Keith Baker and Monte Cook Are Instructing Sessions at Dungeon Master Academy
Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters manage D&D games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among forever DMs who seldom have the opportunity to join in the game themselves, and they often look for guidance from experts on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.
In response, the coordinators began designing a organized method to answer these inquiries, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The inaugural event is scheduled for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University.
“It's possible to view numerous digital guides on almost every theme and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that there’s just no substitute an in-person experience together with peers in game mastering, where direct communication with seasoned educators and your peers likely in comparable situations and also want to enhance their abilities,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.
Course Offerings and Ticket Packages
DMs can opt for options ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, according to the level of access they desire with the instructors. The starting package includes one of four courses:
- Skill Building: Teaches the fundamentals of leading a game.
- Campaign Building: Is dedicated to designing extended campaigns.
- Worldbuilding: Emphasizes the crafting of environments.
- Industry Advancement: Designed for game masters who seek to understand more about the gaming industry.
Each course includes eight hours of training split over two days.
“The classes are structured so that you walk away with tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl noted. “It's more than presentations and they exceed pre-recorded material. These are sessions that you can attend, gain knowledge from, and then return to your group the week after and implement in your regular session.”
Professional Teachers
Many sessions are taught by a pair of experts. Worldbuilding is guided by Monte Cook and the creator of Eberron, together instructing the art of worldbuilding.
Professional development presents several experts, such as an author on gaming puzzles, Clint McElroy, and a pioneering DM. The additional faculty is designed to provide specialized information to students with definite objectives.
“Some of them aim to start their own D&D actual play and present their narratives with the world, others plan to produce and create new material,” Carl stated. “Others simply wish to ask, What does it take to be a DM at an event like D&D in a Castle? What capabilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”
Premium Packages
A $1.5K premium package offers access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with one of the faculty. This constitutes the debut of the program, though the team has previously run similar events during breaks between adventures at their premium gatherings.
“One could practically host an full two days just on one-on-one meetings for career game masters,” Carl observed. “I'm not certain if that’s the most effective utilization of all participants' schedule – I think the coursework and the lab work is extremely important – but I believe it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”
The $2,500 platinum tier provides an hour of one-on-one time and the opportunity to lead a session for a small group plus one of the faculty members, who will then give comments and guidance.
“The goal is for the teacher to review any element is interested in: I struggle with improv or I encounter obstacles in specific fight encounters. Could I demonstrate a situation for you and get feedback on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl explained. “Perhaps they want to obtain critique and information on a specific world that they’ve been building.”
Coming Developments
Responses from the first event will help guide subsequent DMU events. Carl said that potential adjustments could include increasing consultation time, lengthening the event to 72 hours, or testing different seminar structures.
“I anticipate that we host such events frequently,” Carl expressed. “I would love to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a given year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The response has been overwhelmingly favorable. We’re very happy with the results so far and I think it would be wonderful to be able to do this in collaboration with large gatherings.”
