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

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs manage fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. These all-inclusive trips are highly favored 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 puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the coordinators began crafting a organized method to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The first session is set for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on any topic and acquire valuable insights, but the philosophy was that there’s just no substitute an in-person experience alongside peers in game mastering, where direct communication with seasoned educators and other game masters likely in the same boat and also want to enhance their abilities,” noted the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Course Offerings and Ticket Packages

DMs can select packages ranging from $995 to $2.5K, based on the amount of contact they desire with the experts. The entry-level option includes one of four courses:

• Core Techniques: Covers the basics of running D&D.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Focuses around designing extended campaigns.
• Setting Creation: Highlights the crafting of environments.
• Industry Advancement: Aimed at game masters who seek to understand more about the roleplaying business.

Every class includes two days of classwork divided across 48 hours.

“The workshops are structured so that you walk away with usable skills, probably greater confidence, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These workshops that you can join, absorb insights from, and then return to your group the week after and apply in your regular session.”

Professional Teachers

The majority of workshops are taught by a pair of experts. Worldbuilding is guided by the founder of Monte Cook Games and the creator of Eberron, jointly leading the art of worldbuilding.

Professional development presents four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, a podcast co-host, and Hunter Fell. The expanded teaching staff is intended to provide specialized information to students with definite objectives.

“Various attendees aim to start their own D&D actual play and display their adventures with the world, others plan to produce and write original content,” 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? Can anyone do it?”

Premium Packages

A $1.5K premium package includes access to a opening gathering, a welcome gift pack, and a brief one-on-one appointment with one of the faculty. This constitutes the inaugural DMU session, though the organizers has previously run similar events during breaks between adventures at their immersive experiences.

“It would be possible to organize an full two days just on one-on-one meetings for professional dungeon masters,” Carl observed. “I don’t know if that’s the optimal application of all participants' schedule – I believe the formal instruction and the practical exercises is too valuable – but I think it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar top package includes an 60-minute private session and the possibility to run a game for five players plus an instructor, who will then give comments and instruction.

“The goal is for the faculty member to review whichever aspect is concerned with: Hey I don’t do well with improv or I get blocked in this kind of combat situation. Could I demonstrate a scene for you and receive input on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to get feedback and information on a specific world that they’ve been creating.”

Coming Developments

Feedback from the first event will help determine future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl suggested that possible changes could include adding more office hours, lengthening the event to 72 hours, or experimenting with varied class arrangements.

“I hope that we host such events very often,” Carl stated. “I would love to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in multiple places, and in multiple countries. The reception has been really terrific. We're quite pleased with what we’re seeing and I feel it would be fantastic to be able to organize these in partnership with large gatherings.”