New role-playing gaming platform Hidden Door debuted Wednesday with features that allow users to create their own stories within iconic fictional worlds by engaging with AI-driven models made in partnership with creators, authors and IP rights holders.
The titles available for fan-fiction gaming experiences at launch include H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Call of Cthulhu,” Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” and Frank L. Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz,” all of which are in the public domain, as well as Pressman Film’s cult classic “The Crow” movie franchise.
Within these worlds, there are chances to add in genre-bending plot twists, including vampires and pirates, that affect the rules of the worlds.
Per Hidden Door‘s official description, “Inspired by the improvisational storytelling of tabletop role-playing games, Hidden Door helps players to create new stories that expand on the original creator’s vision. Guided by an omniscient Narrator, players make characters that they then take on a variety of adventures, responding to prompts to guide the action in any direction. Completing stories unlock cards that players can copy between stories, adding a new spin to well-known fictional worlds. As players build up their collection of stories, characters and locations, they collectively shape a larger extended universe unique to them. Players can even pull cards or storylines from others’ shared worlds, building lore together within the broader fan community.”
Co-founded by CEO Hilary Mason and chief product officer Matt Brandwein, Hidden Door launches at a time when concerns over generative AI’s ability to infringe on creative works is at an all-time high. But Hidden Door says its creator partnership model “represents a new approach to fan engagement and IP monetization,” not: “Rather than training AI models on authors’ work, the company collaborates directly with content creators through revenue-sharing agreements that require minimal time investment—typically just a few hours. Authors and publishers maintain creative control while gaining insights into how fans interact with their worlds, creating an additional revenue stream from existing IP.”
In the coming months, Hidden Door, which is currently free to play, says new titles will be incorporated into the fan-fiction gaming platform, including a collection of romantic fiction from 831 Stories, science fiction from authors Alan Dean Foster and Ramez Naam and additional stories from Pressman Film. Hidden Door will also add more features, including the ability to “remix” and share stories with friends.
“Hidden Door is the place for our fans to play within the realms of their favorite fictional worlds,” Mason said. “Just as fans bond over new book releases and gather together for movie opening weekend and TV season premieres, we are building a home for fans of books, films and shows to socialize, obsess over and remix their favorite storylines. Hidden Door isn’t just about watching and reading stories – it’s about living them. Our platform gives fans the power to let their imagination and creativity design the story, adventure through the world and even grow the storyverse together – a true home for fans to immerse themselves in their favorite stories.”
Brandwein added: “Hidden Door transforms how fans experience their favorite stories by giving them unprecedented creative agency within beloved fictional worlds. Our platform deepens the relationship between creators and their audiences—authors and publishers gain a direct revenue stream while discovering exactly how fans want to engage with their worlds, all while maintaining complete creative control over their IP. We’re building a collaborative space where every player interaction generates valuable insights for creators and every story choice deepens the connection between fans and the worlds they love.”
Watch the trailer for Hidden Door in the video below.
