Escape Room trend hits Branson, putting mystery-solving skills to the test

Kate Allt, [email protected]

BRANSON, Mo. – When the door closes behind you, you're locked in a room. But it's not a nightmare, it's an escape room.

Escape rooms have been popular overseas for several years and the trend is now hitting the Ozarks. John and Amy Burton opened Escape Code Branson on October 31.

“The idea is you enter into a room that is based on a theme, so there's a back story, and you have sixty minutes to find keys and codes and clues and discover the mystery and escape the room,” said John.

If your group gets stuck in the process of solving the mystery, the Burtons are behind the scenes keeping an eye on the game and will send some clues to point you in the right direction.

If you do make it out, you're among an elite group. The Burtons say only about 30% of players solve the mystery and make it out of the room.

“Most people don't actually make it out, of course that's the goal, but really the fun part is just playing the game,” John said. “And it's a blast.”

The Burtons are hoping it will draw the 18 to 50-year-olds who might be looking for something new and different to do in the music city.

“There are a lot of shows here and a lot of fun things to do, but that demographic hasn't really been targeted, so we thought that would really meet that need,” Amy said.

“It really is an adrenaline rush, it's exciting,” John added. “It's a thrill and you get to put down the phones and tablets for a while and actually work with friends and family and different people and accomplish a goal. And it is something that you'll remember for a long time.”

Right now, Escape Code Branson has two rooms open, one called “Debunked” and a holiday-themed room called “Santa's Last Christmas”.

You can choose the room you would like to play and book a time slot in advance on Escape Code Branson's website. The game is $27 a player, but the Burtons are currently offering a $10 discount with the keyword “ozarks”. You can also find occasional discounts on Escape Code's Facebook and Twitter pages.

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4560 Gretna Road, Branson, Missouri 65616

 417.365.7999
www.escapecode.tv
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/23/15

Escape Code, a live action room escape game, opens in Branson, Missouri
A new attraction launches on October 31, 2015 at the Shoppes at Branson Meadows

Branson, MO: Escape Code Branson, LLC has announced the opening of a unique, live action game in Branson, Missouri.

Escape rooms, or exit rooms, have exploded onto the scene over the past few years, and Escape Code is proud and excited to be the first such attraction in Branson.

Escape Code founder John Burton said, “My wife and I absolutely love the Ozark mountains and are thrilled to bring a new adrenaline rush to the Branson, Missouri region. Escape Code represents a fresh new mode of entertainment that is perfect for families, corporate events, parties, date nights and church events. The concept is simple—you are immersed into a story and led into a themed room based on that story. You have one hour to discover clues, codes and keys, solve riddles and puzzles and find the escape code that will grant you a victorious exit from the room—and resolution of the mystery.”

John, his wife Amy and five children recently moved to Branson though they have been a part of the area for years. John graduated from Branson High School in 1987 and his father was employed by Silver Dollar City in various leadership positions for 27 years. They have always wanted to return home and become a vital part of the Branson community.

To reserve a game room you can visit their website at www.escapecode.tv. While walk-ins are welcomed, reservations are strongly encouraged.