Amateur Designers Compete for Cash, Publication, and a Place in the World's Largest Dungeon!
Portals to Adventure, in partnership with World’s Largest RPGs and Strange Owl Games, is thrilled to announce the launch of its inaugural Secret Doors Contest, a global competition inviting amateur writers and aspiring game designers to submit original RPG dungeon content for a shot at cash prizes, professional recognition, and publication in the upcoming World’s Largest Dungeon: Platinum Edition.
The contest officially opens April 13, 2025, and is free to enter.
What’s behind your secret door?
Contestants are challenged to design a creative, 5E-compatible dungeon space that lies hidden behind a secret door: anything from a trapped vault to a forgotten lair, a cursed library, or a portal to a twisted demiplane. Submissions will be voted on by fans, with the top entries winning cash and publication.
“We’re looking for new voices in adventure design,” says PTA team leader Timothy Brown. “If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a professional RPG writer, this is your chance.”
Prizes and Publication Opportunities
1st Place: 50% of Prize Money Total, Publication, Trophy, Secret -Doors Book
2nd Place: 10% of Prize Money Total, Publication, Trophy, Secret Doors Book
3rd–10th Place: 5% of Prize Money Total each, Publication, Trophy, Secret Doors Book
All 20 Finalists: Featured on the site and awarded commemorative ribbons
All winning entries will be published in Secret Doors, Volume 1, an anthology of amateur and professional dungeon entries included with the World’s Largest Dungeon: Platinum Edition, set to release in 2025.
Winning authors will be published alongside TTRPG industry legends, set to be included in the Secret Doors Volume 1, including:
Timothy Brown (Dragon Kings)
Robert J. Schwalb (Shadow of the Demon Lord)
Leamon Crafton (Torg Eternity)
Rachel Savicki (Space 1889 After)
Patrick Kapera (Krafty Games)
Kaitlyn Walden (Thieves’ World)
Ian Starcher (Cthulhu Mythos)
and many more!
Submission Requirements
To participate, entrants must submit:
A written Secret Door adventure (up to 4,500 words)
A dungeon map (hand-drawn or digital)
A short video introducing themselves and their concept
A thumbnail image for fans to see when browsing submissions
Open the Door to Your Future
The Secret Doors Contest is open to international entrants aged 18 and older who have never held a full-time job creating role-playing games. Freelancers and hobbyists are welcome to compete. All submissions must be original and adhere to SRD 5E rules. AI-generated content is strictly prohibited.
