Keith Baker and Monte Cook Will Lead Workshops at DMU

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs run fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are highly favored among career game masters who infrequently find the opportunity to participate as players themselves, and they often ask for tips from experts on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and crafting riddles to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the planners began crafting a systematic approach to address these questions, which led to the creation of the Dungeon Master Academy. The inaugural event is planned for the start of 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“There are numerous digital guides on almost every theme and gain significant knowledge, but the philosophy was that nothing compares to face-to-face interaction together with other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with seasoned educators and other game masters who are probably in comparable situations and aim to improve their skills,” stated the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Course Offerings and Ticket Packages

Game masters can opt for packages ranging from $995 to $2.5K, according to the amount of contact they desire with the instructors. 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 designing extended campaigns.
• Universe Design: Highlights the development of worlds.
• Career Building: Tailored to dungeon masters who seek to understand more about the gaming industry.

Every class includes two days of instruction spread over two days.

“The classes are designed so that you leave with usable skills, probably greater confidence, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl noted. “It's more than presentations and they exceed pre-recorded material. These workshops that you can join, learn from, and then head back to your table the week after and implement in your local game.”

Expert Instructors

The majority of workshops are taught by duo of instructors. Universe creation is taught by the founder of Monte Cook Games and Keith Baker, both teaching the art of worldbuilding.

Professional development presents four different teachers, such as Elisa Teague, Clint McElroy, and an early professional game master. The expanded teaching staff is designed to provide specialized information to attendees with specific goals.

“Certain participants plan to create their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, others aim to release and develop fresh ideas,” Carl stated. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at an event like an immersive experience? What capabilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Higher Tiers

A $1.5K premium package offers access to a introductory event, a starter kit, and a half-hour consultation appointment with an instructor. This constitutes the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the team has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between game sessions at their premium gatherings.

“One could practically host an full two days just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl said. “I don’t know if that’s the most effective utilization of everybody’s time – I believe the coursework and the practical exercises is highly beneficial – but I believe it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2.5K premium option offers an extended personal consultation and the chance to run a game for a small group plus a teacher, who will then offer feedback and guidance.

“The aim is for the faculty member to evaluate whatever the DM is concerned with: I have difficulty with improvisation or I get blocked in specific fight encounters. May I present a scenario for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl detailed. “Perhaps they want to obtain critique and guidance on a specific world that they’ve been building.”

Future Plans

Responses from the first event will help shape subsequent DMU events. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include increasing consultation time, making it longer to three days, or experimenting with different seminar structures.

“I anticipate that we do this very often,” Carl said. “I really want to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a single year, in multiple places, and in different countries. The reception has been overwhelmingly favorable. We’re very happy with the results so far and I feel it would be fantastic to be able to organize these in conjunction with major events.”