Monte Cook and Monte Cook Will Lead Classes at Dungeon Master University
Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting immersive events where experienced game masters run fantasy roleplaying games in old manors in Britain and at an American castle venue. These all-inclusive trips are widely appreciated among long-time dungeon masters who rarely get the moment 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 organizers began designing a systematic approach to address these questions, which led to the founding of DMU. The inaugural event is scheduled for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta.
“It's possible to view numerous digital guides on virtually any subject and gain significant knowledge, but the idea was that there’s just no substitute face-to-face interaction in the company of other dungeon masters, where direct communication with seasoned educators and other game masters likely in the same boat and also want to improve their skills,” stated the dean of Dungeon Master University.
Available Classes and Ticket Packages
Dungeon Masters can opt for packages ranging from just under $1,000 to two thousand five hundred dollars, according to the degree of interaction they desire with the professionals. The base tier includes one of four courses:
- Skill Building: Covers the basics of leading a game.
- Long-Term Game Planning: Centers on designing extended campaigns.
- Worldbuilding: Concentrates on the development of worlds.
- Career Building: Tailored to DMs who want to learn more about the gaming industry.
Each course includes two days of training spread over 48 hours.
“The classes are structured so that you walk away with usable skills, increased self-assurance, and many practical techniques,” Carl noted. “They’re not just lectures and they go beyond recorded content. These classes that you can attend, learn from, and then go right back home the next week and apply in your home campaign.”
Expert Instructors
The majority of workshops are led by a pair of experts. Worldbuilding is led by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, both teaching the art of worldbuilding.
Career building features multiple instructors, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and an early professional game master. The expanded teaching staff is intended to provide specialized information to students with specific goals.
“Certain participants want to launch their own D&D actual play and share their stories with the world, some of them want to publish and write original content,” Carl stated. “Several only seek to ask, What does it take to be a DM at an event like an immersive experience? What are the skills that I need? Is it for everyone?”
Premium Packages
A fifteen hundred dollar enhanced option provides access to a welcome reception, a welcome gift pack, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with a teacher. This marks the debut of the program, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their premium gatherings.
“It would be possible to organize an complete event just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the optimal application of all participants' schedule – I think the coursework and the practical exercises is extremely important – but I suspect it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”
The $2,500 premium option includes an 60-minute private session and the possibility to run a game for a small group plus a teacher, who will then give comments and guidance.
“The aim is for the faculty member to review whichever aspect is interested in: I have difficulty with spontaneous decisions or I encounter obstacles in certain battle scenarios. Could I demonstrate a scene for you and receive input on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl detailed. “Perhaps they want to receive input and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”
Coming Developments
Responses from the inaugural session will help guide upcoming academy workshops. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include increasing consultation time, making it longer to 72 hours, or testing different seminar structures.
“I anticipate that we host such events frequently,” Carl stated. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The feedback has been really terrific. We're extremely satisfied with the results so far and I feel it would be amazing to be able to organize these in collaboration with big conventions.”
