Escape Room Accessibility

Escape rooms are still a relatively new form of entertainment, and as the industry grows, so does the opportunity to make these experiences accessible to as many people as possible. With thousands of independently owned escape rooms across the U.S., there aren’t yet standardized regulations, leaving many businesses to navigate accessibility on their own.

At Next-Gen Escape, creating accessible games has always been a priority. We’ve learned a lot from our previous location and have implemented changes to ensure our new escape rooms are more inclusive, immersive, and enjoyable for everyone. Here’s a look at our journey and the steps we’ve taken.

Lessons from the Past

At our old location, we thought we had taken important steps toward accessibility. We included wider-than-normal doors for wheelchair access and implemented workarounds when needed. For instance, in our Clancey’s Lodge room, we had a radio puzzle that relied on an audio cue.

When a group of deaf players booked the room, we prepared an alternative solution ahead of time to ensure they could still experience the game. While this was a helpful workaround, it became clear that we could do better. Players shouldn’t need a workaround to enjoy the same game as everyone else! 

How We’ve Improved Accessibility

At our new location, we’ve reimagined our designs to prioritize accessibility from the start. Here are some of the key changes we’ve made:

1. Wheelchair Accessibility

• Puzzle Placement: Nearly all puzzles are now accessible from wheelchair height, ensuring everyone can engage fully. (Those not at this height can easily be adjusted by our staff before the game starts.)
• Room Navigation: Wide doors and open layouts make it easy for players using mobility aids to move around comfortably.

2. No Audio-Dependent Challenges

• We’ve eliminated puzzles that require players to rely on audio cues. While immersive sound effects and music enhance the atmosphere, they are never necessary to solve puzzles or progress through the game.
• Players who are deaf or hard of hearing can now enjoy every puzzle without needing special accommodations.

3. No Crawlspaces or Physical Barriers

• Our previous location featured a crawlspace in one room, which created a challenge for some players. In our new designs, we’ve chosen to leave out crawlspaces and similar physical obstacles to ensure everyone can participate fully. There are certainly more spaces for you to explore, just nothing you need to get down on the floor for!

Balancing Immersion and Accessibility

Accessibility doesn’t mean sacrificing immersion. We’ve worked hard to design games that are both inclusive and thrilling. For example:

• Audio Feedback: Sound effects and music enhance the game’s atmosphere but are never required to solve puzzles.
• Immersive Design: Puzzles and props are designed to be engaging for everyone, regardless of physical ability.

Some escape rooms lean into more extreme elements, such as blindfolds, physical restraints, or crawlspaces. While these can enhance the theme in certain scenarios, they’re not features we’ve chosen to include at Next-Gen Escape. We aim to create an experience that is fun, challenging, and accessible to all players.

What to Expect at Next-Gen Escape

Our commitment to accessibility includes:

• Private Bookings: All our games are private, so you’ll never have to share the space with strangers. This creates a more comfortable environment for players with unique needs or preferences.
• Flexible Accommodations: If you or someone in your group requires additional accommodations, we’re happy to help. Contact us ahead of your visit, and we’ll make sure your experience is as seamless as possible.

Looking to the Future

While we’re proud of the progress we’ve made, we know there’s always room for improvement. Accessibility is an ongoing conversation, and we’re committed to listening to feedback and finding new ways to make our games even more inclusive.

Escape rooms should be for everyone. By designing puzzles and spaces that accommodate a wide range of needs, we can ensure that more people get to experience the fun and excitement of solving puzzles, uncovering mysteries, and beating the clock.

Have Questions or Need Accommodations?
If you’re wondering about our accessibility features or need specific accommodations, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help make your escape room adventure unforgettable for everyone!

This post was made with the help of ChatGPT!