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

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters run fantasy roleplaying games in old manors in England and at a U.S. castle resort. These all-inclusive trips are especially popular among forever DMs who seldom have the moment to actually play themselves, and they often ask for tips from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improv and crafting riddles to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the coordinators began developing a organized method to address these questions, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The inaugural event is set for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“There are countless online tutorials on any topic and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that nothing compares to face-to-face interaction alongside peers in game mastering, where direct communication with expert teachers and your fellow DMs who are probably in a similar position and aim to improve their skills,” stated the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Available Classes and Ticket Packages

Dungeon Masters can opt for packages ranging from just under $1,000 to $2.5K, depending on the level of access they desire with the professionals. The entry-level option includes a choice of four workshops:

• Skill Building: Covers the basics of leading a game.
• Story Arc Development: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games.
• Worldbuilding: Concentrates on the crafting of environments.
• Career Building: Aimed at game masters who want to learn more about the tabletop profession.

Every class includes eight hours of training spread over a weekend.

“The workshops are structured so that you depart having tangible results, increased self-assurance, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl explained. “It's more than presentations and they exceed pre-recorded material. These classes that you can attend, learn from, and then go right back home the week after and put into practice in your home campaign.”

Expert Instructors

The majority of workshops are taught by two professors. Setting design is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and Keith Baker, jointly leading the craft of setting creation.

Career building features several experts, such as an author on gaming puzzles, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is meant to provide specialized information to students with definite objectives.

“Certain participants want to launch their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, some of them aim to release and develop fresh ideas,” Carl said. “Several only seek to ask, How do I get to be a DM at something like a castle event? Which abilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A $1.5K premium package includes access to a introductory event, a starter kit, and a brief one-on-one appointment with an instructor. This marks the inaugural DMU session, though the team has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their premium gatherings.

“You could almost run an full two days just on consultation sessions for professional dungeon masters,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the optimal application of everybody’s time – In my opinion the coursework and the hands-on activities is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar top package includes an extended personal consultation and the chance to lead a session for several participants plus a teacher, who will then give comments and instruction.

“The aim is for the faculty member to assess whatever the DM is concerned with: I have difficulty with improv or I encounter obstacles in specific fight encounters. Could I demonstrate a situation for you and get feedback on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to obtain critique and information on a definite universe that they’ve been developing.”

Coming Developments

Responses from the inaugural session will help determine subsequent DMU events. Carl said that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, lengthening the event to three days, or trying out varied class arrangements.

“I anticipate that we do this very often,” Carl said. “I would love to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a calendar year, in different cities, and in various nations. The response has been really terrific. We're quite pleased with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be wonderful to be able to conduct this in collaboration with large gatherings.”