The 2025 Pumpkin Spice RPG Contest - Cast Your Vote!

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

But I do see it’s just a bunch of people having fun. Although the Iron DM seems more arduous.

Iron DM is fun in the same way a tough mudder is fun, including the "what idiot talked me into doing this? Oh, I'm that idiot" self-talk halfway through.

 

[Ulorian - Agent of Chaos]

I've wondered that myself. Despite my best efforts, participation has always been low. The most entries we've ever seen was in 2023, and it was still fewer than a dozen. The prizes are legit--real people do actually win real stuff--so maybe that's why people assume only "serious" entries should apply?

Voting turnout is also pretty low, too, and I can't figure out why. No entry in the three-year history of this contest has ever gotten more than 9 votes. Voting has always been open to anyone with an EN World account, and people have always been encouraged to vote for whatever they like best, using any reasons they choose. There's no wrong way to do it, but alas.

Ah well. I just keep on doing what I do: every autumn, when Starbucks brings back its delicious seasonal coffee flavors, I will roll out my pumpkin-themed Halloween RPG writing contest. It might never be a huge sensation, but I enjoy doing it. I love seeing how creative folks can be with RPGs, and it gives me something to look forward to at summer's end.


An interesting proposition...shifting from Halloween to Christmas...hmm...

I wasn't proposing a shift... I meant doubling up: a second contest. Maybe not two a year always (or maybe it gets so popular you go with three or four!).

Or just have one and make it a Christmas thing. Either/or... the next time you do this, focus on the low barrier to entry. You'll get more participants and more voters I'll bet. I see that @Morrus kicked in a nice prize for you this year. Maybe he'll pin your announcement for your new format for you, or find some other way to get eyes on your prize. I dunno. This is a cool idea you've got here. Too cool to be rewarded with this low turnout.