30/06/2026
Our good friends in Exeter at Prodigy Escapes & Experiences - Exeter Escape Rooms have some words of wisdom. We underline everything they say in their post, the support from our players and kind reviews are what keeps all independent escape rooms going, so please spread the word 😃
This is a tricky post to write. Many Escape rooms across the country are struggling. May and June are historically bad months for bookings, but this year has been far worse than any we've previously weathered.
Compared with last year, bookings are down 32%, while costs continue to rise. Admittedly, over this time, a room has closed, which will impact the figures, but we are not alone in this lean period of time. The Escape room owner Facebook groups are filled with closures and sales, with many debating whether there is a future in this industry.
If you've come and played a game with us, we can't begin to convey how much we appreciate your support. The kind reviews left are a constant source of inspiration for us to keep delivering unforgettable experiences.
You guys have an amazing amount of power to spread the word about escape rooms, and I'd urge you all to do so. We're here to deliver moments that bring people together. The game has changed from the rooms that lock you in and make people feel silly if you don't complete. We provide opportunities to escape the wider world and embrace moments with your friends and families.
A few of the things we hear about escape rooms:
- "I don't like the idea of being trapped/locked in" - You're never locked in. We even focus our storytelling on retrieving objects or completing tasks so that your presence in the room is never a threat.
- "I'm not smart enough" - Our dedicated hosts are there to support you. We listen in on your troubleshooting to know how you interpret things and can nudge you back on the right path with the correct level of assistance.
- "I did one once, and we were terrible" An escape room can be a learning curve. Even teams who have done thousands of rooms started with just one. Every experience provides you with varied challenges. Our games are designed to work with first-timers and experts alike, as the game host helps to keep you on track.
If you're looking for an activity this summer, we'd love to share an adventure with you. If you're planning to come, maybe consider expanding your team to share in the success. If you've done all our rooms, then maybe a gift voucher could make the perfect gift for someone you know.
We won't be alone in this tricky period of time, so maybe consider showing some love to some of our friends (Alphabetically) - Cronologic Escape Rooms Plymouth Devon Escape in Newton Abbot, Excape: Exmouth Escape Rooms, Lock and Code Escape Rooms in Taunton, Red House Mysteries in Exeter. Reynard's Adventures also in Taunton. All independent builders and makers of great experiences!
