Keith Baker and Keith Baker Will Lead Classes at Dungeon Master Academy

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing immersive events where experienced game masters lead D&D games in ancient fortresses 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 participate as players themselves, and they often ask for tips from the pros on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the coordinators began developing a structured way to address these questions, which led to the founding of DMU. The inaugural event is set for early January 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“There are numerous digital guides on almost every theme and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session alongside peers in game mastering, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and other game masters likely in comparable situations and seek to level up their game,” stated the program's dean.

Course Offerings and Ticket Packages

DMs can opt for packages ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2,500, based on the degree of interaction they desire with the experts. The starting package includes one of four courses:

• Skill Building: Focuses on the fundamentals of running D&D.
• Campaign Building: Focuses around designing extended campaigns.
• Universe Design: Emphasizes the art of setting design.
• Industry Advancement: Aimed at game masters who aim to explore more about the gaming industry.

Each course includes multiple sessions of classwork spread over two days.

“The workshops are designed so that you depart having immediate practical outcomes, enhanced belief in your abilities, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl explained. “It's more than presentations and they’re not just static videos. These classes that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then go right back home the week after and apply in your regular session.”

Professional Teachers

Many sessions are taught by a pair of experts. Worldbuilding is guided by the founder of Monte Cook Games and Keith Baker, both teaching the skill of universe design.

Professional development presents multiple instructors, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and a pioneering DM. The extra instructors is meant to deliver focused advice to participants with particular aims.

“Some of them aim to start their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, several plan to produce and write original content,” Carl said. “Others simply wish 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?”

Premium Packages

A $1.5K enhanced option offers access to a opening gathering, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with an instructor. This represents the debut of the program, though the organizers has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between campaigns at their immersive experiences.

“One could practically host an complete event just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl said. “I'm not certain if that’s the optimal application of all participants' schedule – I believe the coursework and the lab work is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2,500 top package provides an extended personal consultation and the opportunity to run a game for several participants plus one of the faculty members, who will then offer feedback and instruction.

“The goal is for the faculty member to review whichever aspect is concerned with: I have difficulty with improv or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. Could I demonstrate a scene for you and receive input on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl said. “Or maybe they want to receive input and information on a specific world that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Responses from the debut workshop will help determine future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl mentioned that likely modifications could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to 72 hours, or testing varied class arrangements.

“I hope that we conduct these regularly,” Carl expressed. “I would love to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in multiple places, and in multiple countries. The reception has been extremely positive. We're extremely satisfied with current developments and I think it would be wonderful to be able to organize these in collaboration with big conventions.”