Real-life escape games are suddenly all the rage, with the likes of Freeing SG, Lockdown and Real Escape popping up all over Singapore. We spoke to the Executive Escaper behind the phenomenon to
find out more.
I-S So what’s the deal?
Ex Esc Basically you pay us money and we lock you in a room.
I-S We pay you?
Ex Esc Yes. Then you have to find your way out.
I-S Sounds weird. Why would we go in?
Ex Esc For the challenge of getting out. There are clues and everything.
I-S It’d be cheaper just not to go in though, right?
Ex Esc Yes, but where’s the fun in that?
I-S In what we could spend the money on instead.
Ex Esc Ummm… but these games are very popular here now.
I-S Why do you think that is?
Ex Esc Well, Singaporeans love a challenge.
I-S It’s not because we only feel comfortable in a small and restricted environment governed by arbitrary rules?
Ex Esc That’s not in our marketing materials, no.
I-S Maybe because too many of us spent our formative years playing video games and no longer find the real world stimulating enough?
Ex Esc Err.. Look, it’s just a game.
I-S Do we get food inside?
Ex Esc Afraid not. You’ll only be inside for 45 minutes.
I-S Not so hard to get out then? It took Stallone nearly the whole of that movie Escape Plan. Yawn.
Ex Esc It’s not a movie, though. It’s… I don’t think you’ve got it… It’s a 5D interactive puzzle concept.
I-S So who can we take inside with us?
Ex Esc Most people take their friends or colleagues. Or a date.
I-S Could we bring Wentworth Miller from Prison Break?
Ex Esc I’m really not sure you’ve grasped the concept….
I-S He recently came out.
Ex Esc And? That’s not a problem. Just to be clear: these rooms are only like Singapore in some respects.
I-S And what happens if we don’t get out in time?
Ex Esc Well, you’ll be in for a very nasty surprise.
I-S And what might that be?
Ex Esc You might be attacked by an undead pirate army or possessed by a swarm of evil ghosts.
I-S And do we get our money back?
Ex Esc Erm… no. That’s not the…
I-S You’re right. Very nasty indeed.