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

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters manage D&D games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at an American castle venue. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among forever DMs who infrequently find the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often ask for tips from experts on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and crafting riddles to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the coordinators began developing a structured way to answer these inquiries, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The inaugural event is scheduled for January 2-3, 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“There are countless online tutorials on virtually any subject and acquire valuable insights, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session together with fellow DMs, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and other game masters who are probably in the same boat and seek to improve their skills,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Course Offerings and Pricing Tiers

Dungeon Masters can choose from tiers ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2,500, according to the level of access they desire with the instructors. The base tier includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Focuses on the fundamentals of managing a session.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Focuses around building persistent adventures.
• Universe Design: Concentrates on the art of setting design.
• Career Building: Aimed at dungeon masters who seek to understand more about the roleplaying business.

Each course includes two days of training split over two days.

“The classes are designed so that you leave with usable skills, enhanced belief in your abilities, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These workshops that you can join, absorb insights from, and then head back to your table the following week and apply in your local game.”

Expert Instructors

Many sessions are taught by two professors. Worldbuilding is taught by an industry veteran and a renowned campaign designer, together instructing the skill of universe design.

Professional development includes four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and Hunter Fell. The expanded teaching staff is meant to provide specialized information to attendees with specific goals.

“Some of them aim to start their own live gameplay show and display their adventures with the world, some of them want to publish and write original content,” Carl explained. “Several only seek to ask, What does it take to be a DM at an event like an immersive experience? Which abilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A fifteen hundred dollar premium package includes access to a welcome reception, a starter kit, and a half-hour consultation appointment with a teacher. This constitutes the debut of the program, though the team has previously run similar events during breaks between adventures at their immersive experiences.

“You could almost run an complete event just on one-on-one meetings for career game masters,” Carl mentioned. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of all participants' schedule – I believe the coursework and the hands-on activities is highly beneficial – but I think it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar premium option offers an 60-minute private session and the possibility to manage an adventure for several participants plus an instructor, who will then give comments and coaching.

“The purpose is for the faculty member to evaluate any element is interested in: I struggle with spontaneous decisions or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. May I present a situation for you and obtain advice on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl explained. “Alternatively they want to get feedback and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”

Coming Developments

Responses from the debut workshop will help determine subsequent DMU events. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include increasing consultation time, extending the program to a longer period, or testing alternative workshop formats.

“I hope that we do this regularly,” Carl said. “I would love to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a calendar year, in different cities, and in multiple countries. The reception has been really terrific. We're extremely satisfied with current developments and I think it would be fantastic to be able to organize these in partnership with big conventions.”