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

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters manage D&D games in historic castles in Britain and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are widely appreciated among forever DMs who seldom have the moment to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from the pros on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges 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 establishment of Dungeon Master University. The inaugural event is scheduled for January 2-3, 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and gain significant knowledge, but the philosophy was that there’s just no substitute face-to-face interaction alongside peers in game mastering, where there’s live engagement with faculty instructors and other game masters likely in comparable situations and seek to improve their skills,” stated the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Workshop Options and Ticket Packages

Game masters can opt for options ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the amount of contact they desire with the professionals. The base tier includes a choice of four workshops:

• Foundational Skills: Covers the essentials of leading a game.
• Campaign Building: Is dedicated to building persistent adventures.
• Universe Design: Highlights the art of setting design.
• Professional Development: Tailored to DMs who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.

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

“The classes are designed so that you walk away with immediate practical outcomes, probably greater confidence, and many practical techniques,” Carl noted. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These are sessions that you can join, learn from, and then return to your group the week after and apply in your regular session.”

Expert Instructors

Many sessions are led by duo of instructors. Setting design is guided by an industry veteran and a renowned campaign designer, both teaching the art of worldbuilding.

Career building presents several experts, such as a puzzle design specialist, an entertainment professional, and an early professional game master. The expanded teaching staff is meant to provide specialized information to attendees with specific goals.

“Various attendees aim to start their own live gameplay show and display their adventures with the world, others plan to produce and create new material,” Carl stated. “Some just want to ask, How do I get to be a DM at an event like an immersive experience? Which abilities that I need? Is this achievable?”

Advanced Options

A $1,500 premium package provides access to a opening gathering, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with a teacher. This constitutes the inaugural DMU session, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between adventures at their immersive experiences.

“It would be possible to organize an entire weekend just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the most effective utilization of all participants' schedule – In my opinion the coursework and the lab work is highly beneficial – but I suspect it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2,500 top package provides an 60-minute private session and the possibility to run a game for five players plus one of the faculty members, who will then give comments and coaching.

“The goal is for the faculty member to evaluate any element is interested in: I struggle with spontaneous decisions or I encounter obstacles in certain battle scenarios. May I present a scenario for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl explained. “Perhaps they want to obtain critique and information on a particular setting that they’ve been building.”

Future Plans

Feedback from the first event will help guide subsequent DMU events. Carl said that possible changes could include adding more office hours, making it longer to a longer period, or testing alternative workshop formats.

“I expect that we do this regularly,” Carl expressed. “I would love to see numerous academy events in a calendar year, in multiple places, and in different countries. The response 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 big conventions.”