Keith Baker along with Monte Cook Are Teaching Classes at Dungeon Master Academy

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting immersive events where expert DMs manage D&D games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at an American castle venue. The full-service getaways are especially popular among long-time dungeon masters who rarely get the chance to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from the pros on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the organizers began developing a organized method to answer these inquiries, which led to the creation of the Dungeon Master Academy. The inaugural event is planned for January 2-3, 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“You can watch thousands of YouTube videos on almost every theme and gain significant knowledge, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces an in-person experience alongside other dungeon masters, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and your peers who are probably in the same boat and also want to level up their game,” explained the program's dean.

Available Classes and Pricing Tiers

DMs can choose from packages ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, based on the level of access they desire with the instructors. The starting package includes a choice of four workshops:

• Skill Building: Covers the essentials of leading a game.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Focuses around building persistent adventures.
• Universe Design: Emphasizes the crafting of environments.
• Professional Development: Tailored to DMs who want to learn more about the gaming industry.

Every class includes multiple sessions of training spread over two days.

“The courses are created so that you leave with immediate practical outcomes, probably greater confidence, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl noted. “It's more than presentations and they exceed pre-recorded material. These classes that you can join, absorb insights from, and then go right back home the following week and put into practice in your regular session.”

Expert Instructors

Many sessions are taught by duo of instructors. Setting design is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and the creator of Eberron, together instructing the skill of universe design.

Professional development includes several experts, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and Hunter Fell. The expanded teaching staff is intended to deliver focused advice to participants with particular aims.

“Certain participants want to launch their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, some of them aim to release and write original content,” Carl explained. “Others simply wish to ask, How do I get to be a DM at something like D&D in a Castle? What capabilities that I need? Is this achievable?”

Premium Packages

A fifteen hundred dollar premium package offers access to a opening gathering, a starter kit, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the debut of the program, though the team has previously run similar events during breaks between campaigns at their immersive experiences.

“One could practically host an entire weekend just on office hours for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “I'm not certain if that’s the most effective utilization of all participants' schedule – In my opinion the coursework and the practical exercises is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar top package includes an extended personal consultation and the possibility to run a game for five players plus a teacher, who will then offer feedback and coaching.

“The purpose is for the teacher to evaluate whatever the DM is focused on: I have difficulty with spontaneous decisions or I feel stuck in this kind of combat situation. Could I demonstrate a scene for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl detailed. “Or maybe they want to get feedback and advice on a specific world that they’ve been building.”

Future Plans

Feedback from the first event will help guide subsequent DMU events. Carl suggested that possible changes could include expanding one-on-one sessions, making it longer to 72 hours, or trying out varied class arrangements.

“I anticipate that we do this very often,” Carl said. “I really want to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a single year, in various locations, and in different countries. The feedback has been extremely positive. We're extremely satisfied with the results so far and I think it would be amazing to be able to conduct this in partnership with large gatherings.”