Monte Cook along with Keith Baker Are Instructing Workshops at DMU
Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting immersive events where expert DMs run Dungeons & Dragons games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at an American castle venue. The comprehensive packages are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the chance to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improvisation and crafting riddles to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.
In response, the planners began developing a structured way to address these questions, which led to the founding of Dungeon Master University. The inaugural event is planned for January 2-3, 2026 at an Atlanta campus.
“You can watch countless online tutorials on any topic and acquire valuable insights, but the philosophy was that there’s just no substitute a live, hands-on session together with peers in game mastering, where direct communication with faculty instructors and your fellow DMs likely in a similar position and aim to improve their skills,” stated the program's dean.
Course Offerings and Ticket Packages
Game masters can choose from options ranging from $995 to $2,500, according to the level of access they desire with the professionals. The entry-level option includes a choice of four workshops:
- Skill Building: Focuses on the fundamentals of leading a game.
- Story Arc Development: Centers on crafting long-running games.
- Universe Design: Concentrates on the crafting of environments.
- Industry Advancement: Aimed at DMs who aim to explore more about the gaming industry.
Every class includes eight hours of instruction split over a weekend.
“The workshops are structured so that you depart having usable skills, increased self-assurance, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl noted. “These aren't simple talks and they exceed pre-recorded material. These are sessions that you can attend, learn from, and then return to your group the next week and put into practice in your home campaign.”
Professional Teachers
Many sessions are taught by duo of instructors. Worldbuilding is led by an industry veteran and Keith Baker, together instructing the art of worldbuilding.
Professional development presents multiple instructors, such as Elisa Teague, an entertainment professional, and Hunter Fell. The extra instructors is intended to deliver focused advice to students with specific goals.
“Certain participants plan to create their own real-play series and share their stories with the world, several aim to release and write original content,” Carl stated. “Others simply wish to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like an immersive experience? What are the skills that I need? Can anyone do it?”
Advanced Options
A $1.5K premium package includes access to a opening gathering, a introductory package, and a brief one-on-one appointment with a teacher. This constitutes the inaugural DMU session, though the company has previously run Castle Days during breaks between adventures at their premium gatherings.
“You could almost run an full two days just on one-on-one meetings for career game masters,” Carl observed. “It's unclear if that’s the most effective utilization of everybody’s time – In my opinion the structured learning and the lab work is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”
The $2,500 platinum tier provides an extended personal consultation and the chance to lead a session for a small group plus a teacher, who will then provide notes and coaching.
“The aim is for the teacher to assess whatever the DM is interested in: I have difficulty with improv or I get blocked in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a scene for you and receive input on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl explained. “Or maybe they want to receive input and advice on a particular setting that they’ve been building.”
Future Plans
Responses from the first event will help shape future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl said that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, lengthening the event to a longer period, or trying out alternative workshop formats.
“I expect that we do this regularly,” Carl said. “I would love to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a given year, in various locations, and in multiple countries. The response has been extremely positive. We're extremely satisfied with what we’re seeing and I feel it would be fantastic to be able to organize these in collaboration with big conventions.”
