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

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing immersive events where expert DMs manage Dungeons & Dragons games in old manors in England and at a U.S. castle resort. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the moment to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from experts on topics ranging from improv and crafting riddles to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the planners began developing a systematic approach to tackle these topics, which led to the creation of DMU. The first session is planned for the start of 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“It's possible to view countless online tutorials on any topic and learn quite a lot, but the concept was that there’s just no substitute a live, hands-on session in the company of fellow DMs, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and other game masters likely in comparable situations and also want to enhance their abilities,” explained the program's dean.

Available Classes and Ticket Packages

Dungeon Masters can choose from options ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2,500, based on the level of access they desire with the experts. The starting package includes a choice of four workshops:

• Foundational Skills: Teaches the basics of leading a game.
• Story Arc Development: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games.
• Universe Design: Emphasizes the crafting of environments.
• Career Building: Aimed at game masters who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.

Each course includes eight hours of training split over 48 hours.

“The courses are structured so that you leave with tangible results, probably greater confidence, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl noted. “These aren't simple talks and they go beyond recorded content. These classes that you can participate in, gain knowledge from, and then head back to your table the next week and apply in your regular session.”

Expert Instructors

Many sessions are taught by duo of instructors. Worldbuilding is guided by an industry veteran and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the craft of setting creation.

Career building features four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, an entertainment professional, and Hunter Fell. The additional faculty is designed to offer targeted guidance to students with particular aims.

“Certain participants aim to start their own D&D actual play and share their stories with the world, several plan to produce and write original content,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at something like a castle event? What capabilities that I need? Is this achievable?”

Advanced Options

A $1,500 premium package provides access to a opening gathering, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with a teacher. This constitutes the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the company has previously run similar events during breaks between game sessions at their immersive experiences.

“It would be possible to organize an complete event just on one-on-one meetings for professional dungeon masters,” Carl observed. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of everybody’s time – I believe the structured learning and the lab work is extremely important – but I think it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2.5K premium option offers an 60-minute private session and the possibility to run a game for five players plus a teacher, who will then give comments and guidance.

“The goal is for the faculty member to evaluate whatever the DM is focused on: I have difficulty with improvisation or I encounter obstacles in specific fight encounters. Can I run a situation for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl explained. “Perhaps they want to obtain critique and guidance on a particular setting that they’ve been developing.”

Coming Developments

Responses from the first event will help determine future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl mentioned that possible changes could include increasing consultation time, making it longer to three days, or trying out alternative workshop formats.

“I expect that we host such events frequently,” Carl expressed. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in multiple places, and in different countries. The reception has been extremely positive. We're extremely satisfied with what we’re seeing and I feel it would be fantastic to be able to organize these in conjunction with large gatherings.”