When puzzles and adventure combine, they’re captivating the imaginations of millions, and create one of today’s most popular forms of entertainment: the escape room. The immersive experience of the escape room has taken the world by storm, offering thrilling challenges for people of all ages. What started as a niche form of entertainment that began in Japan around 2007 has now grown into a global phenomenon, with escape rooms popping up in cities all over the world. In 2023, there were more than 3,000 escape rooms operating in the US, and approximately 50,000 worldwide!
What is an escape room? It’s basically a real-life adventure game where participants are locked in a room and need to solve a series of puzzles and challenges within a given time limit to escape. Rooms are often themed and involve scenarios like finding treasure in a pirate’s lair, solving a murder mystery, or fleeing a zombie apocalypse. Players work together as a team to solve riddles, decode clues, and discover hidden objects to progress through the game and ultimately escape the room.
Because escape rooms require active participation and critical thinking, they provide a unique and interactive experience that traditional games or movies do not. The immersive nature of the game creates an adrenaline-pumping experience that keeps participants engaged and fully invested in the outcome. Players must also actively pool their problem-solving skills and creative talents working as a team to unravel each challenge as they move forward, so full participation is key.
In this world where we all seem to be constantly connected to our screens, escape rooms provide a refreshing and much-needed break from technology and a chance to connect with others in a meaningful way. The collaborative nature of the experience requires face-to-face interaction and teamwork, so it’s a perfect activity to encourage social interaction between friends, family, or colleagues.
Escape rooms also appeal to a wide range of individuals from puzzle enthusiasts to adventure seekers. A wide variety of themes and rooms with different levels of difficulty mean that there are rooms that appeal to people from all walks of life, with suitable options available for beginners and challenges for more experienced players.
Overcoming challenges, cracking codes, and solving puzzles creates a sense of achievement. When you combine this with the adrenaline rush that comes with a ticking time clock, players leave feeling accomplished and are eager to tackle new escape room challenges.
No longer a niche form of entertainment or fad, it looks like escape rooms are here to stay. That’s great news for Carl Shields, who recently opened Breakout Adventures on St. Simons Island. When asked why he chose to create the escape room experience, Shields says: “One word encapsulates my motivation for opening an Escape Room on St. Simons Island: connection. After years of managing chemical plants, I realized that the corporate culture had left me longing for something more meaningful. I discovered the power of connection through an unforgettable experience with my family while solving a murder mystery, escaping Alcatraz, and breaking up a Speakeasy mobster operation. The shared experience of working together, without the distraction of smartphones, allowed us to bond in a way that we hadn’t in years. We made memories that will last a lifetime, and I knew then that I wanted to bring this same experience to others.”
Breakout Adventure was born from that desire to create connection. Shields says, “Our focus is on providing a movie set environment where friends, families, coworkers, and even strangers can come together to solve puzzles and unravel mysteries. The sense of accomplishment and camaraderie that comes from working together is invaluable, and we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience it.”
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The King’s Roar at Breakout Adventures is a fully generation 2 electronic room with lights and sound that give it a movie atmosphere. Blackbeard's Trap also has the movie-style lights and sounds yet maintains traditional lock and key elements that belong in a pirate escape room.
“Our escape rooms are designed to be accessible to all, with no need for specialized knowledge in math or ancient cultures,” Shields explains. “All you need is a willingness to try, a bit of cleverness, and an awareness of your surroundings. And remember, you are never truly locked in; you can leave the room at any time.”
You need only look at Google reviews to see that visitors to Breakout Adventure have loved their experiences there. The rooms and challenges presented have thrilled both seasoned escape room players and first-time adventurers. Whether you’re looking for a fun idea for a double date, a team bonding experience, or a family outing, come experience the power of connection and create memories that will last a lifetime. For more information to book an experience at breakoutadventure.com.
