Room Escape Adventures

The Magic Behind Creating Escape Rooms in Columbus, Ohio

Creating room escape adventures that transport players to another world is a passion of mine. As both a creator and game master, I'm thrilled to share the journey of transforming a vision into a real, immersive experience for our guests in Downtown Columbus.

by Louis Duplain

From Idea to Reality: A Decade of Escape Room Design

My journey into escape room design began a decade ago, and it wasn't always easy. Back in 2015, resources and tutorials were scarce, making it a largely self-taught endeavor. Building an escape room involves much more than just a plan. There's the construction, sourcing unique components for the set design, and of course, the business side of things: staffing, marketing, and the myriad other responsibilities of running an escape room center. And as the business grew, I even needed to learn the intricacies of 12v electronics.

The Story is Key: Weaving History and Wonder into the Room Escape Game

Every great escape room starts with a compelling idea – something that sparks the imagination. For me, understanding the "when" and "where" of the story is crucial. Thorough research into the historical context and theme is essential. From there, the story unfolds.

Crafting a believable narrative often involves drawing inspiration from local history, adding a layer of authenticity that resonates with players. And, of course, every good story needs a surprise ending – the "aha! moments” that leave a lasting impression. After all, escape rooms are about creating memorable experiences, stories that players will share with friends and family long after they've escaped.

Building the Journey: Where Will the Adventure Lead?

With the ending in mind, the next step is to design the journey. Where will the players begin? What will they see, feel, and experience along the way? A truly immersive game takes players on an emotional rollercoaster within the brain, from excitement and intrigue to perhaps a touch of confusion, culminating in exhilaration (or something similar!). Will they feel spooked? Discouraged? Hopeful? Visualizing the set and the player experience is crucial, actually walking through the game in my mind before it's ever built.

Puzzles and Flow: Connecting the Dots

Once the story and journey are defined, it's time to create the puzzles and clues. Puzzles must seamlessly integrate with the game's theme, making sense within the world we've created. If the setting doesn't naturally lend itself to puzzles, then tasks can take their place, adding another layer of realism and immersion. With the puzzle flow mapped out, the building phase can begin.

Building “Captivating Worlds”: From Concept to Construction

With the story and plan in place, we determine the necessary materials, establish a budget, and order everything needed for construction. I often start with floor preparation, then move on to constructing walls and running wiring. Sometimes, I pre-build props in my workshop for later installation.

Props, puzzles, and tasks must never look store-bought. This either requires building my escape room props and game items from scratch, or sourcing antiques then recreating them, and often, creatively adapting new materials. The same goes for painting and finishing – it's all about producing a believable, captivating worlds.

Testing and Refinement of the Escape Adventure: The Final Touches

Testing is paramount. Inevitably, there will be loose ends to tie up. Clues often need fine-tuning, and the best way to do that is to observe players and identify where they struggle. Are the puzzles too difficult? Are the clues clear enough? I continuously adjust clues and cluing mechanisms to ensure a smooth and engaging experience, making sure the clues feel natural to the game and providing ample support for the game master.

Evolving Room Escape Experiences: Adding Layers of Magic

In Columbus, our games are never truly "finished." I often add new puzzles to keep the adventure fresh and exciting. It's easier to provide a wealth of content and then adjust the cluing and timing based on player experience. I also tinker with the set design, adding details and refining the aesthetics. Over time, sound effects, puzzle confirmations, and even game master interactions are tweaked to create a seamless and incredibly fun experience. I love adding touches of humor and creating opportunities for game master interaction, ensuring that every escape room adventure is unique and unforgettable.

Want to have your own room escape adventure in Downtown Columbus, Ohio? Be sure to reserve the Magician’s Secret escape room and discover the difference an immersive, and fun, escape room experience offers!