“For new listeners, we hope it will be a great introduction to what the podcast is all about, and for our regular listeners, a reminder of the most interesting and impactful moments from Season 6.”

Already missing REPOD? Don’t worry, Season 7 of the podcast is launching very soon. In the meantime, our editor, Steve Ewing, put together some of his favorite clips from each episode of Season 6.

In Season 6, we interviewed a few guests with ties to the puzzle hunt world, including TERPECA founder Rich Bragg, puzzle constructor Eric Berlin, and Chief Puzzle Officer Greg Pliska, of A.J. Jacobs’s The Puzzler Podcast.

We also explored unusual gameplay and immersive concepts with guests who are experimenting and innovating with their projects, including Christian Vernon and Zac MacKrell, creators of the replayable Doors of Divergence and Kellian and Brian Pletcher, creators of Club Drosselmeyer— an immersive, puzzling swing dance party. Plus Eric Wastl invented The Advent of Code, an advent calendar full of programming puzzles, and Lonnie Hanzon explained the intent behind his set designs at Camp Christmas.

We covered some fan favorite escape rooms, interviewing Summer Herrick of Locurio, Marie Huber and Nico César of Red Fox Escapes, and Mike Dold and Rick George of Doldrick’s. What I especially loved about these guests was how they explained the thought process behind their design decisions.

In our interview with Christine Barger we talk more about effective social media marketing than escape room design. She actively encourages guests to film in her game!

Season 6 also included episodes which were a departure from our normal interview style episodes, including my Halloween Spooktacular filled with games and stories, and hosting the hilarious crew from Hey Riddle Riddle to play through Shop of Theseus, our audio escape room from RECON 23.

If you want even more podcast episodes, consider joining our Patreon. For only $5 a month, you’ll get access to our Bonus Aftershow, which is a more casual conversation with each guest.

We are immensely grateful to our sponsors this season: Morty App, Buzzshot, and COGS. We truly appreciate your support of our mission to promote and improve the immersive gaming community.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

• 0:40 – Episode 1: Replayability & Branching Narratives with Christian Vernon and Zac MacKrell, Creators of Doors of Divergence: Christian and Zac talk about creating an escape room with a built-in replayability factor, including the challenges involved and the benefits it offers. They also discuss the special touch that live actors can add. 
• 6:10 – Episode 2: Hard With Pain: Rich Bragg, Creator of TERPECA: Rich talks about his escapades while creating and setting the Guinness Book of World Records for most escape rooms played in a 24-hour day.
• 13:50 – Episode 3: Pics or It Didn’t Happen with Christine Barger, The Haunt Girl: 13th Basement is one of the few escape rooms that allow players to photograph and film to their heart’s content. Christine addresses the main concerns other escape room owners have about allowing filming, and why they’re wrong.
• 20:50 – Episode 4: Hey Riddle Riddle Plays The Shop of Theseus: The hilarious crew from the popular podcast Hey Riddle Riddle take on the challenge of Shop of Theseus—the audio escape room designed for RECON 23.
• 28:25 – Episode 5: Halloween Spooktacular Special: Just in time for the Halloween season, Chris Lukeman from CU Adventures tells the spookiest escape room horror story.
• 37:05 – Episode 6: Nutcracker in Swing Time—Kellian & Brian Pletcher, Creators of Club Drosselmeyer: Club Drosselmeyer is an immersive swing dance party with puzzles. Kellian talks about how it all works.
• 43:20 – Episode 7: The Analytics of Fun—Great Escape Room Design with Marie Huber and Nico César, Owners of Red Fox Escapes: Marie and Nico go the extra mile to ensure their set decor is authentic, including modifying directional locks to look more antique.
• 47:55 – Sponsor Break: Morty, Buzzshot, and COGS by Clockwork Dog
• 50:00 – Episode 8: The Puzzling Adventures of Master Word Nerd Eric Berlin: Eric talks about the most famous story in puzzle hunt lore—the Be Noisy story.
• 55:51 – Episode 9: Advent of Code: 25 Days of Programming Puzzles with Creator Eric Wastl: Eric talks about The Advent of Code, a series of holiday themed programming puzzles, and he tells us how it works.
• 1:01:50 – Episode 10: The Magic of Maximalism with Lonnie Hanzon of Camp Christmas: Lonnie reminisces about working on his crazy, fantastical Christmas trees for Neiman Marcus and the shenanigans that happened on his reality TV show.
• 1:07:55 – Episode 11: The Art of Game Flow with Summer Herrick of Locurio: Summer talks about having played over 800 escape rooms, and how it makes her a better designer.
• 1:16:05 – Episode 12: Wood, Wire, & Whimsy— Mike Dold and Rick George of Doldrick’s: Mike and Rick talk about running an escape room business while raising a family with young children and struggling with the work/ life balance.
• 1:21:25 – Episode 13: Inside the Puzzler Podcast with A.J. Jacobs and Greg Pliska: Greg and AJ share some tips for designing audio puzzles.
• 1:25:09 – Outro

