We all know that escape rooms are more than just a game; they’re an experience. An important part of that experience, in my opinion, is how players are introduced to the story and the rules of the room.
Most escape room companies will do one of two things when it comes to explaining the rules of the game to players. The game master will either verbally tell the team the rules (don’t climb on furniture, two-finger touch to move things, wave at the camera if you want a hint, etc.), or the game master will play a video explaining the rules.
The introduction to the game and story is usually done in one of three ways. The first is verbally by the game master. This is often done with little to no enthusiasm. The second way is through video. This is often played in the lobby, a viewing room, or in the room itself. It’s better, but forgettable. The third is through an immersive audio track. We’re getting there, but it could still be improved on by having the game master give a live performance. This type of introduction can set the tone and immerse players in the narrative from the very beginning.
The Power of a Live Introduction
1. Immersive Experience: A live performance immediately immerses players in the escape room’s world. It’s one thing to read about your mission or hear a recorded message; it’s another to be greeted by a character from the story who can interact with you directly. This interaction sets the mood and makes the experience more memorable.
2. Personal Touch: A live introduction adds a personal touch that can make players feel more connected to the story. It shows an investment in their experience and can make the game feel more special and tailored to each group.
3. Engaging and Informative: A well-performed introduction can be both entertaining and informative, seamlessly weaving the rules and objectives into the narrative. Players are more likely to pay attention and remember information when it’s part of a compelling performance.
4. Adaptability: Live performers can read the room and adapt their performance to the energy and dynamics of the group. This adaptability can help manage different types of players and ensure that everyone is engaged and ready to start the game.
5. Encouraging Team Spirit: A spirited introduction can help to build team spirit and get players excited about working together. It sets a fun, cooperative tone that can carry through the rest of the game.
The Ideal Game Master Performer
Not just anyone can deliver a captivating live introduction; it takes a certain type of person. I know what you’re thinking, “It’s hard enough finding quality employees. Now you want me to find ones that can act?” Yes. Yes, I do. Even if it takes. little more time, and a little more money, it will be worth it. Here are some qualities to look for when hiring:
1. Enthusiastic and Energetic: The ideal candidate should have a natural enthusiasm and energy that can engage and excite players.
2. Comfortable with Performance: They don’t need to be a professional actor, but they should be comfortable with performing and have some ability to improvise and interact with players.
3. Adaptable: They should be able to read the group and adapt their performance to suit the players’ energy and reactions.
4. Reliable and Professional: As with any employee, they should be reliable and maintain a professional attitude, ensuring that every group gets a high-quality experience, from start to finish.
Hiring
At our previous escape room location, our game masters would give the intro in character for two of our four games. After hiring staff that were not comfortable with the acting, we decided to have applicants go through an “audition” during their interview. We gave them a short script and a few minutes to prepare, and then we played the part of the participants while they acted out the introduction to one of the games. It was fine if they read off the script. We were looking for the willingness to get into character. Once we started doing auditions, our guests enjoyed the experience of our rooms much more. It showed in the reviews.
Training
When we first dived into live performance introductions, we handed our team a general script and let them add their own personal flair to it. We thought it’d help them really get into character and feel more engaged. But we noticed some quirks along the way — sometimes the characters didn’t turn out quite as we’d hoped, and occasionally, the creativity of it all was a bit daunting for them, leading to some less-than-sparkling performances.
So, here’s a friendly tip: consider providing a more structured script and clear guidelines for the character. Think about how film and stage directors work. They don’t just hand over a script and say, “Go wild!” They guide their actors, shaping the performance to fit a shared vision. Of course, every actor brings their own unique touch, but the essence of the character remains consistent, and that’s the key.
Be the guiding light for your team. Steer them with your vision to ensure every guest enjoys the same high-quality experience. After all, your guests are looking forward to the fantastic adventure you’ve promised, and consistency is part of that magic.
Start your new hires off by getting them cozy with the scripts. Let them know that they’ve got a bit of time, maybe a few days, to get the hang of things. Then, once they’re ready and you’re happy with their performance, they’ll be all set to run the show. It’s all about working together to create the best experience possible!
Incorporating live performances into the introduction of an escape room can significantly enhance the player experience. It sets the tone, immerses players in the story, and gets them excited and ready to work together. Hiring (and training) the right person for this role is crucial; they need to be outgoing, comfortable with performance, and friendly. With the right game master performer, the introduction can become one of the most memorable parts of the escape room experience, setting the stage for an exciting adventure.
