Monte Cook and Monte Cook Will Lead Sessions at Dungeon Master University

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing immersive events where expert DMs run D&D games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. These all-inclusive trips are especially popular among forever DMs who infrequently find the opportunity to join in the game themselves, and they often look for guidance from experts on topics ranging from improv and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the coordinators began designing a structured way to tackle these topics, which led to the creation of the Dungeon Master Academy. The first session is scheduled for January 2-3, 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on any topic and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces an in-person experience alongside fellow DMs, where direct communication with expert teachers and your fellow DMs who are probably in a similar position and aim to improve their skills,” stated Jason Carl.

Course Offerings and Ticket Packages

Dungeon Masters can choose from tiers ranging from just under $1,000 to $2.5K, according to the level of access they desire with the experts. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Teaches the fundamentals of managing a session.
• Campaign Building: Is dedicated to designing extended campaigns.
• Universe Design: Concentrates on the development of worlds.
• Career Building: Aimed at DMs who aim to explore more about the gaming industry.

All workshops includes multiple sessions of training divided across two days.

“The courses are structured so that you leave with immediate practical outcomes, enhanced belief in your abilities, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl said. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These are sessions that you can join, absorb insights from, and then go right back home the next week and implement in your regular session.”

Professional Teachers

The majority of workshops are taught by a pair of experts. Universe creation is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and Keith Baker, jointly leading the art of worldbuilding.

Industry advancement features several experts, such as an author on gaming puzzles, an entertainment professional, and a pioneering DM. The extra instructors is meant to provide specialized information to attendees with specific goals.

“Various attendees want to launch their own live gameplay show and display their adventures with the world, several want to publish and develop fresh ideas,” Carl stated. “Others simply wish to ask, How do I get to be a DM at an event like D&D in a Castle? What are the skills that I need? Is this achievable?”

Higher Tiers

A $1.5K gold tier includes access to a introductory event, a welcome gift pack, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with a teacher. This marks the debut of the program, though the team 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 consultation sessions for career game masters,” Carl observed. “It's unclear if that’s the optimal application of all participants' schedule – I think the coursework and the hands-on activities is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar premium option provides an 60-minute private session and the opportunity to run a game for a small group plus an instructor, who will then give comments and coaching.

“The purpose is for the instructor to review whichever aspect is interested in: I have difficulty with spontaneous decisions or I get blocked in certain battle scenarios. Can I run a scenario for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl explained. “Perhaps they want to receive input and guidance on a particular setting that they’ve been creating.”

Coming Developments

Input from the debut workshop will help shape subsequent DMU events. Carl suggested that likely modifications could include increasing consultation time, lengthening the event to a longer period, or experimenting with varied class arrangements.

“I hope that we host such events very often,” Carl stated. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in different cities, and in different countries. The reception has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're extremely satisfied with current developments and I feel it would be amazing to be able to organize these in collaboration with big conventions.”