If you check out the TripAdvisor or Facebook group reviews of many escape room games, then you'll come across an issue that rears its head again and again. There would always be a disgruntled customer complaining about having to put up with strangers joining in the with their escape room game. As a games master, you might roll your eyes upwards to the heavens at this point. After all, it's clearly written in the terms and conditions that it's possible that others may join a player in their game. This is probably where the problem lies. In that no one bothers to read the small print anymore. Some of those companies may say that it's such an important issue that it doesn't really belong in the small print. Meaning it should actually should be written in large print. This would allow everyone to see that they may be playing with complete strangers without planning to do so.

Of course, if you have a group of four playing in a fairly large escape room, and the other rooms to fully booked, then it's only natural you may place another group of two within the same room. Yes, there are going to be some slightly awkward introductions to be made. And we're sure that the game's master is going to be assessing as to whether these two groups of players are going to get on with each other. But the truth of the matter is, because the games are both exciting and immersive, then most of the time everybody has a good time together. At the end of the game, it's quite noticeable for the two parties to have bonded over their common and shared tasks, and become friends. The real problem is the same problem you'll find everything. And that is if there is a toxic person making demands of others whilst eing both rude and self-centered.

As a business, it's only natural that's an escape room wants to optimize their facilities. Though this doesn't necessarily translate into cramming the maximum number of people into each escape room, it does mean that some rooms that are drastically underbooked, will have another group placed within to bring up the numbers. For example, if a room can hold eight people, then it’s only very rarity that the business encourage more than six people to be present. This means enough space to move around. Also, with slightly less players than the game recommends as maximum, the games are therefore more taxing. If a room for eight people is only booked for a single couple, then it's quite possible that two other couples will be invited to join in the same game. Of course, as a business owner, your main priority is going to be aware of the dynamic of the groups involved. At the end of the day, their playing experience together will be summed up in any reviews they might leave on social media sites for example.

Treating Your Players Correctly

For the escape room business, the players utilising the escape rooms are not just players, but are customers. To that end, we think it's important that the fact that others might join the group is not hidden away behind the terms and conditions, in the small print. It's important that the customers know from the very outset that it’s a possibility they may be playing with people they don't know. Not to do this from the very beginningis actually dishonest.

If, as a escape room owner, you can see that you're going to be mixing groups in rooms, then it's plainly good manners to text players in advance. Let them know in a lighthearted manner that others will be joining them in the same room. Another important fact that is to allow all playing groups within the same room to meet each other at least 10 minutes before the game is to start. This is a long enough time for them to get over any awkwardness and introduce themselves before launching into the exciting gameplay. It's a good idea to have the players meet outside of the room well in advance of the game's starting time. As an aside, this is why it's importantat all groups actually turn up on time. 

When different groups are having their meet and greet outside the escape room, it gives the game master a chance to review all the players involved in an effort to predict any possible hurdles that may be encountered once the game starts. No matter how many times you might insist the players shouldn't play when they're inebriated or tipsy, you'll be surprised how many customers turn up after a night on the tiles. Obviously putting a group of slightly tipsy players together with a family with children is not going to work out for the best for everyone involved. If the games master feels the two groups will not be able to function as well during the gameplay, then it's best if a booking is canceled or deferred to another time or two different room. Obviously any changes in itinerary should be rewarded with some type of bonus or incentive.

Finally, it's important that as a business owner, you recognize that you cannot please all the people all the time. Today we live in a very “me” culture, where the individual is used to putting themselves first. Whatever type of business you run, whether a restaurant, a gym, a hotel or an escape room game, you’ll always come across those who are impossible to please. We're not saying you should ignore these people. But on the other hand, it's important that you don't go out of your way to try and fulfill impossible wishes. Especially to the detriment of other paying customers. In other words, bad reviews go hunt in hand with any business. Just try and offer the best service you can.