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Country: Croatia

Language: English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Portugese, Turkish, Italian

Type of Game: Video Escape Game

Date Played: October 5, 2023

Difficulty (based on 1 player): 5/10

Size of Team:  Unlimited (Recommended 2-3 ppl)

Escape Simulator has many mini escape rooms with various themes that people often see in escape rooms, such as space, Egyptian, or a treasure island. The theme of each game is different, but the main objective is escaping from the room. Most of them don’t have much detailed story.

Escape Simulator also contains the tools to develop an escape room. You can build your escape room. You can play the escape rooms created by game builders in the Escape Simulator community. Their escape rooms have unique stories, themes, and puzzles.

Video above is property of Pine Studio

I love the design and graphics of the entire game. The decor of each room is different depending on the theme, but all look attractive and intriguing. When my avatar enters a room, I always have a moment to say, “Wow!” just like when I step into an escape room. I enjoy playing games with my own cute avatar that I can decorate.

Photos above are property of Pine Studio

The console of the game is Steam. You must install Steam on your computer, and you can purchase the game on Steam.

You can control your avatar to play an escape room in Escape Simulator. Your avatar can explore the room, pick up things, zoom up the things to get information, or put things in certain places to solve puzzles. The tutorial game is available to learn how to control the avatar.

If you play with your friends remotely, your friends must have Escape Simulator on their computers. One of your team members can create and send an invitation code to play the game together in the same game room.

Photos above are property of Pine Studio

The types of puzzles can be different depending on the game. As for the game created by Pine Studio, the puzzles are usually something like what you encounter in escape rooms. Because an avatar can explore a room freely and do many tasks to solve puzzles, Escape Simulator captures the essence of an actual escape room, unlike point-n-click puzzle games. Although the game has various language options, the puzzles developed by Pine Studio are more physical puzzles that require logical thinking using items or information found in the room rather than word puzzles or pencil puzzles. Inside the game room, there is a hint button to receive step-by-step hints if you need them. The puzzles created by the builders in the community can be varied.

Photos above are property of Pine Studio

«Escape Simulator» is an escape game platform that contains many exciting escape rooms with various themes on Steam. By controlling your avatar, you can experience a game like an escape room you play in real life. It is accessible to unique games at home anytime you desire. Pine Studio often updates content. Plenty of games developed by Pine Studio and the room builders in the community are available. There is a list of popular games monthly or annually selected in the community section of Escape Simulator. I recommend playing those popular games once you finish the standard rooms by Pine Studio. Or you can have fun creating your unique escape rooms using Escape Simulator!

(If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from «ESCAPETHEROOMers«!)

LOCATION:  Clearwater, Florida, USA

• GAME: Pins & Needles Tattoo Parlor

• DATE PLAYED: November 24, 2023

• DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl): 8/10

• TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 3-6 ppl

• LENGTH OF TIME: 90 Mins.

• BOOKING TYPE: Private

• ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes

After years of dedicated work, you and your group have been granted the opportunity to interview for an apprenticeship with the renowned tattoo artist known as Skinz. Feeling both excited and grateful for the chance, you embark on your first day at the job, which begins with the mundane tasks of cleaning the store and ensuring everything is in order.

As you familiarize yourself with the basic responsibilities expected at your level, you encounter an unexpected stipulation: no snooping around the store. This rule raises questions about what secrets might be hidden within the tattoo parlor, beyond the reach of new hires. Despite the curiosity, you understand the importance of adhering to the rules and focusing on your assigned tasks.

