Monte Cook and Monte Cook Are Instructing Sessions at Dungeon Master Academy
Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting immersive events where expert DMs lead D&D games in ancient fortresses in England and at an American castle venue. The full-service getaways are especially popular among career game masters who rarely get the moment to actually play themselves, and they often ask for tips from the pros on topics ranging from improv and creating challenges to handling difficult situations at the table.
In response, the organizers began crafting a organized method to answer these inquiries, which led to the establishment of the Dungeon Master Academy. The inaugural event is scheduled for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University.
“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on any topic and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that nothing compares to face-to-face interaction in the company of other dungeon masters, where direct communication with expert teachers and your peers who are probably in the same boat and also want to improve their skills,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.
Workshop Options and Cost Levels
DMs can opt for packages ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2,500, based on the amount of contact they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes a choice of four workshops:
- Core Techniques: Teaches the fundamentals of managing a session.
- Story Arc Development: Centers on designing extended campaigns.
- Universe Design: Emphasizes the crafting of environments.
- Professional Development: Tailored to game masters who want to learn more about the gaming industry.
Every class includes multiple sessions of training split over 48 hours.
“The courses are structured so that you depart having tangible results, probably greater confidence, and many practical techniques,” Carl said. “They’re not just lectures and they exceed pre-recorded material. These classes that you can participate in, absorb insights from, and then go right back home the following week and implement in your home campaign.”
Expert Instructors
Most classes are led by a pair of experts. Worldbuilding is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and a renowned campaign designer, both teaching the craft of setting creation.
Industry advancement includes multiple instructors, such as a puzzle design specialist, an entertainment professional, and a pioneering DM. The additional faculty is meant to offer targeted guidance to students with definite objectives.
“Some of them aim to start their own live gameplay show and share their stories with the world, several want to publish and develop fresh ideas,” Carl said. “Several only seek to ask, How do I get to be a DM at something like an immersive experience? What are the skills that I need? Is it for everyone?”
Premium Packages
A $1.5K premium package provides access to a opening gathering, a starter kit, and a brief one-on-one appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the debut of the program, though the organizers has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between adventures at their castle events.
“One could practically host an complete event just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl said. “I don’t know if that’s the best use of all participants' schedule – In my opinion the formal instruction and the practical exercises is highly beneficial – but I think it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”
The $2.5K top package includes an 60-minute private session and the chance to run a game for several participants plus an instructor, who will then give comments and instruction.
“The aim is for the teacher to review whatever the DM is focused on: I struggle with spontaneous decisions or I feel stuck in certain battle scenarios. May I present a situation for you and obtain advice on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl detailed. “Alternatively they want to obtain critique and guidance on a particular setting that they’ve been building.”
Next Steps
Feedback from the first event will help guide future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl suggested that likely modifications could include adding more office hours, extending the program to a longer period, or experimenting with different seminar structures.
“I anticipate that we host such events very often,” Carl said. “I really want to see several DMU sessions in a given year, in various locations, and in multiple countries. The feedback has been really terrific. We're quite pleased with current developments and I think it would be amazing to be able to organize these in conjunction with big conventions.”