Keith Baker along with Keith Baker Are Instructing Sessions at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing immersive events where expert DMs lead fantasy roleplaying games in old manors in the UK and at an American castle venue. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among career game masters who seldom have the opportunity to participate as players themselves, and they often ask for tips from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improv and creating challenges to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the organizers began designing a organized method to tackle these topics, which led to the founding of DMU. The debut workshop is planned for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“There are thousands of YouTube videos on any topic and gain significant knowledge, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces face-to-face interaction in the company of other dungeon masters, where there’s live engagement with faculty instructors and other game masters often in the same boat and seek to level up their game,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Workshop Options and Cost Levels

Game masters can select options ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, based on the amount of contact they desire with the professionals. The entry-level option includes a choice of four workshops:

• Core Techniques: Covers the essentials of leading a game.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Is dedicated to designing extended campaigns.
• Worldbuilding: Emphasizes the development of worlds.
• Career Building: Aimed at DMs who aim to explore more about the roleplaying business.

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

“The workshops are designed so that you depart having immediate practical outcomes, probably greater confidence, and many practical techniques,” Carl said. “These aren't simple talks and they go beyond recorded content. These classes that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then go right back home the week after and implement in your home campaign.”

Expert Instructors

Many sessions are taught by a pair of experts. Setting design is guided by an industry veteran and the creator of Eberron, jointly leading the art of worldbuilding.

Career building includes four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The extra instructors is intended to deliver focused advice to participants with specific goals.

“Various attendees aim to start their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, others plan to produce and create new material,” Carl stated. “Others simply wish to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like an immersive experience? What capabilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Higher Tiers

A fifteen hundred dollar premium package offers access to a introductory event, a welcome gift pack, and a half-hour consultation appointment with one of the faculty. This constitutes the debut of the program, though the company has previously run similar events during breaks between game sessions at their premium gatherings.

“You could almost run an complete event just on office hours for expert DMs,” Carl observed. “I don’t know if that’s the optimal application of everybody’s time – I think the formal instruction and the practical exercises is extremely important – but I think it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2,500 platinum tier offers an 60-minute private session and the possibility to run a game for several participants plus one of the faculty members, who will then give comments and instruction.

“The aim is for the teacher to assess any element is concerned with: I have difficulty with spontaneous decisions or I get blocked in specific fight encounters. Can I run a situation for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl detailed. “Alternatively they want to get feedback and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been developing.”

Coming Developments

Input from the inaugural session will help determine upcoming academy workshops. Carl said that possible changes could include expanding one-on-one sessions, making it longer to three days, or experimenting with alternative workshop formats.

“I hope that we conduct these frequently,” Carl said. “I would love to see numerous academy events in a given year, in various locations, and in different countries. The reception has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're extremely satisfied with what we’re seeing and I feel it would be wonderful to be able to do this in partnership with large gatherings.”