Monte Cook along with Monte Cook Are Instructing Sessions at Dungeon Master University

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters manage Dungeons & Dragons games in old manors in England and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. These all-inclusive trips are widely appreciated among long-time dungeon masters who infrequently find the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often look for guidance from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improvisation and puzzle design to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the planners began designing a organized method to answer these inquiries, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The inaugural event is scheduled for January 2-3, 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on any topic and gain significant knowledge, but the philosophy was that there’s just no substitute an in-person experience alongside other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and other game masters who are probably in a similar position and aim to enhance their abilities,” explained the program's dean.

Course Offerings and Pricing Tiers

Game masters can opt for tiers ranging from $995 to $2.5K, based on the degree of interaction they desire with the professionals. The base tier includes one of four courses:

• Core Techniques: Teaches the basics of leading a game.
• Story Arc Development: Centers on designing extended campaigns.
• Worldbuilding: Highlights the development of worlds.
• Industry Advancement: Tailored to game masters who aim to explore more about the gaming industry.

All workshops includes eight hours of instruction spread over two days.

“The classes are designed so that you walk away with immediate practical outcomes, probably greater confidence, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl explained. “It's more than presentations and they go beyond recorded content. These are sessions that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then head back to your table the week after and apply in your local game.”

Seasoned Educators

The majority of workshops are taught by a pair of experts. Setting design is guided by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, together instructing the art of worldbuilding.

Professional development includes multiple instructors, such as a puzzle design specialist, an entertainment professional, and Hunter Fell. The expanded teaching staff is meant to provide specialized information to attendees with particular aims.

“Some of them aim to start their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, some of them aim to release and develop fresh ideas,” Carl stated. “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?”

Advanced Options

A $1,500 gold tier offers access to a opening gathering, a introductory package, and a brief one-on-one appointment with a teacher. This marks the debut of the program, though the company has previously run Castle Days during breaks between adventures at their castle events.

“You could almost run an full two days just on consultation sessions for career game masters,” Carl said. “I'm not certain if that’s the best use of each attendee's hours – I believe the coursework and the hands-on activities is highly beneficial – but I suspect it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar premium option includes an extended personal consultation and the chance to run a game for five players plus a teacher, who will then give comments and guidance.

“The purpose is for the faculty member to review whichever aspect is focused on: I struggle with spontaneous decisions or I get blocked in specific fight encounters. Could I demonstrate a situation for you and receive input on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl explained. “Alternatively they want to get feedback and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”

Next Steps

Responses from the inaugural session will help shape subsequent DMU events. Carl mentioned that possible changes could include adding more office hours, making it longer to 72 hours, or testing varied class arrangements.

“I hope that we host such events very often,” Carl said. “I really want to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a single year, in various locations, and in multiple countries. The feedback has been really terrific. We’re very happy with current developments and I think it would be amazing to be able to conduct this in partnership with large gatherings.”