Monte Cook and Keith Baker Will Lead Classes at DMU

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters manage D&D games in old manors in Britain and at a U.S. castle resort. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among long-time dungeon masters who rarely get the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improvisation and puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the coordinators began crafting a organized method to answer these inquiries, which led to the founding of DMU. The inaugural event is scheduled for early January 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 fellow DMs, where direct communication with faculty instructors and other game masters often in a similar position and aim to level up their game,” noted Jason Carl.

Course Offerings and Ticket Packages

Game masters can select options ranging from just under $1,000 to two thousand five hundred dollars, based on the level of access they desire with the instructors. The starting package includes selection from four classes:

• Skill Building: Teaches the fundamentals of managing a session.
• Campaign Building: Centers on building persistent adventures.
• Universe Design: Highlights the crafting of environments.
• Industry Advancement: Tailored to DMs who want to learn more about the tabletop profession.

Each course includes two days of training divided across two days.

“The workshops are created so that you walk away with usable skills, increased self-assurance, and many practical techniques,” Carl said. “These aren't simple talks and they exceed pre-recorded material. These are sessions that you can attend, gain knowledge from, and then head back to your table the week after and implement in your regular session.”

Professional Teachers

The majority of workshops are led by duo of instructors. Setting design is guided by Monte Cook and a renowned campaign designer, together instructing the skill of universe design.

Career building includes multiple instructors, such as a puzzle design specialist, an entertainment professional, and an early professional game master. The additional faculty is meant to provide specialized information to attendees with particular aims.

“Certain participants want to launch their own live gameplay show and share their stories with the world, several plan to produce and write original content,” Carl stated. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like an immersive experience? Which abilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Advanced Options

A $1,500 gold tier offers access to a opening gathering, a welcome gift pack, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with an instructor. This represents the inaugural DMU session, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their premium gatherings.

“It would be possible to organize an full two days just on office hours for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “I don’t know if that’s the most effective utilization of all participants' schedule – I believe the formal instruction and the hands-on activities is highly beneficial – but I suspect it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2,500 top package includes an extended personal consultation and the chance to manage an adventure for five players plus a teacher, who will then offer feedback and instruction.

“The purpose is for the faculty member to assess any element is focused on: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I get blocked in this kind of combat situation. Could I demonstrate a situation for you and receive input on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl detailed. “Alternatively they want to get feedback and information on a particular setting that they’ve been developing.”

Future Plans

Responses from the debut workshop will help guide future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl said that potential adjustments could include increasing consultation time, making it longer to 72 hours, or trying out different seminar structures.

“I anticipate that we do this very often,” Carl said. “I would love to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in different cities, and in various nations. The feedback has been overwhelmingly favorable. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I feel it would be fantastic to be able to organize these in collaboration with large gatherings.”