Dive into the immersive world of escape rooms with experts David and Lisa Spira as they explore what makes these experiences captivating, from embodied storytelling to innovative design. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the genre, discover why escape rooms continue to thrill and inspire.

Key Topics:

Origins of escape rooms
The core of a good escape room: embodied story and player immersion
Shift from lock-and-key to creative narrative-driven experiences
The importance of collaboration over competition in escape room design
The blending of immersive theater, video games, and storytelling techniques
Regional variations and genre classifications within escape rooms
Elements of quality: set design, signposting, player onboarding, and Chekhov's props
The role of time constraints and adaptive difficulty for player retention
The appeal of escape rooms: fantasy adventure, social bonding, and real-world adventure
Practical tips for newcomers: how to choose the right escape room and have a memorable experience

Resources:

Room Escape Artists

https://roomescapeartist.com/

The Reality Escape Convention (Recon)

https://realityescapecon.com/

Morty App

https://morty.app/

Live Cinema: Zone 51

https://livecinema.fr/en/#/

Top Escape Rooms Project

https://terpeca.com/2025/

Lisa and David on Marriage Therapy Radio

https://marriagetherapyradio.com/2026/01/27/ep-409-no-one-wins-alone-lessons-in-partnership-from-escape-room-experts-david-and-lisa-spira/

Chekhov's gun

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chekhov%27s_gun