The History
Way back in 2003, Jeff Martin created a game where players worked together in an enclosed physical space and had to solve several puzzles to "win"" the game. Back then, the term "escape rooms"" was non-existent, but it may be said that the concept of escape rooms was introduced with Jeff Martin's game.
The escape rooms that we know and love today came into existence in 2007. An escape game in Japan, known as the Real Escape Game (REG), was the primary escape room experience. In Japan, the games contained mostly logical and mathematical puzzles. When escape rooms expanded to countries like Australia and Singapore and then eventually to the USA, they developed many different types of puzzles, from non-linear puzzles to science-themed ones.
Escape rooms gained widespread popularity in a short span of time – there are now more than 50,000 escape rooms worldwide! Out of these, over 2000 are located in America. The first escape room company in America, Puzzle Break, a Seattle-based company, was established in 2013. Escape rooms gained widespread popularity in a short span of time – there are now more than 50,000 escape rooms all over the world! Out of these, over 2000 are located in America. The first escape room company in America, Puzzle Break, a Seattle-based company was established in 2013.
Escape Rooms often emulate video games; they offer various themes, role-playing, critical thinking, and teamwork, similar to many popular video games, except that escape rooms are played in real life!
Virtual Escape Rooms
Technology and escape rooms have evolved together. If visiting physical escape rooms may not be possible, online and virtual reality games offer a solid, worth-it substitute!
These online or virtual escape rooms are held via one of the numerous videos conferencing platforms and are advantageous in their way. Some of the perks of virtual escape rooms are:
- Virtual
escape rooms are easier on the pocket, and depending on the type and
quality you are looking for, they can be free!
- They don't require any additional physical set-ups such as catering or
transport.
- The number of people you can host in a virtual escape room is far more significant than in physical escape rooms. The number of people that you can host in a virtual escape room is far larger than physical escape rooms.
Some companies that develop high-end virtual escape rooms include Ubisoft, Exit, VR Cave, ARVI VR, and Escape VR.
There are two types of virtual escape rooms; one you can book and then right after, or one where you can buy them, obtain a link, and then free to play the game anytime you wish to do so. There are two types of virtual escape rooms; one which you can book and then right after or ones where you can buy them, obtain a link, and then you are free to play the game anytime you wish to do so.
Some companies also offer a combination of at-home escape games and virtual escape games. In such games, the companies send the players a box containing physical clues to solve the game. Some of the clues might have a link that you have a visit to view the next piece of the puzzle or something similar.
Technology & Escape Rooms
1. Finding Information Online is Made Easy
In today's almost wholly digital generation, most users conduct careful research online before visiting an escape room, virtual or physical. Users can upload pictures along with reviews on different platforms that are easily accessible by everyone. This gives escape room companies a chance to cultivate a positive brand image and enhance their online visibility... Users can upload pictures along with reviews on different platforms that are easily accessible by everyone. This gives escape room companies a chance to cultivate a positive brand image and enhance their online visibility.
Through different platforms and the business website, escape room owners can convey almost all of the information to their potential players beforehand. Essential things such as:
- The themes
of the escape rooms
- Timings of
the company
- Pricing
- Number of
people that a room can accommodate
- Additional information like available packages, group discounts, and more.
2. Booking Online is Convenient
Before the advent of technology, booking a slot for an escape room could be tedious. You visit the escape room, and maybe there's a huge line. Thus, the waiting period could drag on.
Now, thanks to technology, many activities have become easy and hassle-free; you can securely complete your entire booking process in just a few clicks.
All that players have to do is search for their choice of escape room companies and visit the website, where information like dates and time-slots are provided. Players can simply select those as per their convenience and confirm their booking right then!
3. Realistic and Varied Themes
Virtual Reality (VR) systems can generate hyper-real images, sounds, and videos that simulate a player's experience in the virtual environment. Virtual Reality (VR) systems can be used to generate hyper-real images, sounds, and videos that simulate a player’s experience in the virtual environment.
When an escape room is hosted with VR technologies help, a world of possibilities opens up that is not limited by physical space. Numerous gameplay scenarios can be introduced in VR escape rooms that would not emulate in a real-life escape room. When an escape room is hosted with the help of VR technologies, a world of possibilities opens up that is not limited by physical space. Numerous gameplay scenarios can be introduced in VR escape rooms which would not be possible to emulate in a real-life escape room.
More people can be accommodated in a VR escape room. This is because traditional, physical escape rooms typically use space in placing all the props and puzzles around the room. All the players are constantly moving around is vastly reduced by VR escape rooms. More people can be accommodated in a VR escape room. This is because the space that normally is used by traditional, physical escape rooms in placing all the props and puzzles around the room due to which all the players are constantly moving around is vastly reduced by VR escape rooms.
On that note, the sheer range that online/virtual escape rooms can provide is, pretty frankly, unmatchable!
4. Readily Accessible
Virtual or online escape rooms can be accessed by many people from any corner of the world! All you need is a stable internet connection and a laptop or any preferred device!
Virtual escape rooms significantly reduce the hassle of finding a suitable means of transport (in large or corporate groups) and other overhead costs that players might have to undertake, such as catering and drinks.
Just like a physical escape room, virtual escape rooms are assisted by game-masters who provide the clues and the voice-overs, which results in a one-of-a-kind experience that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home.
Sometimes, physical escape rooms can be inaccessible to some people. With virtual escape rooms, all types of players can join in and have equal amounts of fun.
5. Cost-Effective
Virtual escape rooms are cost-effective for both players and owners.
The requirements are minimal; all you need is VR headsets, headphones, a speaker system, and game controllers. The set and prop budget are drastically cut down, resulting in a high-profit but low investment venture. The requirements are minimal; all you really need are VR headsets, headphones, a speaker system, and game controllers. The budget for the set and the prop are drastically cut down, hence resulting in a high-profit, but low investment venture.
As for the players, some virtual escape rooms are free, whereas others cost a fraction of the
amount as physical escape rooms for the same adventurous escapade.
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