InnovationMarch 31, 2020

Virtual Escape Experiences With Remote Avatars

We were the first escape room company to offer live virtual escape room games during COVID-19. Learn how our innovative Remote Avatar concept changed the industry.

Virtual Escape Experiences With Remote Avatars

We'll be your hands and feet. You bring your team online, the brains to use the tools we give you, and the will to win!

In March 2020, when COVID-19 forced businesses to close their doors, we refused to give up. Instead, we pioneered something that would change the escape room industry forever: the Remote Avatar Virtual Escape Room.

360-degree virtual tour view of escape room

Innovation Born from Necessity

"The closure ended revenue from normal sources. We had to get creative fast or risk layoffs," explained owner Michael Rowland. Within weeks, our team developed a completely new way to experience escape rooms—one that would allow people to play from anywhere in the world.

The solution not only saved the business but allowed us to rehire over half of our staff, with each experience requiring approximately two employees—one of whom could even work remotely.

How It Works

Our innovative system combines cutting-edge technology to create an immersive remote experience:

  • 360-degree virtual tours let you explore the room in detail
  • Video conferencing via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or WebEx
  • On-site staff wearing camera-mounted vests with headsets and laser scanners
  • Real-time interaction as you direct your avatar through the room
Staff member wearing avatar camera vest

Participants control their in-room avatar, directing them through tasks like "Try this code on that lock" or "Scan that and send it to me." The first-person view creates gameplay mechanics that feel natural and engaging.

Google Meet view showing wordlock puzzle

Testing Across the Globe

Our first test brought together three brothers from Tennessee, Massachusetts, and Japan—all playing simultaneously. Nathan Akers commented: "Living so far apart, it's rare we do fun things together. This felt like we were actually there working together."

Google Meet view showing hands and flashlight interaction

Global Reach

Manager Daniel Farris noted: "It's so cool watching people from around the globe interact together in our space." Players have joined us from Canada, Mexico, Ireland, Australia, and across the United States. We even extended our booking hours to accommodate different time zones!

Avatar vest technology for virtual escape rooms

Available Experiences

We initially launched with "Vaccine: Search for the Cure" and rapidly expanded to include:

  • Vaccine: Search for the Cure — Perfect timing given the pandemic
  • The Bunker — Stop a nuclear launch from anywhere in the world
  • C-Block Prison Break — Plan your escape from prison remotely

Perfect for Remote Teams

Virtual escape rooms have become a favorite for corporate team building, especially for distributed teams. Whether your team is scattered across the country or around the world, everyone can participate in the same thrilling escape room experience from the comfort of their home or office.

The Future of Escape Rooms

"This opened our eyes to new possibilities," said Rowland. "Even when mandated closures end, we'll continue offering online virtual options. This isn't just a temporary solution—it's a permanent expansion of what escape rooms can be."

Ready to experience the innovation that changed the escape room industry? Book your virtual escape room adventure today!

Written by Michael Rowland

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