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

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting immersive events where expert DMs manage D&D games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The full-service getaways are highly favored among career game masters who rarely get the moment to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from experts on topics ranging from improvisation and crafting riddles to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the planners began developing a organized method to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of DMU. The inaugural event is planned for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“There are numerous digital guides on almost every theme and acquire valuable insights, but the philosophy was that there’s just no substitute an in-person experience together with peers in game mastering, where direct communication with faculty instructors and your peers often in a similar position and seek to level up their game,” stated the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Course Offerings and Ticket Packages

Dungeon Masters can choose from options ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, according to the level of access they desire with the experts. The starting package includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Covers the essentials of managing a session.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games.
• Universe Design: Emphasizes the art of setting design.
• Professional Development: Tailored to game masters who seek to understand more about the gaming industry.

Every class includes eight hours of instruction split over a weekend.

“The courses are created so that you leave with tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl noted. “They’re not just lectures and they’re not just static videos. These classes that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then head back to your table the following week and implement in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

Many sessions are led by duo of instructors. Setting design is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and the creator of Eberron, jointly leading the skill of universe design.

Professional development presents four different teachers, such as Elisa Teague, an entertainment professional, and an early professional game master. The additional faculty is designed to provide specialized information to participants with particular aims.

“Various attendees aim to start their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, several plan to produce and create new material,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at something like an immersive experience? What are the skills that I need? Is this achievable?”

Higher Tiers

A $1.5K gold tier offers access to a opening gathering, a welcome gift pack, and a half-hour consultation appointment with an instructor. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between campaigns at their premium gatherings.

“It would be possible to organize an entire weekend just on consultation sessions for career game masters,” Carl mentioned. “I'm not certain if that’s the optimal application of all participants' schedule – I think the coursework and the lab work is extremely important – but I think it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2,500 premium option includes an 60-minute private session and the chance to manage an adventure for a small group plus one of the faculty members, who will then give comments and instruction.

“The goal is for the teacher to assess whatever the DM is concerned with: Hey I don’t do well with improv or I feel stuck in specific fight encounters. May I present a scene for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl explained. “Alternatively they want to get feedback and information on a definite universe that they’ve been developing.”

Next Steps

Input from the inaugural session will help shape subsequent DMU events. Carl suggested that likely modifications could include expanding one-on-one sessions, lengthening the event to a longer period, or experimenting with alternative workshop formats.

“I expect that we host such events regularly,” Carl expressed. “I really want to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a calendar year, in different cities, and in various nations. The reception has been extremely positive. We're quite pleased with what we’re seeing and I think it would be amazing to be able to organize these in conjunction with large gatherings.”