Monte Cook along with Keith Baker Are Instructing Classes at DMU

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting immersive events where experienced game masters manage fantasy roleplaying games in old manors in Britain and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The full-service getaways are highly favored among forever DMs who infrequently find the moment to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the planners began designing a systematic approach to address these questions, which led to the creation of Dungeon Master University. The inaugural event is set for January 2-3, 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“There are thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and acquire valuable insights, but the philosophy was that there’s just no substitute an in-person experience in the company of peers in game mastering, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and your fellow DMs who are probably in the same boat and aim to enhance their abilities,” noted the program's dean.

Available Classes and Ticket Packages

DMs can choose from tiers ranging from just under $1,000 to two thousand five hundred dollars, 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.
• Campaign Building: Centers on crafting long-running games.
• Worldbuilding: Concentrates on the art of setting design.
• Career Building: Designed for game masters who aim to explore more about the gaming industry.

Every class includes eight hours of instruction spread over two days.

“The classes are structured so that you leave with immediate practical outcomes, increased self-assurance, and many practical techniques,” Carl said. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These classes that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then return to your group the week after and implement in your home campaign.”

Professional Teachers

Many sessions are taught by duo of instructors. Setting design is guided by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, both teaching the craft of setting creation.

Career building features several experts, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and a pioneering DM. The extra instructors is meant to offer targeted guidance to participants with definite objectives.

“Various attendees plan to create their own real-play series and present their narratives with the world, several aim to release and create new material,” Carl said. “Several only seek to ask, How do I get to be a DM at an event like D&D in a Castle? What capabilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Higher Tiers

A $1.5K gold tier includes access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with an instructor. This constitutes the debut of the program, though the team has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between adventures at their premium gatherings.

“You could almost run an entire weekend just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl said. “I'm not certain if that’s the most effective utilization of everybody’s time – In my opinion the formal instruction and the practical exercises is too valuable – but I think it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2.5K top package includes an 60-minute private session and the possibility to lead a session for several participants plus a teacher, who will then offer feedback and coaching.

“The aim is for the teacher to assess whatever the DM is interested in: I struggle with improvisation or I feel stuck in certain battle scenarios. Could I demonstrate a scene for you and get feedback on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to get feedback and guidance on a specific world that they’ve been developing.”

Next Steps

Input from the first event will help guide subsequent DMU events. Carl mentioned that potential adjustments could include increasing consultation time, lengthening the event to 72 hours, or trying out different seminar structures.

“I anticipate that we conduct these frequently,” Carl stated. “I really want to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in various locations, and in different countries. 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 conjunction with large gatherings.”