Though the prohibition on exploration piques your interest, you remain committed to performing your duties diligently, eager to make a positive impression and secure your place in the parlor. As you delve into the world of tattoo artistry, you can’t help but wonder about the mysteries lurking just beyond your reach.

• Every room in this game is meticulously designed, filled to the brim with scenic detail, Easter eggs, and hidden secrets, creating an immersive experience that transports players into the world of the tattoo parlor and its adjoining creations. Each room offers a unique atmosphere that contributes to the unfolding story, further enriching the gameplay.

• The game begins with an actor-driven segment, expertly facilitated by Ben, our game master, who skillfully brings the characters to life and immerses players in the narrative. His personal touch adds depth to the storytelling, enhancing the overall experience.

• Throughout the 90-minute adventure, players encounter a variety of challenging puzzles that require problem-solving skills and collaboration. From setting up the tattoo parlor for the day to utilizing math in puzzle-solving, the game offers a diverse range of challenges, including physical puzzles, word puzzles, and those designed to advance the storyline.

• As the game progresses, the theme takes a darker turn, gradually building suspense and anticipation. However, it’s not until the latter half of the game that the true depth of the narrative unfolds, culminating in a cinematic moment that showcases the immersive storytelling and surprises that make this game a standout experience.

• After much consideration, nothing is needed in this section

«Pins & Needles Tattoo Parlor» by The Exit Games FL sets a new standard in immersive entertainment, seamlessly blending immersive theater and escape room elements to create an unparalleled experience. It’s evident that the creators poured their passion into every aspect of the game, from the intricate set design to the meticulously crafted puzzles.

One of the highlights of the game is its ability to capture the essence of a tattoo-themed parlor escape room, with storytelling that unfolds in a way that feels authentic and engaging. The use of the tattoo parlor theme adds a unique twist to the gameplay, setting it apart from other escape room experiences.

While the game immerses players in a vibrant and dynamic world, it’s important to note that the use of language may not be suitable for all groups. The actors and game masters thrive on the energy of the players, adapting their interactions accordingly. While some groups may prefer a more restrained experience, others can fully embrace the game’s immersive qualities, including its colorful language.

In the end, this experience offers a dynamic and immersive escape room experience that caters to a wide range of preferences. Players should feel encouraged to fully engage with the game, allowing themselves to be swept up in the excitement and intrigue of the tattoo parlor setting.

Photos above are property of The Exit Games FL

There are many free parking spaces right outside the facility. There’s a Lobby area with seating and merchandise for purchase.

Photo above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

Check out our YouTube video for a sneak peek of the location, interview with the owners, the room(s) (no puzzle spoilers) and more:

Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

(If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from «ESCAPETHEROOMers«!)

“Why did it have to be snakes?”

“Since we started this podcast, I have been talking repeatedly about my desire for there to be more lower budget, experimental, thought provoking, and thoughtful productions.” David calls this game “the black box theatre” of escape rooms, while REA Patron Dan Egnor called it “the best room in the world in awesomeness per square foot.”

You’ve probably never played this room, or even heard about it, but David and I love this room so much that we dedicated 90 minutes to thoroughly dissecting and reliving The Ghost of Mentryville. Creator Matt Tye of Arcane Escape Room in Newhall, CA joins us to share his design and thought process behind this brilliant game.

In this preview, Matt talks about how difficult it is to run this game, especially for the gamemaster, who is operating as a performer, gamemaster, and audio/ visual technician, all within the confines of a very small space. 

Listen to the rest of the episode now by becoming a Patreon backer at the “Search Win” level for access to all of the Spoilers Club episodes. 

How to Listen

When you support Room Escape Artist on Patreon at $15 per month (or above), you get access to the Spoilers Club, our exclusive podcast where hosts David Spira and Peih-Gee Law chat in depth with creators about iconic escape rooms… spoilers and all!

LOCATION:  Inman, South Carolina, USA

• GAME: Nowhere To Be Found

• DATE PLAYED: December 10, 2023

• GENRE: Mystery, Thriller

• DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 ppl): 6/10

• TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-10 ppl

• LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.

