Launched
State of work
3
Team size
8
Events held
Summary
Tactical Escape is a project started in 2024. It aims at interactive experience from the borderline of escape room and outdoor game. Players are met with engaging storyline with quests that utilize both simple „pen and paper” challenges as well as complex Arduino based puzzles.
We’ve succesfully managed to launch the event in 2024 and continued the development of the game based on our learnings throughout the following months.
Objective
Objective
Design the quests and challenges that players will encounter during the game. Create physical props based on Arduino that will be used by the players during gamplay
Solution
I’ve started the design of the game by researching the provided location. The game took place in scenic surroundings of Zagórze Śląskie, a mountain village next to Jezioro Bystrzyckie. After careful examination of a map and estimating the optimal size of the game (+/- 3 hours), I’ve embarked on a trip to run an early test of a trail.
During that test I’ve marked all POI that were distinctive enough to serve as a space for a puzzle or NPC interaction (through the radio or in person). Now equipped with a full game level I was ready to start desigining the quests.
I’ve came up with following tasks
„Setting up the antenna”
- Task setup: Players are provided with two boxes connected by a cable, one marked as an „antenna” and the other being „communication device”. The latter after turning on displays the message asking to lift the „antenna” to 4m. In the task location the pieces of wood are provided. Players can connect them along with „antenna” device on top using zip ties. Once that’s done the „communication device” will display the GPS coordinates of a next objective
- Production: The baromether module starts its program by calibrating itself (detecting the current atmospheric pressure estimating its height above sea level.) and then enters the phase of awaiting for being placed 10 meters higher compared to initially measured height. Subsequently it’s using an LCD screen to communicate the intruction to user (current elevation and „Lift the antenna higher” or „Lowe the antenna down”. Once placed on a correct height the LCD displays a short conutdown ensuring that the puzzle was solved correctly (e.g. this prohibits throwing the antenna device up where it could reach 4m for a brief moment). Once the countdown is complete, puzzle is solved and the screen displays GPS coordinates
Hazard briefcase transport
- Task setup: Players are provided with a briefcase containing „hazardous material” that has to be transported in a delicate manner. The objective is getting to the next checkpoint without loosing the entire „health” displayed on the screen in the briefcase. Along the way NPCs will try to interrupt the transportation, forcing the players to rapid movement that causes the „health” decline.
- Production: The briefcase consists of arduino, accelerometer, buzzer, LED diods and LCD screen. Device is turned on on the beggining of the game and awaits being collected by the players. When the players start moving the briefacse it
Next one?
Led the design of a new product from concept to launch across a 3-month production cycle.