A quick thought: over the past few years, we’ve seen a handful of generally excellent escape rooms present end credits at the conclusion of the experience.
The first time I saw this, I’ll admit, it struck me as a little strange, but that was 100% because I wasn’t used to it. I’m completely convinced that this should be the norm. Allow me the opportunity to convince you.
A few examples that have stuck in my mind:
- Lab Rat by Hatch Escape in Los Angeles was the first time that I can recall an escape room cutting to credits at the end of the experience.
- Catacombs by Logic Locks in Amsterdam concludes with a dramatic cut to end credits, complete with a thundering soundtrack.
- The Nest by Scout Expedition Co in Los Angeles has players find a small card at the end of the experience with credits, and guests are encouraged to take them home.
- The Man From Beyond by Strange Bird Immersive in Houston has a somewhat hidden credits page on their website.
- Wardrobe For Sale by Escaparium in Montreal has a walkthrough series of credits at the conclusion of the experience, with different stations honoring different parts of the production team.
A Practical Way To End Immersion
From a creative standpoint, end-credits solve a problem that escape rooms frequently struggle with: signaling the conclusion of the experience.
All too often the actual ending of an escape room is a gamemaster walking in and asking, “did you have a good time?”
End credits are a clean way to make it clear to players that their time in the game world has come to an end.
Professionals Deserve Credit
Mid- to high-end escape rooms take an increasing number of minds and hands to create their magic. Crediting those individuals is a professional courtesy and a sign of respect.
- Respecting your team will likely increase your retention of your team.
- Showing your customers that you respect your team will likely increase their respect of the craft.
Crediting Demonstrates Profession Maturity
As we exit the early years of escape rooms, a lot of companies are looking to professionalize. Appropriately recognizing the individuals who contributed to the experience is part of growing up.
These games that we love rarely emerge from one mind and one set of hands. It’s high time that we honor everyone involved in the production.
