Monte Cook along with Keith Baker Will Lead Workshops at Dungeon Master University

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running immersive events where professional dungeon masters run Dungeons & Dragons games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. 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 seek advice from experts on topics ranging from improvisation and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the planners began designing a systematic approach to address these questions, which led to the founding of Dungeon Master University. The debut workshop is set for early January 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“It's possible to view countless online tutorials on almost every theme and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces face-to-face interaction alongside peers in game mastering, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and other game masters who are probably in the same boat and seek to enhance their abilities,” explained the program's dean.

Available Classes and Pricing Tiers

Game masters can opt for packages ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2,500, based on the level of access they desire with the experts. The entry-level option includes one of four courses:

• Skill Building: Focuses on the fundamentals of running D&D.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Centers on building persistent adventures.
• Universe Design: Emphasizes the development of worlds.
• Industry Advancement: Aimed at game masters who aim to explore more about the tabletop profession.

Every class includes multiple sessions of instruction split over a weekend.

“The classes are created so that you walk away with tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl said. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These classes that you can join, absorb insights from, and then head back to your table the following week and implement in your local game.”

Seasoned Educators

Most classes are led by two professors. Universe creation is taught by an industry veteran and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the skill of universe design.

Professional development presents several experts, such as Elisa Teague, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The extra instructors is meant to provide specialized information to students with definite objectives.

“Certain participants want to launch their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, others want to publish and create new material,” Carl said. “Several only seek to ask, What's the path to be a DM at an event like a castle event? What are the skills that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A fifteen hundred dollar gold tier offers access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a brief one-on-one appointment with an instructor. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the team 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 office hours for professional dungeon masters,” Carl mentioned. “I'm not certain if that’s the optimal application of each attendee's hours – I believe the coursework 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 platinum tier offers an extended personal consultation and the opportunity to run a game for a small group plus a teacher, who will then give comments and guidance.

“The aim is for the teacher to evaluate whichever aspect is interested in: I struggle with improvisation or I get blocked in this kind of combat situation. Could I demonstrate a situation for you and obtain advice on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl detailed. “Perhaps they want to get feedback and information on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Feedback from the first event will help determine future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl mentioned that likely modifications could include adding more office hours, making it longer to a longer period, or experimenting with different seminar structures.

“I anticipate that we do this very often,” Carl said. “I would love to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a single year, in multiple places, and in different countries. The feedback has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're extremely satisfied with current developments and I think it would be wonderful to be able to organize these in conjunction with major events.”