Keith Baker along with Keith Baker Are Instructing Sessions at Dungeon Master Academy

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters run D&D games in old manors in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are widely appreciated among career game masters who rarely get the moment to join in the game themselves, and they often ask for tips from the pros on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and creating challenges to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the coordinators began crafting a organized method to address these questions, which led to the founding of Dungeon Master University. The debut workshop is set for early January 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“You can watch thousands of YouTube videos on almost every theme and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session alongside fellow DMs, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and your fellow DMs likely in a similar position and seek to improve their skills,” noted the program's dean.

Available Classes and Cost Levels

Game masters can select options ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2.5K, based on the amount of contact they desire with the experts. The base tier includes a choice of four workshops:

• Skill Building: Focuses on the basics of managing a session.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Centers on crafting long-running games.
• Worldbuilding: Concentrates on the crafting of environments.
• Professional Development: Aimed at DMs who want to learn more about the gaming industry.

Each course includes eight hours of classwork split over two days.

“The classes are created so that you walk away with usable skills, enhanced belief in your abilities, and many practical techniques,” Carl said. “These aren't simple talks and they go beyond recorded content. These workshops that you can participate in, learn from, and then return to your group the following week and apply in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

Many sessions are taught by two professors. Worldbuilding is taught by an industry veteran and the creator of Eberron, jointly leading the skill of universe design.

Professional development presents multiple instructors, such as Elisa Teague, a podcast co-host, and an early professional game master. The expanded teaching staff is designed to offer targeted guidance to attendees with specific goals.

“Some of them aim to start their own D&D actual play and display their adventures with the world, others plan to produce and create new material,” Carl stated. “Some just want to ask, What's the path to be a DM at an event like a castle event? What capabilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A $1.5K gold tier includes access to a opening gathering, a starter kit, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with an instructor. This constitutes the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the company has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between game sessions at their castle events.

“One could practically host an full two days just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl observed. “I don’t know if that’s the best use of everybody’s time – In my opinion the structured learning and the lab work is too valuable – but I suspect it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2.5K premium option offers an hour of one-on-one time and the possibility to lead a session for several participants plus a teacher, who will then offer feedback and coaching.

“The purpose is for the teacher to review whichever aspect is interested in: Hey I don’t do well with improv or I get blocked in specific fight encounters. Could I demonstrate a scene for you and obtain advice on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl explained. “Alternatively they want to receive input and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”

Coming Developments

Responses from the first event will help shape upcoming academy workshops. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, making it longer to a longer period, or trying out varied class arrangements.

“I anticipate that we do this regularly,” Carl said. “I really want to see numerous academy events in a calendar year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The feedback has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're quite pleased with current developments and I believe it would be amazing to be able to organize these in partnership with big conventions.”