Monte Cook and Keith Baker Are Teaching Sessions at Dungeon Master University

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters run fantasy roleplaying games in old manors in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are widely appreciated among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the opportunity to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from experts on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the organizers began designing a structured way to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The debut workshop is set for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“You can watch thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and learn quite a lot, but the idea was that nothing compares to an in-person experience alongside fellow DMs, where real-time interaction with seasoned educators and your fellow DMs likely in the same boat and also want to enhance their abilities,” stated Jason Carl.

Workshop Options and Pricing Tiers

Game masters can opt for options ranging from $995 to two thousand five hundred dollars, depending on the degree of interaction they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes a choice of four workshops:

• Foundational Skills: Covers the basics of managing a session.
• Story Arc Development: Is dedicated to designing extended campaigns.
• Universe Design: Emphasizes the crafting of environments.
• Professional Development: Aimed at DMs who aim to explore more about the roleplaying business.

Every class includes eight hours of classwork spread over 48 hours.

“The classes are structured so that you depart having usable skills, probably greater confidence, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “They’re not just lectures and they’re not just static videos. These classes that you can join, absorb insights from, and then head back to your table the week after and apply in your regular session.”

Professional Teachers

Many sessions are led by two professors. Worldbuilding is led by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, jointly leading the art of worldbuilding.

Professional development includes four different teachers, such as an author on gaming puzzles, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is meant to deliver focused advice to students with definite objectives.

“Certain participants aim to start their own live gameplay show and share their stories with the world, several want to publish and create new material,” Carl stated. “Several only seek to ask, What does it take to be a DM at something like an immersive experience? Which abilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Advanced Options

A $1,500 enhanced option provides access to a introductory event, a welcome gift pack, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with an instructor. This represents the debut of the program, though the team has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between game sessions at their castle events.

“It would be possible to organize an complete event just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl said. “I don’t know if that’s the optimal application of each attendee's hours – In my opinion the structured learning and the hands-on activities is extremely important – but I think it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2.5K premium option provides an 60-minute private session and the opportunity to run a game for a small group plus a teacher, who will then give comments and guidance.

“The purpose is for the instructor to evaluate whichever aspect is interested in: I struggle with spontaneous decisions or I get blocked in specific fight encounters. May I present a scene for you and receive input on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to obtain critique and guidance on a specific world that they’ve been developing.”

Future Plans

Feedback from the debut workshop will help shape upcoming academy workshops. Carl said that possible changes could include adding more office hours, extending the program to 72 hours, or trying out different seminar structures.

“I expect that we conduct these very often,” Carl said. “I really want to see numerous academy events in a single year, in multiple places, and in multiple 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.”