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

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters lead fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The comprehensive packages are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the opportunity to join in the game themselves, and they often look for guidance from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the organizers began designing a systematic approach to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of DMU. The inaugural event is set for January 2-3, 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“It's possible to view numerous digital guides on almost every theme and gain significant knowledge, but the philosophy was that there’s just no substitute an in-person experience in the company of peers in game mastering, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and other game masters often in a similar position and seek to level up their game,” noted the program's dean.

Workshop Options and Cost Levels

Game masters can opt for packages ranging from $995 to two thousand five hundred dollars, according to the level of access they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes one of four courses:

• Skill Building: Teaches the fundamentals of leading a game.
• Story Arc Development: Centers on designing extended campaigns.
• Universe Design: Concentrates on the development of worlds.
• Professional Development: Designed for game masters who seek to understand more about the gaming industry.

Each course includes multiple sessions of classwork split over two days.

“The classes are designed so that you leave with immediate practical outcomes, increased self-assurance, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl noted. “These aren't simple talks and they exceed pre-recorded material. These classes that you can attend, absorb insights from, and then return to your group the next week and apply in your local game.”

Seasoned Educators

The majority of workshops are led by duo of instructors. Setting design is guided by an industry veteran and a renowned campaign designer, jointly leading the skill of universe design.

Career building presents multiple instructors, such as a puzzle design specialist, an entertainment professional, and an early professional game master. The extra instructors is meant to provide specialized information to participants with particular aims.

“Various attendees want to launch their own D&D actual play and present their narratives with the world, some of them want to publish and write original content,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, What's the path to be a DM at an event like an immersive experience? What capabilities that I need? Is this achievable?”

Higher Tiers

A $1,500 enhanced option includes access to a introductory event, a starter kit, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with an instructor. This constitutes the inaugural DMU session, though the team has previously run Castle Days during breaks between adventures at their immersive experiences.

“You could almost run an entire weekend just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl observed. “I'm not certain if that’s the best use of all participants' schedule – I believe the structured learning and the practical exercises is extremely important – but I suspect it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2.5K platinum tier includes an hour of one-on-one time and the chance to run a game for a small group plus a teacher, who will then offer feedback and coaching.

“The aim is for the instructor to evaluate any element is concerned with: I struggle with improv or I get blocked in certain battle scenarios. May I present a situation for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to get feedback and advice on a particular setting that they’ve been building.”

Coming Developments

Input from the debut workshop will help shape future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl mentioned that possible changes could include adding more office hours, lengthening the event to 72 hours, or testing different seminar structures.

“I hope that we conduct these frequently,” Carl said. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a given year, in different cities, and in multiple countries. The reception has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're quite pleased with current developments and I believe it would be amazing to be able to organize these in conjunction with major events.”