Keith Baker along with Keith Baker Will Lead Workshops at DMU

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters run D&D games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at a U.S. castle resort. The comprehensive packages are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who infrequently find the opportunity to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improvisation and puzzle design to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the organizers began developing a systematic approach to tackle these topics, which led to the creation of Dungeon Master University. The inaugural event is planned for January 2-3, 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“It's possible to view numerous digital guides on virtually any subject and gain significant knowledge, but the idea was that there’s just no substitute face-to-face interaction in the company of peers in game mastering, where there’s live engagement with seasoned educators and other game masters likely in a similar position and also want to improve their skills,” noted the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Available Classes and Ticket Packages

Game masters can opt for tiers ranging from just under $1,000 to $2.5K, based on the degree of interaction they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Covers the fundamentals of leading a game.
• Story Arc Development: Centers on building persistent adventures.
• Worldbuilding: Emphasizes the art of setting design.
• Career Building: Designed for DMs who seek to understand more about the gaming industry.

Each course includes two days of instruction split over two days.

“The workshops are designed so that you depart having tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These classes that you can attend, absorb insights from, and then go right back home the week after and implement in your local game.”

Seasoned Educators

Many sessions are taught by duo of instructors. Worldbuilding is taught by the founder of Monte Cook Games and Keith Baker, together instructing the art of worldbuilding.

Industry advancement includes several experts, such as Elisa Teague, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The extra instructors is meant to provide specialized information to students with definite objectives.

“Certain participants aim to start their own live gameplay show and share their stories with the world, several plan to produce and write original content,” Carl stated. “Others simply wish to ask, How do I get to be a DM at an event like D&D in a Castle? Which abilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Advanced Options

A fifteen hundred dollar gold tier includes access to a introductory event, a starter kit, and a half-hour consultation appointment with one of the faculty. This represents the debut of the program, though the team has previously run similar events during breaks between game sessions at their premium gatherings.

“You could almost run an entire weekend just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl said. “I don’t know if that’s the optimal application of each attendee's hours – I believe the formal instruction and the practical exercises is highly beneficial – but I think it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2,500 premium option provides an extended personal consultation and the possibility to run a game for a small group plus an instructor, who will then offer feedback and guidance.

“The aim is for the instructor to review whichever aspect is concerned with: I have difficulty with improv or I feel stuck in certain battle scenarios. Could I demonstrate a scenario for you and receive input on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl explained. “Alternatively they want to receive input and guidance on a specific world that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Responses from the debut workshop will help determine future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, extending the program to three days, or trying out varied class arrangements.

“I expect that we conduct these regularly,” Carl expressed. “I would love to see several DMU sessions in a given year, in different cities, and in different countries. The response has been really terrific. We're quite pleased with the results so far and I think it would be wonderful to be able to organize these in conjunction with big conventions.”