Escape Room Props

Let’s look at some prop drawings from the Magician’s Secret - the newest escape room in Columbus, Ohio. When developing escape room props, we first come up with different types of things that should naturally be in the game based upon its theme. The following images and descriptions are of different escape room props found in our game and how they eventually become a reality.

Magician’s Cabinet Sketch

When I first have an idea, such as this magic cabinet prop inspired by the great magician Howard Thurston, I like to sketch and jot down thoughts about how I can transform something, that should be in the game’s set, into a puzzle. Then I begin working various ideas as they come to me over time. - Louis

Computer Rendering of the Magical Cabinet, Pre-Build

This drawing of the same cabinet is a refinement made on my computer. I sketched out the outlines from a 1930s photograph of the original cabinet. Having the prop as a line drawing allowed me to figure out how I will eventually construct it with wood for the Magician’s Secret escape room. - Louis

Spirit Cabinet Prop Idea

This is one of several drawings made by computer to work out a special effect in the escape room game. The notes on the page are some ideas about how this escape room prop may work to entertain players of the game. Some of the ideas were not used but were refined over time.

Exploring the Escape Room “Aha” Moment

Sometimes, I play with color in my prop drawings as I see the idea start to take shape. Figuring out some details helps it become more real - before the item is created. With this “spirit cabinet,” inspired by Thurston, I wanted a surprise “wow effect” as a way to receive a much needed clue for players of the game. See it, then begin to build it, adapt and change as it unfolds. - Louis

Escape Room Cannon Prop

It’s important for me to see what I want to build so I can work out how to construct the prop (to withstand abuse and continue to work in our game). This cannon drawing, for example, shows what was in my head. You also see the materials used to build the final piece to give it strength. - Louis

Table With Coins Prop

I purchased a lot of copper Mexican coins for this magic prop. The size of the coins and art on them are eye-catching, and they also work wonderfully to make the magic happen!

With this prop, I wanted to figure out how to construct the puzzle. Final color of the table changed along with how the clue is presented. - Louis

I hope this gave the reader a glimpse into my world, revealing to you how much care and detail is put into our games.

Puzzles, to me, should naturally be a part of the escape room set (instead of buying existing escape room puzzles and attempting to retro-fit them into a game).

To me, a good escape room should truly deliver a fun adventure. The props and puzzles players encounter in the escape room game are a huge part of the magic. The uniqueness of our game ideas is why seasoned escape room players often tell us they’ve never seen some of the puzzles they encountered in our games.

I like this. - Louis