“You never know why something will go viral, and it doesn’t matter why. They’ll still come.”

If social media was an escape room, most owners and designers would never find the key. Navigating all the different trends and social media apps is a daunting task, and it’s even harder when most escape rooms don’t allow photos or videos of their games.

That’s why we brought in an expert. In this special release of our Patreon Exclusive Bonus episode from Season 6, Episode 3, we talk to social media influencer and the owner of Exit Game OC, Christine Barger. Exit Game OC not only allows filming during their game, they actively encourage it. They also capture footage of their guests filming TikToks for their own social media.

Christine explains that all these players “want to market you. For Free.” and wonders why more escape rooms don’t take advantage of this free, viral marketing opportunity. We also discuss hiring practices and how to foster kindness towards players. This is a can’t-miss conversation. For more episodes like this, support our podcast by joining our Patreon today.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We are immensely grateful to our sponsors in the off-season. We truly appreciate your support of our mission to promote and improve the immersive gaming community.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

• 00:03 Thank you to sponsors Who Killed Ickey? Treasure Hunt and Morty App
• 02:31 Voiceover Work and Breaking into the Industry
• 02:55 Discussing NPH and Peter Pan Gone Wrong
• 03:50 Using Actors in an Escape Room
• 04:35 The Role of Insurance in Game Design
• 06:45 The Art of Answering Questions
• 10:18 Social Media Management and Viral Content

@exitgameoc

real moment from our security camera #escaperoom

♬ original sound – 🗝 ExitGameOC Escape Room 🗝

• 14:10 Creating Engaging Content for Escape Rooms

@exitgameoc

Don’t be scared 😱 #EscapeRoom #anaheim #adventuregame #escapegame #horror #oc

♬ original sound – singersewer

• 21:47 Sponsor Break: Who Killed Ickey? Treasure Hunt
• 24:20 More Examples of Viral Escape Room Content
• 25:14 Respecting Privacy and Authenticity in Content Creation
• 28:15 Hiring Practices and Employee Expectations
• 29:27 Importance of Inclusivity and Open-mindedness in Employees
• 31:10 The Importance of Empathy and Accommodation in Gamemasters
• 32:52 The Role of Gamemasters in Ensuring Positive Player Experience
• 37:13 The Challenges of Gamemastering
• 43:01 Recommendations for Haunted Attractions and Escape Rooms
• 52:24 Upcoming Projects and Events

Leave us a voicemail

Got a question or thought for the podcast? You can submit a voice recording by calling the Room Escape Artist not-so-hotline that always goes straight to voicemail (551-227-7273).

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

• Show Notes for REPOD S6E3: Pics or It Didn’t Happen with Christine Barger, The Haunt Girl
• Peter Pan Goes Wrong
• Exit Game OC TikTok
• The Exit Game OC Website
• The Haunt Girl Website
• Christine Barger Website
• Christine Barger Youtube
• The Haunt Girl Youtube
• REA Review of 13th Basement

About Christine Barger

Social Media Handles:

• Everywhere: @TheHauntGirl
• Everywhere: @ExitGameOC
• Everywhere: @ChristineBarger
• Instagram: @ChristineBargerOfficial

Christine Barger is an entertainer, entrepreneur and animal lover. She has been in many projects as an actor in tv shows & movies, as well as performing live comedy and ventriloquism. (One of her little wooden friends also does mentalism.) She has acquired over a million followers across her social media platforms.

An obsession with haunted attractions & escape rooms led to her blog The Haunt Girl and eventually the 13th Basement at Exit Game OC which she built with her husband Jeremiah. Christine believes it’s important to enjoy life and is always doing her best to encourage others to do the same whether it’s by performing, sharing information about a fun new experience, creating experiences herself or simply posting adorable pictures of her cats online to brighten someone’s day.

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