Keith Baker and Monte Cook Will Lead Sessions at Dungeon Master University
Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters lead fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at an American castle venue. These all-inclusive trips are especially popular among career game masters who rarely get the moment to actually play themselves, and they often seek advice from the pros on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and creating challenges to managing conflicts at the table.
In response, the planners began developing a organized method to tackle these topics, which led to the founding of Dungeon Master University. The first session is scheduled for early January 2026 at Oglethorpe University.
“You can watch thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and learn quite a lot, but the idea was that there’s just no substitute an in-person experience alongside peers in game mastering, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and other game masters who are probably in comparable situations and aim to improve their skills,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.
Available Classes and Ticket Packages
DMs can opt for options ranging from $995 to $2,500, depending on the level of access they desire with the professionals. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes:
- Skill Building: Focuses on the essentials of managing a session.
- Long-Term Game Planning: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games.
- Setting Creation: Emphasizes the development of worlds.
- Career Building: Aimed at DMs who seek to understand more about the tabletop profession.
Every class includes eight hours of classwork spread over two days.
“The courses are structured so that you walk away with immediate practical outcomes, increased self-assurance, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These classes that you can participate in, learn from, and then head back to your table the next week and put into practice in your local game.”
Expert Instructors
The majority of workshops are instructed by duo of instructors. Setting design is guided by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, both teaching the craft of setting creation.
Professional development features four different teachers, such as an author on gaming puzzles, Clint McElroy, and Hunter Fell. The expanded teaching staff is intended to offer targeted guidance to students with particular aims.
“Certain participants plan to create their own D&D actual play and share their stories with the world, others aim to release and create new material,” Carl stated. “Others simply wish to ask, How do I get to be a DM at something like an immersive experience? What are the skills that I need? Is this achievable?”
Advanced Options
A $1.5K premium package includes access to a welcome reception, a welcome gift pack, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with a teacher. This marks the debut of the program, though the company has previously run similar events during breaks between campaigns at their premium gatherings.
“One could practically host an complete event just on office hours for expert DMs,” Carl said. “I'm not certain if that’s the most effective utilization of each attendee's hours – I think the structured learning and the lab work is extremely important – but I think it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”
The $2,500 top package offers an hour of one-on-one time and the possibility to lead a session for five players plus a teacher, who will then provide notes and guidance.
“The aim is for the instructor to assess any element is concerned with: I have difficulty with improv or I feel stuck in certain battle scenarios. May I present a scenario for you and obtain advice on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl detailed. “Or maybe they want to obtain critique and information on a particular setting that they’ve been creating.”
Next Steps
Feedback from the first event will help determine upcoming academy workshops. Carl said that likely modifications could include adding more office hours, lengthening the event to three days, or trying out alternative workshop formats.
“I anticipate that we do this regularly,” Carl stated. “I would love to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a given year, in various locations, and in multiple countries. The response has been really terrific. We're extremely satisfied with current developments and I think it would be wonderful to be able to do this in partnership with big conventions.”