DeepSummary
The episode is a preview of the 'Spoilers Club' segment, where they discuss the escape room 'The Ghost of Mentryville' by Arkane Escape Room. The game's creator, Matt Tighe, joins to provide behind-the-scenes insights, particularly focusing on the unique challenges faced by the gamemaster who has to act as a performer, gamemaster, and technician simultaneously.
Tighe explains that the gamemaster has to control lighting, audio tracks, and other effects while staying in character and interacting with players. The gamemaster's role is likened to 'rubbing their belly and patting their head' as they navigate multiple responsibilities in a confined space.
The hosts discuss how the ghost character's tone and demeanor shift throughout the game, mirroring the players' own sense of confusion initially. They commend the intentional choice by the performer to stay present in the moment and react authentically to the unfolding story.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The escape room 'The Ghost of Mentryville' by Arkane Escape Room features a unique and immersive experience where players can engage in roleplay with the ghost character.
- The gamemaster in this escape room has a demanding role, acting as a performer, technician, and host simultaneously, controlling various aspects of the experience like lighting and audio while staying in character.
- The ghost character's tone and demeanor shift throughout the game, initially mirroring the players' own sense of confusion, fostering a collaborative and immersive experience.
- The gamemaster's role is described as 'game mastering on hard mode,' requiring multitasking and seamless execution of multiple responsibilities within a confined space.
- The creator, Matt Tighe, provides insights into the intentional design choices and challenges involved in running this innovative escape room experience.
- The podcast hosts commend the game's ability to create a sense of presence and authenticity, with the performer staying in the moment and reacting organically to the unfolding story.
- The escape room's low-budget, experimental, and thought-provoking nature is praised as a refreshing and meaningful contribution to the immersive gaming community.
- The episode serves as a preview for a more in-depth discussion of 'The Ghost of Mentryville' in the 'Spoilers Club' segment, where the creators share behind-the-scenes commentary and insights.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I love that because I hate when I feel like the characters know more than I do. Then it's like, well, what am I here for? You know? If you know so much, you figure it out. But if they're like, I'm as confused as you are. And I'm like, okay, we. Let's work together. Like, we can do this, you know? And I really. I like that feeling it gives me.“ by Unknown
- “So this is, you know, this is definitely game mastering on hard mode.“ by Perigee
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Episode Information
Reality Escape Pod - Escape Rooms & Immersive Games
David Spira & Peih-Gee Law
2/24/24
"Why did it have to be snakes?"
"Since we started this podcast, I have been talking repeatedly about my desire for there to be more lower budget, experimental, thought provoking, and thoughtful productions." David calls this game "the black box theatre" of escape rooms, while REA Patron Dan Egnor called it "the best room in the world in awesomeness per square foot."
You've probably never played this room, or even heard about it, but David and I love this room so much that we dedicated 90 minutes to thoroughly dissecting and reliving The Ghost of Mentryville. Creator Matt Tye of Arcane Escape Room in Newhall, CA joins us to share his design and thought process behind this brilliant game.
In this preview, Matt talks about how difficult it is to run this game, especially for the gamemaster, who is operating as a performer, gamemaster, and audio/ visual technician, all within the confines of a very small space.
Listen to the rest of the episode now by becoming a Patreon backer at the "Search Win" level for access to all of the Spoilers Club episodes. https://www.patreon.com/roomescapeartist
Episode Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors Morty, Buzzshot, and COGS by Clockwork Dog:
Morty
Morty is a free app for discovering, planning, tracking, and reviewing your escape rooms and other immersive social outings.
Morty News:
- Morty now features haunt attractions
- Morty for Android is here
Special Badge for REPOD listeners:
You can learn more at morty.app/REPOD to sign up and get a special badge for our listeners (works for existing users also).
Buzzshot
Buzzshot is Escape Room Software, Powering Business Growth, Player Marketing, and improving the Customer Experience. They offer an assortment of pre and post game features including robust waiver management, branded team photos, and streamlined review management for Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Morty. Buzzshot now has integration with the other REPOD sponsors: Morty and COGS.
Special Offer for REPOD Listeners:
REPOD listeners get an extended 21-day free trial plus 20% off your first 3 months, with no set-up fees or hidden charges. Visit buzzshot.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.
COGS
COGS by Clockwork Dog is an easy to use software/ hardware platform for running interactive events, including escape rooms, and other immersive experiences. They have plug & play hardware that seamlessly integrates with their software so you can create a show with lighting and sound cues without having to write a single line of code. Map all kinds of inputs to outputs by building up simple logic steps which determine what you want to happen and when.
Special Offer for REPOD Listeners:
REPOD listeners can get the COGS Starter Set for only $130 + free shipping to the USA. This bundle is usually valued at $257. You can learn more and purchase your Starter Set at cogs.show. Use code REPOD at checkout.
Production Credits
Hosted by David Spira & Peih-Gee Law
Produced by Theresa Piazza
Supported by Lisa Spira
Edited by Steve Ewing of Stand Inside Media
Music by Ryan Elder
Logo by Janine Pracht