Keith Baker along with Monte Cook Will Lead Classes at Dungeon Master University

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs run D&D games in old manors in the UK and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The full-service getaways are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who rarely get the opportunity to participate as players themselves, and they often ask for tips from experts on topics ranging from improvisation and puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the planners began crafting a structured way to address these questions, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The inaugural event is set for January 2-3, 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“You can watch countless online tutorials on almost every theme and gain significant knowledge, but the idea was that there’s just no substitute face-to-face interaction alongside fellow DMs, where direct communication with expert teachers and your fellow DMs who are probably in comparable situations and seek to level up their game,” noted Jason Carl.

Course Offerings and Ticket Packages

Game masters can select options ranging from $995 to two thousand five hundred dollars, based on the amount of contact they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes:

• Foundational Skills: Focuses on the essentials of running D&D.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Is dedicated to designing extended campaigns.
• Worldbuilding: Highlights the crafting of environments.
• Professional Development: Tailored to dungeon masters who seek to understand more about the roleplaying business.

Every class includes eight hours of training spread over two days.

“The workshops are structured so that you leave with tangible results, probably greater confidence, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “It's more than presentations and they exceed pre-recorded material. These classes that you can join, absorb insights from, and then head back to your table the following week and put into practice in your regular session.”

Expert Instructors

Most classes are instructed by two professors. Setting design is led by Monte Cook and a renowned campaign designer, together instructing the craft of setting creation.

Industry advancement presents multiple instructors, such as Elisa Teague, Clint McElroy, and Hunter Fell. The additional faculty is designed to provide specialized information to attendees with particular aims.

“Certain participants plan to create their own D&D actual play and share their stories with the world, some of them want to publish 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 are the skills that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A $1,500 gold tier offers access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with a teacher. This represents the debut of the program, though the organizers has previously run similar events during breaks between adventures at their castle events.

“You could almost run an entire weekend just on office hours for professional dungeon masters,” Carl observed. “I'm not certain if that’s the most effective utilization of everybody’s time – I believe the coursework and the lab work is too valuable – but I suspect it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2.5K top package includes an 60-minute private session and the opportunity to manage an adventure for a small group plus one of the faculty members, who will then provide notes and guidance.

“The purpose is for the teacher to evaluate any element is interested in: I have difficulty with spontaneous decisions or I feel stuck in specific fight encounters. Can I run a scene for you and receive input on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl explained. “Or maybe they want to get feedback and information on a specific world that they’ve been building.”

Next Steps

Input from the first event will help determine upcoming academy workshops. Carl mentioned that possible changes could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to a longer period, or experimenting with different seminar structures.

“I anticipate that we host such events frequently,” Carl said. “I truly hope to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a single year, in different cities, and in various nations. The reception has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're quite pleased with the results so far and I think it would be amazing to be able to organize these in conjunction with major events.”