Escape Room Evolution
From Generation 1 to Gen 3
Escape rooms have come a long way since their humble beginnings. Over the years, these interactive experiences have evolved, leading to the categorization of different "generations" based on their features and complexity.
When escape rooms first began appearing in the U.S. around 2014, they were mostly Generation 1 (aka GEN 1). They were relatively simple games, mechanically speaking, relying primarily on basic puzzles, locks and boxes. The game design was often linear, one room for exploration, and with a basic story line.
Today, many Gen 1 escape rooms, that are simple in story, set design, gameplay and puzzles, still exist in the Columbus, Ohio area because they are far easier to create. (Magic Escape Rooms does not create simple, Gen 1 games. We offer much better room escape adventures.)
As the escape room genre grew over several years before and during the Covid pandemic, escape room games began to evolve in game design and complexity. Generation 2 (aka GEN 2) escape rooms introduced better puzzles that fit the storyline, technology, multi-rooms, and immersive environments that replaced some of the locks, boxes and basic set designs found in earlier games.
Generation 2 escape rooms, today, can offer a greater sense of freedom and exploration, with non-linear gameplay, and better puzzle flow and branching paths. While many escape room companies in Central Ohio have some technology incorporated into them, we have found the design and flow of the game is often very basic with disjointed stories, single rooms, and puzzles that do not make a lot of sense existing within their worlds (e.g. Why is a digital clock in a game that supposedly takes place in a non-digital era?).
Generation 3 (aka GEN 3) escape rooms can represent the pinnacle of escape room design. These experiences may incorporate advanced escape room technology, such as virtual and augmented reality, to create fully immersive worlds. The puzzles can be more complex and the storylines more intricate.
With new technology, escape rooms can be much more interactive. However, we have seen games that have become too automated, or tech-heavy, to the point that something gets lost in the process: believable immersive experiences. That’s why, at Magic Escape Rooms, we place ourselves within the era the game takes place, incorporating technology only where it makes sense, drawing upon all 3 types of escape room complexities in developing our Columbus, Ohio escape room adventures.
When we look at the Columbus, Ohio escape game “playing field,” we have found all 3 types of escape rooms offered in the area (often some combination of Gen 1-3). Whether you're a seasoned escape room veteran or a first-time player, there's a generation of escape room out there to suit your preferences. So, embark on an adventure and experience the different types of escape rooms in greater Columbus. At the end of the day, it is all about playing a great escape room game and having a super fun time with friends and family!
Learn more: the Growth of USA Escape Rooms