🔗 Share this article Monte Cook and Keith Baker Are Instructing Sessions at DMU Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters manage fantasy roleplaying games in old manors in the UK and at an American castle venue. The comprehensive packages are highly favored among forever DMs who seldom have the moment to participate as players 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 planners began developing a systematic approach to answer these inquiries, which led to the creation of Dungeon Master University. The inaugural event is set for the start of 2026 at an Atlanta campus. “There are numerous digital guides on almost every theme and learn quite a lot, but the concept was that there’s just no substitute face-to-face interaction alongside peers in game mastering, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and your fellow DMs likely in the same boat and aim to level up their game,” stated the dean of Dungeon Master University. Available Classes and Pricing Tiers Game masters can select options ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2.5K, depending on the level of access they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes: Core Techniques: Focuses on the basics of leading a game. Story Arc Development: Centers on building persistent adventures. Worldbuilding: Emphasizes the art of setting design. Professional Development: Aimed at dungeon masters who aim to explore more about the gaming industry. Every class includes multiple sessions of instruction spread over 48 hours. “The classes are structured so that you walk away with immediate practical outcomes, probably greater confidence, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl said. “It's more than presentations and they exceed pre-recorded material. These are sessions that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then head back to your table the week after and apply in your regular session.” Seasoned Educators The majority of workshops are led by two professors. Setting design is led by an industry veteran and the creator of Eberron, jointly leading the art of worldbuilding. Professional development includes four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and Hunter Fell. The additional faculty is designed to offer targeted guidance to students with particular aims. “Some of them want to launch their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, several plan to produce and develop fresh ideas,” Carl explained. “Several only seek to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like an immersive experience? What capabilities that I need? Can anyone do it?” Premium Packages A $1.5K enhanced option offers access to a welcome reception, a starter kit, and a brief one-on-one appointment with one of the faculty. This represents the debut of the program, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between campaigns at their premium gatherings. “You could almost run an full two days just on office hours for professional dungeon masters,” Carl mentioned. “It's unclear if that’s the most effective utilization of each attendee's hours – In my opinion the coursework and the lab work is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.” The $2.5K premium option provides an extended personal consultation and the chance to lead a session for a small group plus a teacher, who will then give comments and coaching. “The aim is for the instructor to evaluate whichever aspect is concerned with: I struggle with improvisation or I feel stuck in this kind of combat situation. May I present a scene for you and receive input 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 building.” Next Steps Feedback from the debut workshop will help determine future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl said that potential adjustments could include increasing consultation time, lengthening the event to 72 hours, or trying out alternative workshop formats. “I anticipate that we conduct these very often,” Carl stated. “I really want to see numerous academy events in a given year, in various locations, and in various nations. The reception has been really terrific. We’re very happy with the results so far and I think it would be wonderful to be able to conduct this in collaboration with large gatherings.”
Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters manage fantasy roleplaying games in old manors in the UK and at an American castle venue. The comprehensive packages are highly favored among forever DMs who seldom have the moment to participate as players 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 planners began developing a systematic approach to answer these inquiries, which led to the creation of Dungeon Master University. The inaugural event is set for the start of 2026 at an Atlanta campus. “There are numerous digital guides on almost every theme and learn quite a lot, but the concept was that there’s just no substitute face-to-face interaction alongside peers in game mastering, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and your fellow DMs likely in the same boat and aim to level up their game,” stated the dean of Dungeon Master University. Available Classes and Pricing Tiers Game masters can select options ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2.5K, depending on the level of access they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes: Core Techniques: Focuses on the basics of leading a game. Story Arc Development: Centers on building persistent adventures. Worldbuilding: Emphasizes the art of setting design. Professional Development: Aimed at dungeon masters who aim to explore more about the gaming industry. Every class includes multiple sessions of instruction spread over 48 hours. “The classes are structured so that you walk away with immediate practical outcomes, probably greater confidence, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl said. “It's more than presentations and they exceed pre-recorded material. These are sessions that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then head back to your table the week after and apply in your regular session.” Seasoned Educators The majority of workshops are led by two professors. Setting design is led by an industry veteran and the creator of Eberron, jointly leading the art of worldbuilding. Professional development includes four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and Hunter Fell. The additional faculty is designed to offer targeted guidance to students with particular aims. “Some of them want to launch their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, several plan to produce and develop fresh ideas,” Carl explained. “Several only seek to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like an immersive experience? What capabilities that I need? Can anyone do it?” Premium Packages A $1.5K enhanced option offers access to a welcome reception, a starter kit, and a brief one-on-one appointment with one of the faculty. This represents the debut of the program, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between campaigns at their premium gatherings. “You could almost run an full two days just on office hours for professional dungeon masters,” Carl mentioned. “It's unclear if that’s the most effective utilization of each attendee's hours – In my opinion the coursework and the lab work is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.” The $2.5K premium option provides an extended personal consultation and the chance to lead a session for a small group plus a teacher, who will then give comments and coaching. “The aim is for the instructor to evaluate whichever aspect is concerned with: I struggle with improvisation or I feel stuck in this kind of combat situation. May I present a scene for you and receive input 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 building.” Next Steps Feedback from the debut workshop will help determine future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl said that potential adjustments could include increasing consultation time, lengthening the event to 72 hours, or trying out alternative workshop formats. “I anticipate that we conduct these very often,” Carl stated. “I really want to see numerous academy events in a given year, in various locations, and in various nations. The reception has been really terrific. We’re very happy with the results so far and I think it would be wonderful to be able to conduct this in collaboration with large gatherings.”