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

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing immersive events where experienced game masters lead fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in England and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are highly favored among career game masters who infrequently find the moment to join in the game themselves, and they often seek advice from experts on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the planners began designing a systematic approach to tackle these topics, which led to the creation of DMU. The first session is planned for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on any topic and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that nothing compares to face-to-face interaction in the company of fellow DMs, where real-time interaction with seasoned educators and your peers who are probably in a similar position and seek to level up their game,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Workshop Options and Ticket Packages

Game masters can opt for options ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to two thousand five hundred dollars, depending on the level of access they desire with the professionals. The base tier includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Teaches the basics of running D&D.
• Story Arc Development: Focuses around designing extended campaigns.
• Worldbuilding: Emphasizes the art of setting design.
• Professional Development: Tailored to dungeon masters who want to learn more about the tabletop profession.

Each course includes multiple sessions of training divided across 48 hours.

“The workshops are created so that you walk away with immediate practical outcomes, increased self-assurance, and many practical techniques,” Carl said. “They’re not just lectures and they’re not just static videos. These are sessions that you can participate in, learn from, and then head back to your table the next week and implement in your local game.”

Seasoned Educators

The majority of workshops are instructed by duo of instructors. Setting design is guided by an industry veteran and a renowned campaign designer, together instructing the skill of universe design.

Career building presents several experts, such as a puzzle design specialist, an entertainment professional, and an early professional game master. The extra instructors is designed to provide specialized information to students with specific goals.

“Some of them want to launch their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, several aim to release and develop fresh ideas,” Carl said. “Several only seek to ask, What does it take to be a DM at an event like an immersive experience? What capabilities that I need? Is this achievable?”

Higher Tiers

A $1.5K premium package includes access to a welcome reception, a starter kit, and a half-hour consultation appointment with a teacher. This constitutes the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the team has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between adventures at their immersive experiences.

“One could practically host an entire weekend just on office hours for professional dungeon masters,” Carl observed. “I'm not certain if that’s the most effective utilization of each attendee's hours – In my opinion the structured learning and the hands-on activities is extremely important – but I think it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2.5K platinum tier provides 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 give comments and guidance.

“The purpose is for the teacher to assess any element is focused on: I struggle with spontaneous decisions or I get blocked in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a situation for you and receive input on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl explained. “Alternatively they want to receive input and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”

Next Steps

Feedback from the first event will help guide upcoming academy workshops. Carl said that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, lengthening the event to 72 hours, or trying out varied class arrangements.

“I expect that we do this regularly,” Carl expressed. “I truly hope to see numerous academy events in a calendar year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The response has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're extremely satisfied with what we’re seeing and I feel it would be fantastic to be able to conduct this in collaboration with large gatherings.”