MR Escape Rooms Vs. Physical Escape Rooms
Are you an escape room enthusiast, but torn between choosing between a physical escape room and an MR escape room? Look no further, as we have got you covered. In this blog post, we will provide an unbiased comparison between MR escape rooms and physical escape rooms to help you make a better-informed decision.
What are escape rooms?
Escape rooms are adventure games where players solve puzzles, riddles and find hidden objects to escape a themed room within a set time frame. Physical escape rooms have been around for a while, but mixed reality escape rooms (aka MR escape rooms) are becoming increasingly popular due to advancements in technology.
Physical Escape Rooms
Physical escape rooms are the traditional form of escape rooms, where players enter a themed room and solve puzzles using clues, riddles, and hidden objects to escape within a specific timeframe. The puzzles in physical escape rooms often require players to be physically active, such as crawling beneath objects or climbing stairs.
Advantages
- Physical interaction with puzzles and objects
- Improved team bonding experience
- Adrenaline rush from physical challenges
- Excitement from not knowing what's coming next
Disadvantages
- Limited to a set number of puzzles and themes
- Requires physical activity, which can be tiring or uncomfortable for some people.
- Fixed set-up can be repetitive and predictable for returning visitors.
MR Escape Rooms
Mixed reality escape rooms combine physical escape rooms with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) elements. Players are immersed in a virtual world with physical elements, where they must solve puzzles and find clues to escape. MR escape rooms use state-of-the-art technology to create an interactive and unique experience that incorporates physical activity and graphics.
Advantages
- Increased immersive experience with 360-degree visuals and audio effects.
- Offers unlimited puzzle variations and themes due to the virtual environment.
- Incorporates technology which enhances the overall experience
- Easier to reset for new players.
Disadvantages
- Requires additional time to set up and prepare
- Expensive upfront cost for equipment and technology
- Players might not have the same adrenaline rush and thrill as physical escape rooms.
Conclusion
Both physical escape rooms and MR escape rooms offer unique experiences, and the choice between the two depends on an individual's preferences. Physical escape rooms offer a more tactile experience, while MR escape rooms provide an immersive virtual world that is not limited by physical constraints.
While MR escape rooms require additional time to set up and initial costs to start, it allows owners to change themes and puzzles with ease, providing a fresh experience for visitors each time. Physical escape rooms, on the other hand, rely on physical puzzles and challenges, which can cause discomfort or fatigue for some.
Ultimately, your decision depends on your preference, budget, and what kind of experience you are looking for. However, we suggest giving both MR escape rooms and physical escape rooms a try to see which one provides the best experience for you and your team.
References
- Escape rooms: Physical versus virtual. Retrieved from https://theindependent.sg/escape-rooms-physical-versus-virtual/
- Is Mixed Reality the Future of Escape Rooms? Retrieved from https://arpost.co/2019/05/27/escape-room-mixed-reality-vr/