🔗 Share this article Monte Cook along with Monte Cook Are Teaching Sessions at Dungeon Master Academy Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running immersive events where experienced game masters lead D&D games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at an American castle venue. The full-service getaways are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the moment to join in the game themselves, and they often look for guidance from experts on topics ranging from improvisation and puzzle design to managing conflicts at the table. In response, the planners began designing a systematic approach to address these questions, which led to the creation of DMU. The first session is set for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta. “It's possible to view numerous digital guides on almost every theme and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session together with other dungeon masters, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and your peers who are probably in a similar position and also want to improve their skills,” explained the program's dean. Available Classes and Ticket Packages Game masters can choose from options ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, according to the amount of contact they desire with the experts. The entry-level option includes a choice of four workshops: Core Techniques: Focuses on the fundamentals of managing a session. Campaign Building: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games. Worldbuilding: Concentrates on the art of setting design. Professional Development: Designed for game masters who seek to understand more about the roleplaying business. Every class includes two days of classwork divided across 48 hours. “The classes are structured so that you leave with tangible results, probably greater confidence, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “They’re not just lectures and they exceed pre-recorded material. These workshops that you can participate in, learn from, and then head back to your table the week after and apply in your regular session.” Expert Instructors Many sessions are led by two professors. Worldbuilding is guided by the founder of Monte Cook Games and Keith Baker, jointly leading the skill of universe design. Industry advancement presents several experts, such as an author on gaming puzzles, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The additional faculty is designed to deliver focused advice to students with particular aims. “Various attendees aim to start their own D&D actual play and present their narratives with the world, several aim to release and develop fresh ideas,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? Which abilities that I need? Can anyone do it?” Premium Packages A $1.5K premium package includes access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the company has previously run similar events during breaks between campaigns at their immersive experiences. “One could practically host an entire weekend just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of everybody’s time – I think the formal instruction and the lab work is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.” The $2,500 top package 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 instruction. “The purpose is for the faculty member to evaluate any element is focused on: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I feel stuck in this kind of combat situation. Could I demonstrate a scene for you and obtain advice on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl explained. “Perhaps they want to obtain critique and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been building.” Future Plans Feedback from the inaugural session will help determine future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl said that possible changes could include adding more office hours, lengthening the event to 72 hours, or trying out alternative workshop formats. “I hope that we conduct these regularly,” Carl stated. “I really want to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in different cities, and in different countries. The response has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with current developments and I believe it would be amazing to be able to do this in conjunction with big conventions.”
Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running immersive events where experienced game masters lead D&D games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at an American castle venue. The full-service getaways are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the moment to join in the game themselves, and they often look for guidance from experts on topics ranging from improvisation and puzzle design to managing conflicts at the table. In response, the planners began designing a systematic approach to address these questions, which led to the creation of DMU. The first session is set for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta. “It's possible to view numerous digital guides on almost every theme and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session together with other dungeon masters, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and your peers who are probably in a similar position and also want to improve their skills,” explained the program's dean. Available Classes and Ticket Packages Game masters can choose from options ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, according to the amount of contact they desire with the experts. The entry-level option includes a choice of four workshops: Core Techniques: Focuses on the fundamentals of managing a session. Campaign Building: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games. Worldbuilding: Concentrates on the art of setting design. Professional Development: Designed for game masters who seek to understand more about the roleplaying business. Every class includes two days of classwork divided across 48 hours. “The classes are structured so that you leave with tangible results, probably greater confidence, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “They’re not just lectures and they exceed pre-recorded material. These workshops that you can participate in, learn from, and then head back to your table the week after and apply in your regular session.” Expert Instructors Many sessions are led by two professors. Worldbuilding is guided by the founder of Monte Cook Games and Keith Baker, jointly leading the skill of universe design. Industry advancement presents several experts, such as an author on gaming puzzles, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The additional faculty is designed to deliver focused advice to students with particular aims. “Various attendees aim to start their own D&D actual play and present their narratives with the world, several aim to release and develop fresh ideas,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? Which abilities that I need? Can anyone do it?” Premium Packages A $1.5K premium package includes access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the company has previously run similar events during breaks between campaigns at their immersive experiences. “One could practically host an entire weekend just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of everybody’s time – I think the formal instruction and the lab work is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.” The $2,500 top package 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 instruction. “The purpose is for the faculty member to evaluate any element is focused on: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I feel stuck in this kind of combat situation. Could I demonstrate a scene for you and obtain advice on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl explained. “Perhaps they want to obtain critique and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been building.” Future Plans Feedback from the inaugural session will help determine future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl said that possible changes could include adding more office hours, lengthening the event to 72 hours, or trying out alternative workshop formats. “I hope that we conduct these regularly,” Carl stated. “I really want to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in different cities, and in different countries. The response has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with current developments and I believe it would be amazing to be able to do this in conjunction with big conventions.”