Monte Cook along with Keith Baker Will Lead Workshops at Dungeon Master Academy

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing immersive events where experienced game masters lead Dungeons & Dragons games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. These all-inclusive trips are especially popular among career game masters who infrequently find the chance to join in the game themselves, and they often seek advice from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improvisation and crafting riddles to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the organizers began developing a systematic approach to tackle these topics, which led to the founding of the Dungeon Master Academy. The inaugural event is scheduled for early January 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“You can watch 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 other dungeon masters, where direct communication with expert teachers and other game masters who are probably in a similar position and also want to enhance their abilities,” stated Jason Carl.

Course Offerings and Cost Levels

Game masters can choose from tiers ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2.5K, according to the degree of interaction they desire with the experts. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes:

• Foundational Skills: Teaches the fundamentals of managing a session.
• Story Arc Development: Centers on crafting long-running games.
• Worldbuilding: Emphasizes the art of setting design.
• Professional Development: Aimed at DMs who seek to understand more about the gaming industry.

Every class includes multiple sessions of training spread over two days.

“The courses are structured so that you depart having 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 are sessions that you can attend, absorb insights from, and then return to your group the week after and implement in your local game.”

Seasoned Educators

Most classes are led by two professors. Universe creation is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and a renowned campaign designer, both teaching the skill of universe design.

Career building features several experts, such as a puzzle design specialist, a podcast co-host, and Hunter Fell. The extra instructors is meant to provide specialized information to attendees with definite objectives.

“Certain participants plan to create their own D&D actual play and share their stories with the world, some of them want to publish and create new material,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? What are the skills that I need? Is this achievable?”

Advanced Options

A $1,500 enhanced option includes access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with a teacher. This constitutes the inaugural DMU session, though the company has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between game sessions at their premium gatherings.

“One could practically host an complete event just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl observed. “I'm not certain if that’s the best use of everybody’s time – In my opinion the formal instruction and the lab work is too valuable – but I think it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2.5K premium option includes an 60-minute private session and the possibility to lead a session for several participants plus one of the faculty members, who will then provide notes and guidance.

“The aim is for the teacher to review any element is focused on: I struggle with improv or I feel stuck in certain battle scenarios. Could I demonstrate a situation for you and obtain advice on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl said. “Or maybe they want to receive input and information on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”

Future Plans

Responses from the debut workshop will help shape subsequent DMU events. Carl mentioned that possible changes could include increasing consultation time, lengthening the event to three days, or testing varied class arrangements.

“I anticipate that we host such events frequently,” Carl said. “I would love to see several DMU sessions in a given year, in different cities, and in multiple countries. The feedback has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with the results so far and I feel it would be amazing to be able to do this in partnership with major events.”