Keith Baker and Keith Baker Are Teaching Sessions at Dungeon Master Academy

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs manage fantasy roleplaying games in old manors in Britain and at an American castle venue. The full-service getaways are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the opportunity to join in the game themselves, and they often ask for tips from the pros on topics ranging from improvisation and puzzle design to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the coordinators began designing a structured way to address these questions, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The debut workshop is set for early January 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session in the company of fellow DMs, where there’s live engagement with seasoned educators and other game masters likely in the same boat and aim to level up their game,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Available Classes and Cost Levels

Game masters can choose from packages ranging from $995 to $2,500, depending on the level of access they desire with the professionals. The entry-level option includes one of four courses:

• Core Techniques: Covers the basics of running D&D.
• Story Arc Development: Is dedicated to building persistent adventures.
• Worldbuilding: Concentrates on the development of worlds.
• Industry Advancement: Designed for DMs who seek to understand more about the gaming industry.

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

“The workshops are designed so that you leave with 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 are sessions that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then go right back home the next week and implement in your home campaign.”

Expert Instructors

Most classes are led by two professors. Worldbuilding is taught by the founder of Monte Cook Games and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the art of worldbuilding.

Career building includes multiple instructors, such as Elisa Teague, a podcast co-host, and an early professional game master. The expanded teaching staff is designed to provide specialized information to participants with specific goals.

“Certain participants plan to create their own D&D actual play and display their adventures with the world, several aim to release and create new material,” Carl said. “Several only seek to ask, What's the path to be a DM at an event like D&D in a Castle? What capabilities that I need? Is this achievable?”

Higher Tiers

A $1.5K gold tier offers access to a opening gathering, a welcome gift pack, and a brief one-on-one appointment with a teacher. This constitutes the inaugural DMU session, though the team has previously run Castle Days during breaks between adventures at their premium gatherings.

“You could almost run an entire weekend just on office hours for career game masters,” Carl mentioned. “I don’t know if that’s the optimal application of each attendee's hours – In my opinion the formal instruction and the hands-on activities is highly beneficial – but I suspect it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar top package offers an 60-minute private session and the possibility to manage an adventure for several participants plus a teacher, who will then offer feedback and guidance.

“The aim is for the instructor to review any element is focused on: Hey I don’t do well with improv or I encounter obstacles in specific fight encounters. Could I demonstrate a situation for you and receive input on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to get feedback and information on a specific world that they’ve been developing.”

Future Plans

Input from the debut workshop will help determine upcoming academy workshops. Carl said that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, lengthening the event to 72 hours, or trying out different seminar structures.

“I anticipate that we host such events regularly,” Carl stated. “I would love to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in different cities, and in multiple countries. The feedback has been extremely positive. We're quite pleased with what we’re seeing and I feel it would be fantastic to be able to conduct this in conjunction with major events.”