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

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing immersive events where professional dungeon masters run D&D games in historic castles in England and at a U.S. castle resort. These all-inclusive trips are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the chance to join in the game themselves, and they often seek advice from experts on topics ranging from improv and puzzle design to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the coordinators began crafting a systematic approach to address these questions, which led to the creation of DMU. The first session is scheduled for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“There are numerous digital guides on virtually any subject and learn quite a lot, but the concept was that there’s just no substitute an in-person experience alongside other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and your fellow DMs who are probably in a similar position and aim to improve their skills,” noted the program's dean.

Course Offerings and Cost Levels

Dungeon Masters can select packages ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2,500, according to the degree of interaction they desire with the instructors. The starting package includes selection from four classes:

• Skill Building: Focuses on the basics of leading a game.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Centers on designing extended campaigns.
• Worldbuilding: Emphasizes the development of worlds.
• Professional Development: Designed for DMs who aim to explore more about the roleplaying business.

Every class includes two days of training spread over 48 hours.

“The workshops are structured so that you depart having tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and many practical techniques,” Carl said. “It's more than presentations and they exceed pre-recorded material. These workshops that you can join, absorb insights from, and then go right back home the following week and put into practice in your home campaign.”

Seasoned Educators

The majority of workshops are led by a pair of experts. Universe creation is guided by Monte Cook and a renowned campaign designer, both teaching the art of worldbuilding.

Industry advancement includes multiple instructors, such as an author on gaming puzzles, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The extra instructors is designed to offer targeted guidance to attendees with definite objectives.

“Various attendees want to launch their own D&D actual play and display their adventures with the world, several want to publish and write original content,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at something like a castle event? What capabilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Premium Packages

A $1,500 enhanced option provides access to a introductory event, a welcome gift pack, and a brief one-on-one appointment with an instructor. This constitutes the inaugural DMU session, though the company has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their premium gatherings.

“One could practically host an entire weekend just on consultation sessions for professional dungeon masters,” Carl said. “I don’t know if that’s the best use of everybody’s time – I believe the structured learning and the lab work is too valuable – but I suspect it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2,500 platinum tier offers an 60-minute private session and the chance to run a game for five players plus a teacher, who will then give comments and instruction.

“The goal is for the teacher to review whichever aspect is focused on: I have difficulty with improvisation or I feel stuck in this kind of combat situation. May I present a scenario for you and obtain advice on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl said. “Or maybe they want to receive input and information on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Future Plans

Feedback from the first event will help determine upcoming academy workshops. Carl said that possible changes could include adding more office hours, lengthening the event to a longer period, or experimenting with different seminar structures.

“I anticipate that we do this very often,” Carl expressed. “I really want to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a given year, in different cities, and in various nations. The reception has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're quite pleased with the results so far and I think it would be amazing to be able to conduct this in conjunction with major events.”