Monte Cook along with Monte Cook Will Lead Classes at DMU

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting immersive events where expert DMs run Dungeons & Dragons games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The full-service getaways are widely appreciated among long-time dungeon masters who infrequently find the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from the pros on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and crafting riddles to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the organizers began crafting a structured way to address these questions, which led to the creation of Dungeon Master University. The debut workshop is planned for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“You can watch numerous digital guides on any topic and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that there’s just no substitute face-to-face interaction alongside peers in game mastering, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and other game masters likely in the same boat and also want to enhance their abilities,” noted the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Available Classes and Ticket Packages

DMs can choose from options ranging from $995 to $2,500, according to the amount of contact they desire with the experts. The base tier includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Covers the basics of managing a session.
• Story Arc Development: Centers on designing extended campaigns.
• Worldbuilding: Highlights the art of setting design.
• Industry Advancement: Tailored to DMs who seek to understand more about the gaming industry.

Every class includes two days of training split over 48 hours.

“The courses are structured so that you walk away with usable skills, enhanced belief in your abilities, and many practical techniques,” Carl noted. “These aren't simple talks and they go beyond recorded content. These are sessions that you can participate in, learn from, and then head back to your table the following week and implement in your home campaign.”

Expert Instructors

The majority of workshops are taught by duo of instructors. Universe creation is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and a renowned campaign designer, both teaching the craft of setting creation.

Career building features several experts, such as an author on gaming puzzles, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The additional faculty is intended to provide specialized information to students with definite objectives.

“Certain participants want to launch their own live gameplay show and share their stories with the world, several plan to produce and write original content,” Carl explained. “Others simply wish to ask, What's the path to be a DM at an event like an immersive experience? Which abilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Advanced Options

A fifteen hundred dollar gold tier provides access to a opening gathering, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the company has previously run similar events during breaks between adventures at their castle events.

“You could almost run an complete event just on office hours for professional dungeon masters,” Carl mentioned. “I'm not certain if that’s the most effective utilization of all participants' schedule – In my opinion the coursework and the lab work is extremely important – but I think it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2,500 top package includes an extended personal consultation and the possibility to lead a session for several participants plus a teacher, who will then give comments and coaching.

“The purpose is for the instructor to assess whatever the DM is interested in: I have difficulty with spontaneous decisions or I feel stuck in this kind of combat situation. Could I demonstrate a scene for you and obtain advice on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl said. “Or maybe they want to get feedback and guidance on a particular setting that they’ve been developing.”

Future Plans

Feedback from the first event will help guide future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl said that potential adjustments could include increasing consultation time, lengthening the event to three days, or experimenting with alternative workshop formats.

“I hope that we host such events regularly,” Carl stated. “I would love to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in different cities, and in multiple countries. The feedback has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be wonderful to be able to do this in collaboration with major events.”