Monte Cook along with Monte Cook Are Instructing Workshops at Dungeon Master Academy

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs manage Dungeons & Dragons games in old manors in England and at a U.S. castle resort. These all-inclusive trips are especially popular among career game masters who seldom have the chance to join in the game themselves, and they often ask for tips from the pros on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and crafting riddles to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the planners began designing a systematic approach to answer these inquiries, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The first session is planned for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“There are countless online tutorials on any topic and gain significant knowledge, but the concept 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 other game masters who are probably in the same boat and seek to level up their game,” noted the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Workshop Options and Pricing Tiers

Game masters can opt for tiers ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, based on the amount of contact they desire with the experts. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Teaches the essentials of running D&D.
• Campaign Building: Focuses around designing extended campaigns.
• Worldbuilding: Highlights the crafting of environments.
• Industry Advancement: Designed for DMs who aim to explore more about the roleplaying business.

All workshops includes eight hours of instruction divided across two days.

“The classes are structured so that you leave with tangible results, probably greater confidence, and many practical techniques,” Carl said. “They’re not just lectures and they’re not just static videos. These are sessions that you can attend, absorb insights from, and then return to your group the next week and apply in your home campaign.”

Professional Teachers

Most classes are taught by two professors. Worldbuilding is taught by Monte Cook and the creator of Eberron, together instructing the art of worldbuilding.

Professional development includes multiple instructors, such as an author on gaming puzzles, an entertainment professional, and Hunter Fell. The extra instructors is intended to offer targeted guidance to participants with definite objectives.

“Various attendees plan to create their own real-play series and present their narratives with the world, several want to publish and develop fresh ideas,” Carl stated. “Others simply wish to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like a castle event? What capabilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Advanced Options

A fifteen hundred dollar enhanced option includes access to a introductory event, a welcome gift pack, and a brief one-on-one appointment with an instructor. This represents the inaugural DMU session, though the organizers has previously run similar events during breaks between campaigns at their castle events.

“It would be possible to organize an full two days just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl observed. “I don’t know if that’s the optimal application of everybody’s time – I think the coursework and the practical exercises is too valuable – but I suspect it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar top package offers an extended personal consultation and the opportunity to lead a session for five players plus one of the faculty members, who will then give comments and coaching.

“The purpose is for the faculty member to assess any element is concerned with: I have difficulty with improv or I get blocked in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a scene for you and obtain advice on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl explained. “Perhaps they want to receive input and guidance on a particular setting that they’ve been creating.”

Coming Developments

Feedback from the first event will help determine subsequent DMU events. Carl said that likely modifications could include increasing consultation time, lengthening the event to a longer period, or trying out alternative workshop formats.

“I hope that we host such events very often,” Carl expressed. “I would love to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in different cities, and in multiple countries. The reception has been really terrific. We’re very happy with the results so far and I feel it would be amazing to be able to conduct this in collaboration with big conventions.”