Monte Cook along with Monte Cook Are Teaching Workshops at Dungeon Master University

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting immersive events where expert DMs manage Dungeons & Dragons games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at an American castle venue. The full-service getaways are especially popular among career game masters who seldom have the chance to join in the game themselves, and they often look for guidance from the pros on topics ranging from improv and puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the organizers began developing a organized method to answer these inquiries, which led to the establishment of the Dungeon Master Academy. The debut workshop is scheduled for the start of 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“You can watch thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and gain significant knowledge, but the philosophy was that nothing compares to a live, hands-on session in the company of fellow DMs, where direct communication with faculty instructors and your fellow DMs who are probably in comparable situations and seek to improve their skills,” stated the program's dean.

Course Offerings and Cost Levels

Dungeon Masters can opt for packages ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2,500, based on the amount of contact they desire with the professionals. The base tier includes one of four courses:

• Core Techniques: Focuses on the fundamentals of running D&D.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Centers on crafting long-running games.
• Universe Design: Highlights the art of setting design.
• Industry Advancement: Tailored to dungeon masters who aim to explore more about the gaming industry.

Every class includes eight hours of classwork divided across two days.

“The courses are created so that you leave with tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl explained. “It's more than presentations and they exceed pre-recorded material. These workshops that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then head back to your table the next week and put into practice in your local game.”

Expert Instructors

Most classes are led by a pair of experts. Worldbuilding is guided by an industry veteran and Keith Baker, jointly leading the craft of setting creation.

Industry advancement includes four different teachers, such as Elisa Teague, a podcast co-host, and an early professional game master. The expanded teaching staff is designed to offer targeted guidance to attendees with definite objectives.

“Certain participants want to launch their own D&D actual play and share their stories with the world, others plan to produce and develop fresh ideas,” Carl said. “Others simply wish to ask, How do I get to be a DM at something like an immersive experience? What capabilities that I need? Is this achievable?”

Advanced Options

A $1,500 premium package includes access to a opening gathering, a starter kit, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with a teacher. This constitutes the inaugural DMU session, though the company has previously run similar events during breaks between adventures at their castle events.

“You could almost run an complete event just on consultation sessions for professional dungeon masters,” Carl mentioned. “I'm not certain if that’s the best use of each attendee's hours – I think the formal instruction and the lab work is extremely important – but I believe it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2,500 platinum tier includes an hour of one-on-one time and the opportunity to manage an adventure for a small group plus an instructor, who will then provide notes and guidance.

“The aim is for the faculty member to assess whichever aspect is concerned with: I have difficulty with improvisation or I get blocked in certain battle scenarios. May I present a scene for you and get feedback on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl said. “Or maybe they want to get feedback and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Responses from the inaugural session will help guide upcoming academy workshops. Carl suggested that possible changes could include adding more office hours, making it longer to 72 hours, or experimenting with varied class arrangements.

“I anticipate that we conduct these very often,” Carl stated. “I truly hope to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a given year, in multiple places, and in multiple countries. The reception has been really terrific. We're quite pleased with what we’re seeing and I think it would be amazing to be able to do this in conjunction with large gatherings.”