What to Expect at a Virtual Escape Room
Last year we did an escape room experience at Breakout Knoxville for my son’s birthday. We had such a great experience that we wanted to do another escape room adventure but this time it was going to be a virtual experience! I invited family members from Louisville and Knoxville to join us in a virtual Breakout room! We solved the puzzles with 14:09 left on the clock! What a fun way to make memories while still being physically distant!
Hobbies on a Budget was provided a virtual escape room experience for the purpose of this post. No monetary compensation was provided.
Just because we can’t be together in person doesn’t mean we can’t have fun, make memories and spend a lot of time laughing! A virtual escape room is a perfect idea for family, friends, and even coworkers to do something together during these challenging times.
How does an Online Escape Room Work?
- Book your reservation online
- You, your friends, and a Breakout Gamemaster will join a live Breakout Video call, at your booking time.
- Direct your Gamemaster, who is a real person in a real escape room, to explore and you solve the clues!
- You have 60 minutes to beat the game.
Log in early
To get connected, you simply click on the link that is sent to your email and click allow for microphone and camera. If you haven’t used the meeting program, you may have to install a plugin or an app on your phone. You can test the link any time before you start time so you don’t feel stressed or rushed when it’s time for the game to begin.
Decide on how many screens
Multiple people can use the same computer or phone screen to play the game, but keep in mind that you will be going back and forth between the ‘inventory page’ where you keep up with the clues and the live view of the room. Since some people have different styles of play, you may prefer to let each person log in on their own computer or phone.
Grab paper and pen
Just like in traditional escape room formats, you will have puzzles to solve. Make sure you have a paper and pen beside your computer or phone so you can work out the problems and solve different clues.
Direct the GameMaster
There is a BreakOut GameMaster that will welcome you to the game a few minutes before the start time. You will watch a short intro video to give you context for your game scenario. As soon as the video ends, the count down clock begins and you are on your adventure.
The GameMaster will use her camera to show you the room and then you will direct her to discover the clues. Ask questions like “Does that move?”, “Are there numbers on the bottom?”, “What happens if you do this?”.
Our host was great about trying everything we asked and giving us the escape room experience from our own homes in different cities and states.
Keep Up with the Clues
Each time you discover a new clue, you are given a code that you enter on an inventory screen. This allows you to see the clues up close so you can study and solve the puzzles.
Beat the Clock
You will have 60 minutes to solve the puzzles and breakout of the room!
Doing an online breakout room is a great way to step outside the routine of stay at home quarantine. It also gives you a great connection point with family and friends who don’t live nearby. Breakout Games also offers some special options for family and friends who are interested in playing with deployed military personnel. Contact them and get your game scheduled soon!
Looking for other fun ideas for making memories with your family this summer? Check out these scavenger hunt ideas!
What company did you use? I am looking for recommendations for 6th-12th graders.
We went through breakoutrooms.com. They did a great job!