Escape rooms were invented as an extrapolation of video games into the real world, but now virtual reality technology is trying to connect them again with hi-tech devices. The concept behind the game is simple: a team of players is locked in an unfamiliar place and they have to work together to escape. This involves finding clues, solving puzzles and using all the items available in the room.
Given the restricted space and the financial strain, escape room games cannot vary their scenarios and storylines very much. They may redecorate periodically and replace the clues and items available to players, but not as frequently as customers would want. After all, the game stops being exciting once you have finished it once: you know exactly what you have to do to escape.
Virtual Reality Technology: A Game Changer for Escape Rooms
This is where virtual reality technology steps in to save escape room games from losing their previous players’ interest. Instead of spending money on frequent redecorations and new items, companies operating escape rooms can invest in VR headsets and apps instead.
And, every time, the players will be faced with new environments, with new clues and puzzles, and new adventures. In truth, virtual reality technology is to escape room games what MTV was to musicians: it adds a new level of excitement and novelty, with the ability to keep players loyal and attract new ones.
Here are a few key potential developments in the escape room game industry we envision with the aid of virtual reality technology:
1. Stage Famous Detective Stories
Anyone fancy themselves being Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot? Virtual reality technology can recreate the environments of the most popular detective stories, allowing fans of literary detectives to embody them and solve mysteries.
Given the recent success of TV series inspired from detective novels, escape room games will certainly attain a similar share of popularity.
2. Spend Less, Offer More
As paradoxical as it seems, escape room games will become more profitable thanks to virtual reality technology. Creating, maintaining and redecorating rooms with physical items is far more expensive than adding new scenarios to VR games and upgrading the headsets once every few years. Thus, the possibilities of developing customized storylines for large groups and catering to specialized audiences turns into a reality.
3. Increased Safety for Players
In certain escape room games, players start out in darkness and have to find a source of light as the first step in the game. Until this happens, accidents can occur and the company operating the game is liable for any medical expenses or potential lawsuits. With virtual reality technology, company employees can supervise players at all times, because the light is turned on during the entire game and the room does not have to contain physical items standing in the players’ way.
4. Expand the Game
In real life, players have just one room to explore in escape room games. With virtual reality technology, they can be immersed into a Victorian mansion or a hi-tech skyscraper, moving from room to room and exploring various spaces.
This opens up endless opportunities for creating storylines inspired byhistorical events or even popular video games. In this latter scenario, it is even easier to develop the game, starting from the 2D characters and environments and the storyline of the game.
5. More Fun for Payers
Real-life escape rooms can never replicate the rich and detailed décor which can be created with the help of virtual reality technology. What makes people love VR games is the highly detailed environment transporting them to an imaginary, fantasy world, and having the sensation that the experience is real.
