BY: ARTHUR DAVIS

Multi-tech entertainment refers simply to the act of combining different technologies within the same space to deliver a form of entertainment. For gamers, it’s the equivalent of wearing a VR helmet or using a gaming console remote.

When you consider matters of compatibility and integration, most multi-tech experiences in the gaming world feel like you’re adding new functions to one device. The process of pairing different gadgets to create one unique gaming station is integral to the immersiveness of your experience. 

It might seem odd to think that other businesses, such as escape rooms, can prefer to build multi-tech devices as a way to create immersion. You’d be surprised to see that some of the most successful independent escape room businesses take their inspiration from the gaming world’s tech. 

Fact #1: You can totally use a game console in the waiting area

Escape room businesses are growing in popularity. Nowadays, most companies have a large reception area to welcome players and keep them entertained until they get into the room. Puzzle games are a nice touch, but customers can get bored rapidly as most companies use the same puzzle suppliers. Instead, some forward-thinking businesses are adding gaming consoles and VR games to their reception areas. Tube result? Customers are not only entertained, but they already suspend their belief in reality by immersing themselves in a video game. It’s also a great way to train the eyes and the mind to capture the room rapidly. Video games are typically fast-paced and quick-thinking. 

Fact #2: Game programming creates more excitement 

Learning to program games is the dream of every child. But with programs such as 8BitCade to learn arduino online, the dream can become a reality. Enthusiasts can learn how to design their own DIY console. It is a versatile skill, as more and more escape room businesses rely on arduino to create immersive electronic puzzles. Programming skills make for a unique room with custom puzzles, which is exactly what customers need. 

Fact #3: They actually increase immersion

Using gaming tech principles can make the escape room experience feel more real. An escape room is essentially a physical video game where players enter a room and solve its mystery to save the day. This sounds like most of our favorite retro GameBoy games. Adding tech elements that can reinforce the room’s magic can help customers suspend their belief throughout the experience. Anybody who’s played games such as Mario bros knows that mushrooms and stars have a much less exciting impact IRL. But what if a room can use similar programming technology to make it look like physical mushrooms and stars are indeed magical? That’s the secret of a good escape room. 

Fact #4: ER have been using NPC for ages

NPCs are often the best part of a game. Think of Witcher III, where every NPC had a personality of its own, for instance. Escape room businesses are tapping into the NPC principle with an actor inside the room. But for budget reasons, you can just as well use a virtual NPC who interacts with players via a screen or audio cues. After all, we love NPC in video games, so why not in escape rooms? 

In conclusion, video game technology is crossing the screen to exist in a new business context. From game programming to sassy NCP, escape rooms are taking inspiration from our favorite games and bringing them to life. The only thing missing is the chance to save your room to finish it later.