Monte Cook along with Monte Cook Are Instructing Classes at Dungeon Master University
Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting immersive events where experienced game masters manage D&D games in historic castles in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are highly favored among career game masters who infrequently find the chance to join in the game themselves, and they often ask for tips from experts on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.
In response, the planners began developing a systematic approach to answer these inquiries, which led to the founding of Dungeon Master University. The debut workshop is set for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta.
“There are numerous digital guides on almost every theme and gain significant knowledge, but the idea was that nothing truly replaces face-to-face interaction alongside other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with seasoned educators and other game masters who are probably in comparable situations and also want to level up their game,” noted the program's dean.
Available Classes and Cost Levels
DMs can select options ranging from $995 to $2.5K, depending on the degree of interaction they desire with the professionals. The base tier includes selection from four classes:
- Foundational Skills: Focuses on the basics of running D&D.
- Story Arc Development: Is dedicated to designing extended campaigns.
- Setting Creation: Highlights the art of setting design.
- Professional Development: Tailored to game masters who seek to understand more about the roleplaying business.
Every class includes eight hours of instruction split over two days.
“The classes are created so that you leave with usable skills, probably greater confidence, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl noted. “It's more than presentations and they’re not just static videos. These workshops that you can join, learn from, and then return to your group the next week and apply in your home campaign.”
Expert Instructors
The majority of workshops are instructed by a pair of experts. Setting design is guided by the founder of Monte Cook Games and the creator of Eberron, together instructing the art of worldbuilding.
Career building presents several experts, such as Elisa Teague, a podcast co-host, and an early professional game master. The additional faculty is designed to deliver focused advice to participants with definite objectives.
“Certain participants plan to create their own live gameplay show and share their stories with the world, some of them aim to release and write original content,” Carl stated. “Several only seek to ask, What's the path to be a DM at a program like an immersive experience? What capabilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”
Premium Packages
A $1,500 enhanced option offers access to a opening gathering, a introductory package, and a brief one-on-one appointment with one of the faculty. This represents the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between campaigns at their immersive experiences.
“It would be possible to organize an full two days just on consultation sessions for career game masters,” Carl mentioned. “It's unclear if that’s the most effective utilization of all participants' schedule – I believe the formal instruction and the hands-on activities is highly beneficial – but I believe it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”
The twenty-five hundred dollar premium option provides an extended personal consultation and the possibility to manage an adventure for a small group plus a teacher, who will then provide notes and coaching.
“The goal is for the instructor to evaluate whichever aspect is concerned with: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I feel stuck in certain battle scenarios. May I present a scene for you and obtain advice on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl explained. “Alternatively they want to receive input and information on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”
Future Plans
Input from the inaugural session will help guide future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl mentioned that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, extending the program to three days, or testing varied class arrangements.
“I expect that we conduct these frequently,” Carl said. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in different cities, and in various nations. The response has been extremely positive. We're quite pleased with current developments and I feel it would be wonderful to be able to organize these in collaboration with big conventions.”