• PRICE: $80.00 (2 ppl) or $30.00/ pp (3+ ppl)

• BOOKING TYPE: Private

• ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes

Otis, the owner of the «Gas and Go» gas station, has finally decided to take a well-deserved vacation after tirelessly running his small-town establishment for years. Leaving his trusted friend Earl in charge, Otis sets off for some much-needed rest and relaxation. However, things take a sinister turn when Otis tries to contact Earl during his vacation, only to receive no response.

Concerned for Earl’s well-being, Otis contacts the country sheriff, who is already overwhelmed with the chaos caused by an escaped asylum patient wreaking havoc in Inman. The urgency of the situation escalates when it’s revealed that the gas station has a critical pressure valve that must be released every 60 minutes to prevent a catastrophic explosion.

With time ticking away, the sheriff calls upon your group to enter the gas station, release the pressure valve, and search for Earl before it’s too late. You have only 60 minutes to defuse the potentially explosive situation and uncover the whereabouts of Earl. The clock is ticking, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

• The puzzles in «Nowhere to be Found» truly stand out, offering a diverse range that spans from word puzzles to physical challenges. Each puzzle seamlessly integrates into the story world, providing a satisfying experience for both novice and experienced players alike. Despite the variety, none of the puzzles are overly challenging, allowing for a smooth flow of gameplay and a sense of accomplishment with each solution.

• Despite being a locally-owned company with just a single room, the set design of the gas station is expertly crafted. It authentically captures the essence of an off-the-beaten-path gas station, complete with antique artifacts and cleverly hidden locks and keys that blend seamlessly into the decor. The attention to detail showcases the dedication and craftsmanship put into creating the immersive environment.

• The Game Masters play a crucial role in immersing players into the story world. While there is no actor interaction within the room itself, the Game Masters set the stage with their in-character portrayal, particularly as the sheriff at the beginning of the experience. Their commitment to the narrative adds depth to the overall atmosphere and enhances the players’ engagement throughout the game.

• While «Nowhere to be Found» provided a thoroughly enjoyable experience overall, our group’s primary complaint arose during the finale. While it made sense within the context of the story world, we felt that it could have benefited from a bit more human touch. Although not inherently bad, the conclusion left our group with a lingering sense of wanting more, especially considering the high quality of puzzles we encountered throughout the game.

Great Escapes Inman truly stands out as a quintessential mom and pop shop, evident in their genuine passion for and understanding of the escape room industry. The puzzle flow showcased some of the best I’ve encountered in all my escapades. The storyline was refreshingly unique and incredibly engaging, enhanced by the use of antique props that were both stunning and nostalgic, spanning from the 1960s to the present day.

Throughout the 60-minute experience, we reveled in the myriad of surprises and unexpected twists that the game presented. Despite being one of the fastest teams the company has ever seen, escaping the room in just 30 minutes, it in no way detracted from the overall gameplay or storyline of «Nowhere to be Found.» This hidden gem is an absolute delight, and if you ever find yourself in the area, it’s highly recommended for a try.

• One player must crawl briefly

• Short bursts of flashing lights

Photos above are property of Great Escapes Inman

(If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from «ESCAPETHEROOMers«!)

EnigMarch season is almost upon us! Every day in March, the team at EnigMarch HQ (myself included) will share a single-word prompt as inspiration to create 31 puzzles by the end of the month. Anyone can share their puzzles on our Discord or use the hashtag #EnigMarch on social media to show off what they’ve made.

We created this event to help both new and experienced constructors improve their skills and confidence in the context of a fun, low-pressure puzzle challenge. During each of its first two years, participants wrote over 1,000 puzzles in total—an amazing show of grit and creativity!

Whether you’re interested in flexing your puzzle design muscles or just dropping in whenever the prompts move you, here are a few tips for enjoying EnigMarch to its fullest.

Make a plan

Most people aim to complete 31 puzzles for the month, but really there are no rules. You don’t have to finish every puzzle by midnight that day, or follow the daily prompt structure at all. It’s okay to pick and choose from the prompts that interest you, or combine 2 or 3 into a single puzzle, or write one big game or story using a whole bunch of prompts. Whatever sounds fun! 

