Guest Post by Kevin Kalishoek of Live Escape: 6 Important Factors Behind an Unforgettable Escape Room Experience

Escape rooms have taken the world by storm, captivating people with their immersive environments, challenging puzzles, and adrenaline-pumping experiences. Behind the scenes, the magic of escape rooms lies in their intricate design. But have you ever thought about how escape rooms are designed? Escape room design is an art form that combines storytelling, set design, puzzles, and technology to create immersive adventures. Each element must harmoniously work together to transport players into a world where they can become the heroes of their own stories. In this article, we have listed the most important factors we always put in mind when we created our first escape rooms in Live Escape Rotterdam. Let’s explore the fascinating world of escape room design and the key elements that make these adventures truly unforgettable!

1. Write a compelling storyline

First and foremost, the foundation of any escape room design is a compelling storyline. Whether it’s a thrilling mystery, a treacherous jungle expedition, or a sci-fi adventure.
A well-crafted narrative sets the stage for the entire experience. The storyline serves as the backbone of the room, guiding players through a series of puzzles and challenges that are
seamlessly woven into the overarching plot. This is what we are doing in our new location in Utrecht that you can enjoy real soon!

2. Physical design of the room

One crucial element of escape room design is the setting. The physical environment must be meticulously designed to reflect the storyline and create an atmosphere that draws players into the game. Every aspect, from the walls and props to the lighting and sound effects, must work in harmony to create a believable and immersive environment.
Attention to detail is crucial as designers meticulously craft every element to enhance the theme and transport players into another world. Whether it’s recreating a futuristic laboratory, an ancient temple, a post-apocalyptic wasteland, or even a museum (Yes, we are building a museum escape room in Live Escape Amersfoort!) the setting should be visually appealing and create a sense of awe and wonder. Interesting, right?

3. Puzzle creation

Did you know that puzzles are the heart and soul of escape rooms? They should be engaging, challenging, and intricately connected to the storyline. A well-designed puzzle should require both individual and team problem-solving skills, encouraging communication and collaboration among players. From deciphering codes and solving riddles to manipulating objects and uncovering hidden compartments, each puzzle should provide a sense of accomplishment and progression.

4. Flow of the gameplay

Another essential aspect of escape room design is the flow of the gameplay. The room should be designed in a way that allows players to navigate through the challenges logically. Cleverly designed pathways, hidden passages, and non-linear puzzles can add depth and complexity to the experience, ensuring that players are constantly engaged and surprised.

5. Atmosphere and ambiance

Escape room design is a delicate art, where atmosphere and ambiance hold the key to an unforgettable experience. The perfect escape room captivates players from the moment they step inside. Dim lighting casts mysterious shadows, while carefully curated soundscapes enhance tension. Intricate set designs transport participants to another world, immersing them in a narrative that unravels with each clue discovered. The ambiance, a combination of eerie silence and sporadic bursts of adrenaline-pumping music, keeps hearts racing and minds focused. Every detail, from props to scent, is meticulously chosen to maintain the illusion. In this carefully crafted environment, the line between reality and the game blurs, leading to an extraordinary journey of suspense and triumph.

6. Safety

Escape room design prioritizes safety to ensure an enjoyable experience for all. Well-designed escape rooms incorporate clear emergency exits, fire safety measures, and adequate lighting. By considering safety in the design process, escape rooms become spaces that allow individuals to join in the excitement of solving puzzles and unlocking their potential for adventure. Designing an Escape Room is really a hard work, so the next time you find yourself locked in an escape room, take a moment to appreciate the intricate design that has gone into crafting this unforgettable experience.

Written by:
Kevin Kalishoek
Escape Room Designer @ Escape Live Netherlands

About Kevin

I am Kevin, a manager and game designer at Live Escape. Gaming and experience designing are my true passions, and I pour my heart into creating immersive adventures that captivate and challenge participants. With a relentless drive to push the boundaries of game design, I strive to ensure unforgettable escapades for all. I have created several games for different escape room companies in The Netherlands, like “The Safe House”, “The Boiler Room” and “Veronica” but I’m most proud of our new escape room that we are going to open soon in Utrecht. I can’t tell a lot yet, but it’s going to be an experience room and we have included some physical elements as well.