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

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running immersive events where expert DMs lead Dungeons & Dragons games in historic castles in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among career game masters who infrequently find the chance to join in the game themselves, and they often ask for tips from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the coordinators began designing a structured way to answer these inquiries, which led to the founding of the Dungeon Master Academy. The inaugural event is set for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“There are thousands of YouTube videos on almost every theme and acquire valuable insights, but the idea was that nothing truly replaces face-to-face interaction in the company of other dungeon masters, where direct communication with seasoned educators and other game masters often in a similar position and seek to level up their game,” stated the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Course Offerings and Cost Levels

DMs can choose from packages ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2,500, depending on the degree of interaction they desire with the professionals. The starting package includes selection from four classes:

• Foundational Skills: Focuses on the essentials of managing a session.
• Campaign Building: Centers on crafting long-running games.
• Universe Design: Emphasizes the art of setting design.
• Career Building: Designed for dungeon masters who seek to understand more about the gaming industry.

Each course includes two days of classwork spread over 48 hours.

“The courses are created so that you walk away with usable skills, probably greater confidence, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl noted. “These aren't simple talks and they go beyond recorded content. These classes that you can participate in, gain knowledge from, and then go right back home the week after and apply in your regular session.”

Professional Teachers

Many sessions are led by duo of instructors. Worldbuilding is guided by the founder of Monte Cook Games and Keith Baker, both teaching the skill of universe design.

Industry advancement features multiple instructors, such as an author on gaming puzzles, Clint McElroy, and a pioneering DM. The additional faculty is designed to offer targeted guidance to attendees with specific goals.

“Some of them want to launch their own real-play series and share their stories with the world, several plan to produce and create new material,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, How do I get to be a DM at an event like a castle event? What are the skills that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Advanced Options

A $1,500 enhanced option includes access to a welcome reception, a starter kit, and a brief one-on-one appointment with one of the faculty. This constitutes the debut of the program, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their immersive experiences.

“You could almost run an entire weekend just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl observed. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of all participants' schedule – In my opinion the coursework and the hands-on activities is too valuable – but I suspect it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2,500 premium option provides an extended personal consultation and the chance to manage an adventure for five players plus an instructor, who will then provide notes and coaching.

“The aim is for the instructor to review any element is focused on: Hey I don’t do well with improv or I get blocked in this kind of combat situation. Could I demonstrate a scenario for you and receive input on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to receive input and advice on a particular setting that they’ve been building.”

Coming Developments

Input from the first event will help shape future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl mentioned that possible changes could include adding more office hours, making it longer to a longer period, or testing different seminar structures.

“I hope that we host such events regularly,” Carl stated. “I truly hope to see numerous academy events in a given year, in various locations, and in various nations. The response has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be wonderful to be able to do this in partnership with large gatherings.”