Monte Cook and Keith Baker Are Instructing Classes at Dungeon Master University

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters run D&D games in ancient fortresses in England and at a U.S. castle resort. These all-inclusive trips are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who rarely get the moment to join in the game themselves, and they often ask for tips from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the planners began designing a structured way to address these questions, which led to the founding of Dungeon Master University. The first session is planned for January 2-3, 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“You can watch numerous digital guides on any topic and gain significant knowledge, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session alongside peers in game mastering, 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,” noted the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Workshop Options and Cost Levels

DMs can opt for packages ranging from just under $1,000 to $2.5K, according to the level of access they desire with the experts. The starting package includes one of four courses:

• Skill Building: Teaches the essentials of managing a session.
• Campaign Building: Centers on designing extended campaigns.
• Setting Creation: Concentrates on the crafting of environments.
• Career Building: Tailored to game masters who want to learn more about the tabletop profession.

Every class includes two days of instruction spread over 48 hours.

“The classes are designed so that you depart having tangible results, increased self-assurance, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl said. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These classes that you can attend, absorb insights from, and then return to your group the following week and implement in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

Many sessions are taught by two professors. Universe creation is led by Monte Cook and a renowned campaign designer, jointly leading the skill of universe design.

Professional development includes several experts, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and Hunter Fell. The additional faculty is intended to offer targeted guidance to students with specific goals.

“Various attendees plan to create their own live gameplay show and display their adventures with the world, several plan to produce and write original content,” Carl explained. “Some just want 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?”

Advanced Options

A $1,500 enhanced option provides access to a introductory event, a welcome gift pack, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with an instructor. This constitutes the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their castle events.

“You could almost run an complete event just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl observed. “I'm not certain if that’s the best use of each attendee's hours – I believe the formal instruction and the lab work is highly beneficial – but I believe it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2.5K premium option offers an hour of one-on-one time and the chance to run a game for a small group plus one of the faculty members, who will then provide notes and instruction.

“The goal is for the teacher to evaluate whatever the DM is focused on: I struggle with improvisation or I encounter obstacles in specific fight encounters. May I present a scenario for you and obtain advice on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl explained. “Perhaps they want to get feedback and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Input from the first event will help shape future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include increasing consultation time, making it longer to 72 hours, or trying out different seminar structures.

“I expect that we do this frequently,” Carl stated. “I would love to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in different cities, and in various nations. The feedback has been really terrific. We're quite pleased with current developments and I feel it would be wonderful to be able to conduct this in conjunction with large gatherings.”