Build in room for exceptions

If you do want to create a puzzle every day, it helps to plan ahead and decide what to do if you fall behind or need to skip a day or two, so you can keep the momentum going.

Embrace imperfection

Spending several hours every day crafting a perfect puzzle isn’t feasible for most people—and anyway, the whole point of EnigMarch is to create a bunch of puzzles really fast. So although there may be a few days when you spend more time working on a really cool idea, it’s ok to create a slapdash puzzle some days… or even most days. It may feel less satisfying in the moment, but you never know: oftentimes it’s the careless last-minute ideas that end up delighting solvers the most.

Add hints and solutions

After doing this for 2 years, it’s become clear that the puzzles people stick with the most are the ones that have some kind of feedback built in. Especially for more difficult or obscure puzzles, solvers generally appreciate having hints and solutions to refer to. If you have the time, consider providing a few hints or an answer checker link alongside your puzzle.

Try out other people’s puzzles

You don’t have to create puzzles of your own to participate in EnigMarch. Dozens of puzzle designers are hoping for an audience to solve their creations, and they’re usually grateful for any support and feedback. Whether or not you’re taking the EnigMarch challenge this year, check out some of the clever, strange, and beautiful puzzles other constructors are sharing. Not only is it fun, but we can learn a lot from each other, too.

LOCATION:  Greenville, South Carolina, USA

• DATE PLAYED: March 5, 2023

• DIFFICULTY (Based on 8 ppl): 7/10

• TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-8 ppl (Ages 16+)

• LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.

• PRICE: $35.00 – $55.00/ pp (depending on group size)

• BOOKING TYPE: Private

• ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes

Chimera Corp beckons you and your comrades into the uncharted territory of «Project Nightmare», a groundbreaking exploration into the enigmatic realm of dreams. Eagerly volunteering for this open-source endeavor, you find yourselves strapped into the dreaming machine, ready to delve into the subconscious of a client burdened by haunting memories. Your mission: navigate the twists and turns of her psyche, unraveling the threads of trauma, all within the confines of 60 minutes.

As the dream unfolds, you’ll encounter a mosaic of emotions, challenges, and hidden secrets that weave into the fabric of this surreal experience. Your task is not just to escape but to extend a helping hand to the dreamer, providing solace before the looming threat of eternal entrapment becomes a reality. Brace yourselves for a journey that transcends the boundaries of consciousness, where every decision counts, and the line between reality and the dream world blurs

Photo above is property of Escape Artist Greenville

• Embark on a spine-chilling journey into the realm of psychological horror with Dark Lullaby, a masterfully crafted escape room by Escape Artist Greenville. Unlike typical horror games relying on jump scares, this immersive experience thrives on an unsettling plot and an atmosphere that permeates every inch of the venue.

• The suspense begins the moment you step into the lobby, meticulously designed as the Chimera Corp headquarters—a thematic touch that sets the tone for the entire adventure. The introduction to the scenario is a carefully orchestrated experience, ensuring that players are seamlessly drawn into the nightmarish narrative.

• Traversing from room to room is a constant source of wonder, with each space concealing unexpected surprises that evoke a genuine «wow» response from every team member. Escape Artist Greenville excels in bringing the intricate set to life, enhancing the immersive nature of the game.

• After much consideration nothing is needed in this section

«Dark Lullaby» stands out as a gem among escape room experiences, particularly catering to those seeking a psychological horror encounter devoid of mere jump scares. This game is a must for players desiring a narrative-driven, tension-filled journey that crescendos into an epic finale. From the very beginning, the atmosphere tightens, immersing players in a progressively intensifying storyline.

The steps taken by your group within the game contribute to the meticulous world-building and character development, weaving a rich narrative around the individual whose dreams you explore. The puzzles, integral to the overarching storyline and character, are both challenging and logically constructed, ensuring an engaging experience without veering into frustration.

Dark Lullaby establishes itself as a top-tier escape room in the United States, offering a unique blend of psychological horror, compelling storytelling, and well-crafted puzzles. For those seeking an immersive adventure that transcends typical horror tropes.

• Located in an entertainment district filled with food venues

• Ages 16+ unless accompanied by an adult

• One player must briefly crawl

Photos above are property of Escape Artist Greenville

(If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from «ESCAPETHEROOMers«!)