Monte Cook along with Keith Baker Will Lead Sessions at DMU

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting immersive events where experienced game masters manage D&D games in old manors in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. These all-inclusive trips are especially popular among long-time dungeon masters who infrequently find the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often look for guidance from the pros on topics ranging from improv and creating challenges to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the organizers began designing a systematic approach to address these questions, which led to the establishment of DMU. The debut workshop is scheduled for early January 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“It's possible to view numerous digital guides on any topic and learn quite a lot, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session alongside fellow DMs, where direct communication with seasoned educators and other game masters likely in a similar position and seek to enhance their abilities,” noted the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Course Offerings and Ticket Packages

Game masters can opt for tiers ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2.5K, based on the degree of interaction they desire with the experts. The starting package includes one of four courses:

• Foundational Skills: Covers the essentials of leading a game.
• Story Arc Development: Is dedicated to building persistent adventures.
• Setting Creation: Highlights the crafting of environments.
• Industry Advancement: Tailored to dungeon masters who want to learn more about the tabletop profession.

All workshops includes multiple sessions of instruction split over two days.

“The courses are structured so that you leave with immediate practical outcomes, probably greater confidence, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they exceed pre-recorded material. These classes that you can attend, learn from, and then head back to your table the next week and put into practice in your regular session.”

Expert Instructors

Many sessions are instructed by duo of instructors. Setting design is guided by the founder of Monte Cook Games and a renowned campaign designer, both teaching the craft of setting creation.

Industry advancement features several experts, such as Elisa Teague, an entertainment professional, and a pioneering DM. The extra instructors is designed to provide specialized information to participants with definite objectives.

“Certain participants want to launch their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, several plan to produce and develop fresh ideas,” Carl explained. “Some just want 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 $1.5K premium package includes access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with a teacher. This constitutes the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the team has previously run similar events during breaks between game sessions at their immersive experiences.

“You could almost run an complete event just on office hours for career game masters,” Carl mentioned. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of each attendee's hours – In my opinion the structured learning and the practical exercises is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2,500 premium option includes an hour of one-on-one time and the opportunity to run a game for a small group plus one of the faculty members, who will then give comments and guidance.

“The goal is for the instructor to review whichever aspect is interested in: Hey I don’t do well with improv or I get blocked in certain battle scenarios. Can I run a scene for you and get feedback on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl said. “Alternatively they want to receive input and information on a specific world that they’ve been developing.”

Coming Developments

Responses from the debut workshop will help shape subsequent DMU events. Carl suggested that possible changes could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to 72 hours, or experimenting with alternative workshop formats.

“I anticipate that we host such events regularly,” Carl expressed. “I would love to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a calendar year, in various locations, and in different countries. The reception has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be amazing to be able to conduct this in partnership with big conventions.”