Keith Baker and Keith Baker Are Teaching Workshops at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters run D&D games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. These all-inclusive trips are especially popular among forever DMs who rarely get the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often look for guidance from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improvisation and puzzle design to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the planners began designing a structured way to answer these inquiries, which led to the establishment of DMU. The debut workshop is set for early January 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“There are numerous digital guides on any topic and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that there’s just no substitute an in-person experience together with peers in game mastering, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and other game masters often in a similar position and aim to level up their game,” stated Jason Carl.

Workshop Options and Ticket Packages

DMs can select options ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, based on the amount of contact they desire with the instructors. The base tier includes a choice of four workshops:

• Skill Building: Teaches the fundamentals of running D&D.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Focuses around crafting long-running games.
• Worldbuilding: Emphasizes the crafting of environments.
• Professional Development: Designed for game masters who want to learn more about the gaming industry.

All workshops includes eight hours of instruction split over two days.

“The courses are structured so that you walk away with usable skills, increased self-assurance, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl noted. “They’re not just lectures and they exceed pre-recorded material. These workshops that you can join, absorb insights from, and then head back to your table the following week and apply in your local game.”

Professional Teachers

Most classes are instructed by duo of instructors. Worldbuilding is taught by the founder of Monte Cook Games and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the skill of universe design.

Industry advancement features several experts, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and a pioneering DM. The additional faculty is intended to deliver focused advice to attendees with particular aims.

“Various attendees plan to create their own D&D actual play and present their narratives with the world, some of them plan to produce and create new material,” Carl said. “Several only seek to ask, What's the path to be a DM at an event like an immersive experience? Which abilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Advanced Options

A fifteen hundred dollar premium package provides access to a introductory event, a starter kit, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with a teacher. This constitutes the inaugural DMU session, though the company has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between adventures at their premium gatherings.

“One could practically host an complete event just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl said. “I'm not certain if that’s the most effective utilization of everybody’s time – I believe the coursework 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 $2,500 platinum tier includes an extended personal consultation and the opportunity to manage an adventure for a small group plus a teacher, who will then offer feedback and coaching.

“The purpose is for the faculty member to review any element is interested in: I have difficulty with spontaneous decisions or I get blocked in specific fight encounters. May I present a scenario for you and receive input on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to receive input and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Coming Developments

Feedback from the debut workshop will help guide upcoming academy workshops. Carl said that possible changes could include expanding one-on-one sessions, lengthening the event to 72 hours, or testing varied class arrangements.

“I expect that we host such events very often,” Carl stated. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The response has been really terrific. We're extremely satisfied with current developments and I feel it would be fantastic to be able to do this in collaboration with large gatherings.”