Keith Baker and Monte Cook Are Teaching Classes at Dungeon Master Academy

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing immersive events where experienced game masters lead D&D games in old manors in the UK and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. These all-inclusive trips are especially popular among long-time dungeon masters who rarely get the chance to actually play themselves, and they often ask for tips from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improvisation and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the planners began designing a organized method to tackle these topics, which led to the founding of DMU. The inaugural event is set for early January 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“You can watch numerous digital guides on almost every theme and gain significant knowledge, but the philosophy was that nothing compares to face-to-face interaction in the company of peers in game mastering, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and other game masters likely in a similar position and also want to level up their game,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Course Offerings and Pricing Tiers

DMs can select options ranging from $995 to $2,500, based on the level of access they desire with the instructors. The base tier includes one of four courses:

• Skill Building: Focuses on the basics of managing a session.
• Campaign Building: Centers on crafting long-running games.
• Universe Design: Emphasizes the art of setting design.
• Career Building: Designed for DMs who aim to explore more about the tabletop profession.

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

“The courses are created so that you walk away with immediate practical outcomes, probably greater confidence, and many practical techniques,” Carl noted. “They’re not just lectures and they’re not just static videos. These are sessions that you can attend, gain knowledge from, and then go right back home the next week and apply in your local game.”

Seasoned Educators

Most classes are led by a pair of experts. Universe creation is taught by an industry veteran and a renowned campaign designer, jointly leading the art of worldbuilding.

Professional development presents four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is intended to provide specialized information to students with definite objectives.

“Some of them plan to create their own real-play series and share their stories with the world, others aim to release and write original content,” Carl said. “Several only seek to ask, What does it take to be a DM at an event like D&D in a Castle? Which abilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Higher Tiers

A $1.5K premium package includes access to a introductory event, a starter kit, and a half-hour consultation appointment with a teacher. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the company has previously run Castle Days during breaks between campaigns at their premium gatherings.

“You could almost run an entire weekend just on one-on-one meetings for career game masters,” Carl observed. “I'm not certain if that’s the most effective utilization of each attendee's hours – I think the formal instruction and the practical exercises is highly beneficial – but I think it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar platinum tier provides an extended personal consultation and the possibility to manage an adventure for five players plus one of the faculty members, who will then offer feedback and guidance.

“The aim is for the faculty member to evaluate any element is interested in: I struggle with improvisation or I feel stuck in this kind of combat situation. Could I demonstrate a situation for you and obtain advice on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to obtain critique and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”

Coming Developments

Responses from the first event will help determine subsequent DMU events. Carl said that possible changes could include expanding one-on-one sessions, lengthening the event to 72 hours, or trying out varied class arrangements.

“I anticipate that we do this regularly,” Carl said. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in multiple places, and in multiple countries. The reception has been really terrific. We're quite pleased with the results so far and I believe it would be wonderful to be able to organize these in conjunction with big conventions.”