Monte Cook along with Keith Baker Are Instructing Workshops at Dungeon Master University

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs run fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are widely appreciated among career game masters who infrequently find the moment to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from the pros on topics ranging from improv and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the planners began developing a organized method to tackle these topics, which led to the founding of the Dungeon Master Academy. The inaugural event is planned for January 2-3, 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on any topic and gain significant knowledge, but the concept was that there’s just no substitute face-to-face interaction together with fellow DMs, where direct communication with seasoned educators and your peers often in comparable situations and seek to enhance their abilities,” noted Jason Carl.

Course Offerings and Ticket Packages

Dungeon Masters can select tiers ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2.5K, based on the amount of contact they desire with the experts. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes:

• Foundational Skills: Focuses on the essentials of running D&D.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Is dedicated to building persistent adventures.
• Setting Creation: Highlights the development of worlds.
• Industry Advancement: Designed for game masters who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.

Every class includes eight hours of training spread over 48 hours.

“The workshops are designed so that you walk away with immediate practical outcomes, enhanced belief in your abilities, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl explained. “They’re not just lectures and they’re not just static videos. These classes that you can join, absorb insights from, and then head back to your table the following week and apply in your home campaign.”

Professional Teachers

Many sessions are instructed by a pair of experts. Setting design is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and Keith Baker, together instructing the art of worldbuilding.

Career building includes four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, a podcast co-host, and Hunter Fell. The additional faculty is meant to provide specialized information to participants with specific goals.

“Certain participants want to launch their own D&D actual play and share their stories with the world, several want to publish and create new material,” Carl stated. “Several only seek to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like a castle event? What capabilities that I need? Is this achievable?”

Advanced Options

A fifteen hundred dollar premium package offers access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with an instructor. This constitutes the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the company has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their premium gatherings.

“It would be possible to organize an complete event just on consultation sessions for career game masters,” Carl observed. “I don’t know if that’s the best use of everybody’s time – In my opinion the coursework and the lab work is extremely important – but I think it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2.5K platinum tier provides an 60-minute private session and the opportunity to manage an adventure for a small group plus an instructor, who will then provide notes and coaching.

“The aim is for the teacher to evaluate whichever aspect is interested in: I have difficulty with improv or I encounter obstacles in specific fight encounters. Can I run a scene for you and receive input on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl explained. “Or maybe they want to receive input and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”

Coming Developments

Input from the inaugural session will help shape upcoming academy workshops. Carl said that likely modifications could include increasing consultation time, lengthening the event to a longer period, or testing different seminar structures.

“I anticipate that we host such events regularly,” Carl stated. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in various locations, and in various nations. The response has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're extremely satisfied with the results so far and I think it would be wonderful to be able to conduct this in conjunction with large gatherings.”