Keith Baker and Monte Cook Are Instructing Classes at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running immersive events where professional dungeon masters lead D&D games in old manors in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among forever DMs who seldom have the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often look for guidance from the pros on topics ranging from improv and crafting riddles to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the organizers began designing a systematic approach to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The first session is set for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“There are numerous digital guides on virtually any subject and learn quite a lot, but the concept was that there’s just no substitute a live, hands-on session in the company of other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and other game masters who are probably in a similar position and seek to improve their skills,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Workshop Options and Ticket Packages

DMs can choose from packages ranging from $995 to $2.5K, depending on the amount of contact they desire with the experts. The starting package includes selection from four classes:

• Foundational Skills: Teaches the essentials of running D&D.
• Campaign Building: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games.
• Setting Creation: Highlights the development of worlds.
• Professional Development: Tailored to dungeon masters who seek to understand more about the gaming industry.

All workshops includes eight hours of instruction split over two days.

“The classes are structured so that you depart having tangible results, probably greater confidence, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl noted. “They’re not just lectures and they’re not just static videos. These are sessions that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then return to your group the next week and put into practice in your home campaign.”

Professional Teachers

Most classes are led by a pair of experts. Worldbuilding is taught by an industry veteran and the creator of Eberron, together instructing the craft of setting creation.

Career building features multiple instructors, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and a pioneering DM. The extra instructors is designed to provide specialized information to participants with particular aims.

“Various attendees aim to start their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, several plan to produce and create new material,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? What capabilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A $1.5K enhanced option includes access to a welcome reception, a welcome gift pack, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with a teacher. This constitutes the debut of the program, though the company has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between adventures at their immersive experiences.

“It would be possible to organize an entire weekend just on one-on-one meetings for professional dungeon masters,” Carl observed. “I don’t know if that’s the best use of each attendee's hours – In my opinion the formal instruction and the lab work is too valuable – but I suspect it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2.5K top package provides an hour of one-on-one time and the opportunity to lead a session for five players plus an instructor, who will then provide notes and instruction.

“The aim is for the teacher to review whatever the DM is interested in: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. May I present a scene for you and receive input on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl explained. “Perhaps they want to obtain critique and information on a particular setting that they’ve been developing.”

Future Plans

Responses from the first event will help shape future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl said that potential adjustments could include increasing consultation time, extending the program to three days, or experimenting with different seminar structures.

“I anticipate that we do this frequently,” Carl expressed. “I really want to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in multiple places, and in multiple countries. The response has been really terrific. We’re very happy with current developments and I feel it would be amazing to be able to conduct this in conjunction with major events.”