DeepSummary
The podcast episode features an interview with Sarah Jang, co-founder of the Bay Area Omescape Escape Rooms and creator of the critically acclaimed online escape game 'Pursuit of the Assassin Artist'. Sarah discusses the inspiration behind the game, which involved borrowing concepts from her favorite games and incorporating unique mechanics like a time-loop structure designed specifically for virtual play.
Sarah explains the creative process behind developing 'Pursuit of the Assassin Artist', including the challenges they faced in ensuring the game was engaging and not repetitive. She also shares insights into the changing escape room industry, the differences between the escape room culture in China and the US, and the business considerations involved in running an escape room company.
The conversation explores the rise of virtual escape games during the COVID-19 pandemic and how Sarah's team aimed to create an experience that took advantage of the digital format. Sarah discusses the importance of innovation, passion, and skill in the escape room industry, as well as the future plans for her company, including developing puzzle boxes and exploring new revenue streams.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Sarah Jang and her team at Omescape Escape Rooms created the critically acclaimed online escape game 'Pursuit of the Assassin Artist' to offer a unique and engaging experience tailored for virtual play.
- The game incorporated innovative mechanics like a time-loop structure and drew inspiration from various games Sarah had played, combining different elements to create something new and exciting.
- Sarah emphasizes the importance of passion, innovation, and understanding customer expectations in the escape room industry, as well as the need to adapt and explore new revenue streams in the post-pandemic world.
- There are notable differences between the escape room cultures in China and the US, with the Chinese market shifting towards more immersive and experiential games with less emphasis on puzzle-solving.
- Running an escape room business involves significant business operations and management responsibilities beyond game design, which can be challenging for owners who are primarily passionate about creating games.
- Virtual escape games and online experiences became increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting companies like Omescape to explore new formats and ways to leverage the digital medium.
- Sarah believes that designing games accessible to a wider audience, rather than catering solely to puzzle enthusiasts, is crucial for the industry's growth and appeal.
- Collaboration and learning from different segments of the gaming world, such as video games, theater, and immersive experiences, can contribute to the development of innovative and engaging escape room experiences.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “For me myself, to be honest, it's less fun than before because there's a lot more business stuff I need to worry on. So for puzzle design or game design, it's probably only 15% or 20% of my time. Other times it's all about how to managing people.“ by Sarah Jang
- “I think it definitely helps. We try to add more elements that's not hardcore puzzles, something regular customers can enjoy.“ by Sarah Jang
Entities
Company
Person
Game
Episode Information
Reality Escape Pod - Escape Rooms & Immersive Games
David Spira & Peih-Gee Law
6/29/21
In season 2, episode 3, we chat with Sarah Zhang from Omescape Escape Rooms in the California Bay Area. Sarah is one of the creators of the award-winning, online escape room game, Pursuit of the Assassin Artist, which was voted the #1 online escape room in the 2020 TERPECAs – the Top Escape Rooms Project Enthusiasts’ Choice Awards. It was also a winner at our own 2020 Golden Lock Awards.
2020 was a difficult year for most escape room companies. Many operators adapted their games for virtual play, allowing players to experience the games through a digital interface. Omescape elevated the online escape room, creating an experience that took advantage of the virtual format by introducing a time-loop mechanic.
Sarah walks us through their creative design process, citing many games that excited and inspired her. She talks openly about borrowing concepts from her favorite games. Through some magical alchemy, she has managed to distill various aspects and mechanics into what is far and away one of the strongest games to emerge from the virtual escape room scene. Sarah was incredibly humble and such a sweetheart. It was an absolute delight having her on our podcast.
Episode Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors:
- SEO ORB - Marketing and SEO optimization created specifically for escape rooms by an enthusiast.
- Telescape by Buzzshot - Virtual escape room game creation and interface software. Bring increased functionality to your virtual escape rooms.
- Escape from Mibo Island by Sherlocked - Virtual escape room played on a uniquely immersive web-based platform. First-person point of view avatar using your own webcam video that is ideal for anyone from families to corporate events. Try out Mibo Island for 20% off with the code MARVINRULES.
Production Credits
Hosted by David Spira & Peih-Gee Law
Produced by Lisa Spira
Edited by Steve Ewing of Stand Inside Media
Music by Ryan Elder
Logo by Janine Pracht