Room Escape Artist

We love traveling the globe for inspiration.

That’s why we are taking RECON 26 to Laval… the home of the world-renowned escape rooms at Escaparium and Immersia, and many other incredible companies with games worth traveling to visit. Tickets are on sale now!

When you visit for RECON, you’ll be able to play top tier escape rooms in a variety of styles, many of which were inspired by the travels of their creators.

We also understand that not everyone can travel, and that’s one reason why Jana Erbes shared insights from European horror escape rooms at RECON Remote 25. Whether or not you’ve played these games, and whether or not you want to, there’s a lot to learn from them, all beautifully and cinematically packaged right here. This talk first aired at RECON Remote 25 this past August, and is now available for free on the Room Escape Artist YouTube channel.

We hope you’ll consider traveling to RECON Laval. Laval is also a more affordable city than where we’ve hosted past in-person RECON events. Our RECON venue, the Sheraton Laval Hotel, is offering a great price on hotel rooms in the RECON block. It’s near affordable dining options too. We promise Laval is worth it. And we promise RECON is worth it.

If you want to see the live Q&A that followed this talk, it is available to our Patreon backers at $5 per month and above. Just join our Patreon community to get access.

About this Talk

Inspiration from European Horror: Whether You Like It or Not

Whether you’re a seasoned horror enthusiast or just curious, the allure and success of European horror escape rooms are undeniable. These immersive experiences, often booked months in advance, offer a unique blend of storytelling and atmosphere that sets them apart from traditional haunted houses. Their high rankings in the TERPECA awards highlight the craftsmanship and creativity behind them. Horror game designer and documentarian Jana Erbes is here to share her passion for European horror. Through her insights, you’ll gain an appreciation for the diverse styles and the meticulous effort that goes into creating these captivating experiences. And don’t worry, no jump scares here!

About this Speaker

Jana Erbes

Jana Erbes is a game designer and filmmaker driven by a deep passion for horror and its emotional impact. Growing up in theater, she was drawn to storytelling, which led her to study film before finding her true calling in escape rooms. She approaches horror with a strong narrative and empathetic design, creating experiences that go beyond fear to engage players on a personal level. As a freelance designer, and former creative lead at escape stories Wuppertal she has contributed to some of Germany’s top horror escape rooms, acclaimed for their immersive storytelling and psychological depth. Her documentary Escape Room Horror Stories: Benelux Edition, which won the ReAction Award, further explores the artistry and emotional power of horror escape rooms. Through her work, Erbes continues to redefine the genre, proving that fear and empathy can go hand in hand, making horror more accessible to a broader audience.

RECON 26

• August 16-17, 2026
• Laval, Québec, Canada
• Event Details

If you create or operate escape rooms or immersive games, this is an event you won’t want to miss. If you’re thinking about getting your start in this industry, come to RECON and get connected… to people and ideas. RECON is designed to propel this industry forward, creating sustainable careers, and giving players memorable adventures long into the future. Come be a part of this conversation.

🎁 Use code REA50 to get $50 off a RECON 26 General Ticket. (This holiday coupon code expires on December 31, 2025.)