Monte Cook and Monte Cook Are Teaching Workshops at Dungeon Master University
Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running immersive events where experienced game masters lead Dungeons & Dragons games in old manors in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. The comprehensive packages are especially popular among forever DMs who seldom have the chance to join in the game themselves, and they often ask for tips from the pros on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and crafting riddles to handling difficult situations at the table.
In response, the organizers began developing a organized method to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The inaugural event is scheduled for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University.
“It's possible to view countless online tutorials on virtually any subject and gain significant knowledge, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session together with other dungeon masters, where direct communication with faculty instructors and your fellow DMs who are probably in the same boat and seek to improve their skills,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.
Available Classes and Pricing Tiers
Dungeon Masters can select options ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, based on the level of access they desire with the experts. The starting package includes one of four courses:
- Core Techniques: Covers the basics of managing a session.
- Story Arc Development: Centers on designing extended campaigns.
- Worldbuilding: Emphasizes the crafting of environments.
- Industry Advancement: Designed for DMs who want to learn more about the gaming industry.
Each course includes eight hours of training split over two days.
“The courses are created so that you walk away with tangible results, increased self-assurance, and many practical techniques,” Carl noted. “They’re not just lectures and they exceed pre-recorded material. These workshops that you can participate in, gain knowledge from, and then return to your group the week after and apply in your regular session.”
Seasoned Educators
Most classes are led by duo of instructors. Setting design is guided by an industry veteran and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the art of worldbuilding.
Industry advancement features four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, a podcast co-host, and an early professional game master. The extra instructors is intended to provide specialized information to participants with particular aims.
“Some of them want to launch their own live gameplay show and share their stories with the world, others want to publish and create new material,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at something like an immersive experience? What capabilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”
Higher Tiers
A $1.5K premium package provides access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with one of the faculty. This constitutes the inaugural DMU session, though the company 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 office hours for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “I'm not certain if that’s the optimal application of each attendee's hours – I think the coursework and the lab work is highly beneficial – but I suspect 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 a teacher, who will then give comments and instruction.
“The aim is for the faculty member to assess whatever the DM is interested in: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I feel stuck in certain battle scenarios. Can I run a scene for you and receive input on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to get feedback and information 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, making it longer to a longer period, or experimenting with varied class arrangements.
“I hope that we conduct these frequently,” Carl said. “I would love to see numerous academy events in a given year, in various locations, and in different countries. The reception has been extremely positive. We're quite pleased with the results so far and I feel it would be fantastic to be able to conduct this in collaboration with large gatherings.”
