Escape games have been around for years, and it's no secret that they are incredibly enjoyable. Players are locked in a room, and they have to find clues to escape. With the rise of Mixed Reality (MR) technology, players can now enjoy escape games in a whole new way. But how do MR escape games compare to physical ones?
MR Escape Games
MR escape games combine the virtual world with the real world. Players wear headsets that allow them to see and interact with digital objects that are superimposed onto the real world. These games offer a unique experience as players have to interact with both the virtual and physical worlds to solve puzzles.
According to a recent survey, MR escape games have become increasingly popular over the past few years. In 2019, the global MR gaming market was worth 8.5 billion US dollars. This number is expected to rise to 31.2 billion US dollars by 2026.
Physical Escape Games
Physical escape games have been around for much longer than MR escape games. These games require players to be present in a physical room, where they must find clues and solve puzzles to escape. The physical world is the only element players can interact with, making these games a more traditional gaming experience.
According to a survey by Escape Room Enthusiasts, physical escape games have been growing steadily in popularity. In 2014, there were only 22 escape room businesses in the United States. By 2019, this number had exploded to 2,350 businesses.
Comparison
Both MR and physical escape games offer unique experiences for players, but it's up to personal preferences which type of escape game is better suited. Here are some factors to consider:
Accessibility
Physical escape games require players to be physically present in a specific location, making them less accessible to people who cannot travel or have physical disabilities. MR escape games, on the other hand, can be played from anywhere with an MR headset, making them more accessible to a wider range of people.
Immersion
MR escape games offer a more immersive experience due to the superimposed digital objects. This can make the game feel more realistic and provide players with unique challenges. Physical escape games, however, offer a more authentic experience since players are interacting with real-world objects.
Interactivity
MR escape games provide more interactivity than physical escape games as players can interact with both virtual and physical objects. This can make the game more challenging and exciting, as players have to navigate between two worlds.
Conclusion
Both MR escape games and physical escape games have their unique features that make them enjoyable to escape room fans. MR escape games offer a more immersive and interactive experience, while physical escape games provide a more traditional gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two types of escape games depends on personal preferences and accessibility.
References
- H. Zhou, "Mixed reality gaming market to reach over 31bn by 2026," Gaming Intelligence, May 2021.
- Escape Room Enthusiasts, "2019 Escape Room Industry White Paper," Room Escape Artist, August 2019.