. We're extremely satisfied with current developments and I believe it would be fantastic to be able to conduct this in collaboration with large gatherings.”