Ask Why: Creating a Better Player Experience through Environmental Storytelling and Consistency in Escape Room Design

Scott Nicholson

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to help those designing escape rooms and similar live-action puzzle-based experiences to create more consistent games through applying an “Ask Why” approach. The concept is to embed the challenges in the game along with the game narrative into the environment, using Jenkin’s concept of Narrative Architecture. Designers are encouraged to ensure consistency between their genre, setting, world, and challenges to create a more engaging player experience.