Keith Baker along with Monte Cook Are Teaching Classes at Dungeon Master University

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting immersive events where professional dungeon masters run D&D games in old manors in Britain and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who rarely get the moment to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from the pros on topics ranging from improvisation and puzzle design to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the planners began developing a organized method to answer these inquiries, which led to the creation of the Dungeon Master Academy. The inaugural event is set for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“There are numerous digital guides on virtually any subject and acquire valuable insights, but the idea was that nothing compares to face-to-face interaction together with other dungeon masters, where direct communication with faculty instructors and your peers who are probably in comparable situations and seek to improve their skills,” stated the program's dean.

Workshop Options and Ticket Packages

Game masters can select tiers ranging from $995 to $2.5K, based on the level of access they desire with the experts. The base tier includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Covers the essentials of running D&D.
• Story Arc Development: Centers on crafting long-running games.
• Universe Design: Concentrates on the development of worlds.
• Career Building: Aimed at DMs who aim to explore more about the roleplaying business.

Each course includes two days of instruction divided across a weekend.

“The workshops are designed so that you depart having usable skills, probably greater confidence, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl explained. “They’re not just lectures and they’re not just static videos. These classes that you can participate in, gain knowledge from, and then return to your group the following week and put into practice in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

Many sessions are taught by duo of instructors. Setting design is taught by an industry veteran and Keith Baker, jointly leading the skill of universe design.

Professional development features several experts, such as a puzzle design specialist, an entertainment professional, and a pioneering DM. The additional faculty is intended to provide specialized information to attendees with specific goals.

“Various attendees aim to start their own live gameplay show and share their stories with the world, some of them want to publish and create new material,” Carl stated. “Some just want to ask, What's the path to be a DM at something like an immersive experience? What are the skills that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Premium Packages

A $1,500 enhanced option provides access to a opening gathering, a welcome gift pack, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with an instructor. This constitutes the inaugural DMU session, though the company has previously run Castle Days during breaks between adventures at their premium gatherings.

“It would be possible to organize an entire weekend just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “It's unclear if that’s the optimal application of each attendee's hours – I think the structured learning and the hands-on activities is too valuable – but I think it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2,500 top package provides an 60-minute private session and the chance to run a game for several participants plus a teacher, who will then offer feedback and coaching.

“The aim is for the teacher to review whatever the DM is interested in: I have difficulty with improvisation or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. May I present a scenario for you and obtain advice on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl said. “Alternatively they want to receive input and information on a specific world that they’ve been building.”

Coming Developments

Responses from the inaugural session will help guide upcoming academy workshops. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to three days, or trying out different seminar structures.

“I hope that we conduct these frequently,” Carl stated. “I would love to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in various locations, and in multiple countries. The feedback has been extremely positive. We're quite pleased with current developments and I believe it would be amazing to be able to do this in partnership with big conventions.”