26/08/2026
With the pending opening of our first physical escape room, we thought we'd start a series exploring escape game topics and providing advice on strategies for success when playing.
Outside the Box: Cracking the Code on What Makes Escape Rooms Awesome!
Our first topic is SIGNPOSTING. Signposting is used by puzzle designers to subtly guide players towards a puzzle, prop or a clue. Signposts can be environmental clues such as strategically placed lights that attract attention to a particular object, a sound that draws players into a new area or brings particular themes to mind, evocative fragrances, or props that foreshadow puzzles yet to come.
Game masters and in-game characters sometimes provide signposting too, with their comments, postures, actions or even clothing!
The trick to making the most of signposting is to pay close attention to everything in the room and ask yourself why it might be there. Repeated sets of colours? That one flickering lamp? Unusual background music? A game character playing an endless game of cards? All of these could be signposts and are worthy of closer scrutiny. If you're worried about chasing red herrings (a topic for another post!) check in with your game master to make sure you're on the right track.
Until next time, happy escaping!
