Keith Baker and Monte Cook Will Lead Sessions at DMU

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters manage fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at an American castle venue. These all-inclusive trips are especially popular among career game masters who seldom have the moment to join in the game themselves, and they often seek advice from experts on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and puzzle design to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the coordinators began developing a organized method to address these questions, which led to the founding of DMU. The debut workshop is set for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“There are thousands of YouTube videos on almost every theme and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session in the company of fellow DMs, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and your peers likely in a similar position and aim to improve their skills,” noted Jason Carl.

Course Offerings and Cost Levels

Game masters can opt for options ranging from just under $1,000 to two thousand five hundred dollars, based on the amount of contact they desire with the instructors. The starting package includes one of four courses:

• Foundational Skills: Focuses on the basics of running D&D.
• Campaign Building: Centers on crafting long-running games.
• Universe Design: Emphasizes the crafting of environments.
• Career Building: Designed for DMs who aim to explore more about the gaming industry.

All workshops includes multiple sessions of instruction spread over two days.

“The classes are designed so that you leave with immediate practical outcomes, probably greater confidence, and many practical techniques,” Carl said. “They’re not just lectures and they go beyond recorded content. These workshops that you can join, absorb insights from, and then head back to your table the following week and implement in your local game.”

Expert Instructors

Most classes are taught by two professors. Setting design is led by an industry veteran and the creator of Eberron, together instructing the art of worldbuilding.

Professional development includes several experts, such as an author on gaming puzzles, Clint McElroy, and an early professional game master. The expanded teaching staff is intended to deliver focused advice to students with definite objectives.

“Some of them aim to start their own real-play series and share their stories with the world, several plan to produce and develop fresh ideas,” Carl stated. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like an immersive experience? Which abilities that I need? Is this achievable?”

Higher Tiers

A fifteen hundred dollar gold tier provides access to a introductory event, a welcome gift pack, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with a teacher. This marks the inaugural DMU session, though the team has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between campaigns at their premium gatherings.

“It would be possible to organize an complete event just on consultation sessions for professional dungeon masters,” Carl observed. “I don’t know if that’s the best use of everybody’s time – I think the structured learning 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 $2.5K premium option includes an extended personal consultation and the possibility to manage an adventure for five players plus a teacher, who will then give comments and instruction.

“The goal is for the faculty member to evaluate any element is concerned with: I have difficulty with improvisation or I feel stuck in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a scenario for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl detailed. “Alternatively they want to receive input and guidance on a particular setting that they’ve been developing.”

Future Plans

Responses from the debut workshop will help shape future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl suggested that possible changes could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to three days, or trying out alternative workshop formats.

“I expect that we conduct these regularly,” Carl expressed. “I truly hope to see numerous academy events in a calendar year, in various locations, and in various nations. The reception has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're quite pleased with the results so far and I believe it would be amazing to be able to organize these in collaboration with major events.”