Monte Cook along with Monte Cook Will Lead Classes at Dungeon Master University

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting immersive events where experienced game masters lead Dungeons & Dragons games in ancient fortresses in England and at an American castle venue. These all-inclusive trips are widely appreciated among forever DMs who seldom have the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the organizers began developing a systematic approach to answer these inquiries, which led to the establishment of DMU. The first session is set for early January 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“It's possible to view numerous digital guides on any topic and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that nothing compares to an in-person experience together with peers in game mastering, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and your fellow DMs who are probably in a similar position and seek to enhance their abilities,” stated the program's dean.

Workshop Options and Ticket Packages

DMs can select tiers ranging from $995 to two thousand five hundred dollars, based on the level of access they desire with the experts. The base tier includes one of four courses:

• Skill Building: Focuses on the essentials of managing a session.
• Campaign Building: Is dedicated to building persistent adventures.
• Universe Design: Concentrates on the art of setting design.
• Professional Development: Tailored to game masters who seek to understand more about the tabletop profession.

Every class includes eight hours of instruction split over two days.

“The classes are created so that you leave with immediate practical outcomes, enhanced belief in your abilities, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they go beyond recorded content. These classes that you can participate in, absorb insights from, and then go right back home the following week and implement in your local game.”

Seasoned Educators

Many sessions are instructed by two professors. Worldbuilding is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the skill of universe design.

Professional development features multiple instructors, such as an author on gaming puzzles, an entertainment professional, and Hunter Fell. The extra instructors is designed to provide specialized information to participants with definite objectives.

“Various attendees plan to create their own live gameplay show and share their stories with the world, several aim to release and write original content,” Carl said. “Several only seek to ask, What does it take to be a DM at something like D&D in a Castle? What capabilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A fifteen hundred dollar gold tier offers access to a introductory event, a starter kit, and a brief one-on-one appointment with an instructor. This represents the inaugural DMU session, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their castle events.

“One could practically host an full two days just on consultation sessions for career game masters,” Carl observed. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of all participants' schedule – In my opinion the formal instruction and the practical exercises is highly beneficial – but I think it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar top package offers an hour of one-on-one time and the possibility to run a game for five players plus one of the faculty members, who will then provide notes and coaching.

“The goal is for the instructor to evaluate any element is focused on: Hey I don’t do well with improv or I encounter obstacles in certain battle scenarios. Can I run a situation for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to obtain critique and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Responses from the inaugural session will help guide future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl mentioned that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, making it longer to 72 hours, or testing alternative workshop formats.

“I expect that we host such events very often,” Carl expressed. “I really want to see numerous academy events in a given year, in different cities, and in multiple countries. The feedback has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're extremely satisfied with current developments and I feel it would be fantastic to be able to conduct this in partnership with large gatherings.”