Monte Cook along with Monte Cook Are Instructing Sessions at DMU

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running immersive events where professional dungeon masters run fantasy roleplaying games in old manors in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. These all-inclusive trips are especially popular among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the chance to join in the game themselves, and they often seek advice from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the coordinators began crafting a systematic approach to address these questions, which led to the creation of DMU. The first session is planned for early January 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on almost every theme and learn quite a lot, 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 seasoned educators and your peers often in the same boat and aim to enhance their abilities,” stated Jason Carl.

Workshop Options and Cost Levels

Game masters can choose from tiers ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2,500, depending on the amount of contact they desire with the experts. The base tier includes one of four courses:

• Core Techniques: Covers the basics of managing a session.
• Story Arc Development: Centers on crafting long-running games.
• Worldbuilding: Concentrates on the art of setting design.
• Career Building: Tailored to DMs who seek to understand more about the tabletop profession.

Each course includes multiple sessions of classwork split over two days.

“The classes are created so that you leave with usable skills, enhanced belief in your abilities, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These are sessions that you can participate in, learn from, and then head back to your table the week after and apply in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

The majority of workshops are instructed by duo of instructors. Universe creation is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and Keith Baker, jointly leading the skill of universe design.

Professional development includes several experts, such as a puzzle design specialist, an entertainment professional, and an early professional game master. The additional faculty is designed to deliver focused advice to students with definite objectives.

“Some of them plan to create their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, some of them aim to release and write original content,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? Which abilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A fifteen hundred dollar gold tier offers access to a opening gathering, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the company has previously run similar events during breaks between game sessions at their castle events.

“One could practically host an complete event just on one-on-one meetings for career game masters,” Carl mentioned. “I don’t know if that’s the optimal application of all participants' schedule – I believe the formal instruction and the practical exercises is highly beneficial – but I believe it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2,500 premium option provides an 60-minute private session and the chance to run a game for five players plus an instructor, who will then give comments and coaching.

“The aim is for the teacher to review whichever aspect is focused on: Hey I don’t do well with improvisation or I feel stuck in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a scene for you and obtain advice on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl detailed. “Perhaps they want to receive input and information on a specific world that they’ve been developing.”

Next Steps

Responses from the inaugural session will help determine upcoming academy workshops. Carl said that possible changes could include increasing consultation time, extending the program to three days, or testing different seminar structures.

“I hope that we conduct these very often,” Carl said. “I would love to see numerous academy events in a calendar year, in multiple places, and in multiple countries. The response has been extremely positive. We're extremely satisfied with the results so far and I think it would be wonderful to be able to conduct this in collaboration with large gatherings.”