Blackout: All You Need To Know About Our New Cluetivity Outdoor Escape Game [with FAQs]

Blackout: All You Need To Know About Our New Cluetivity Outdoor Escape Game [with FAQs]

by | Jun 17, 2022 | B2B, Business, Outdoor Escape Room, Partner

We are all eager to get out and experience new things, even if it’s in our own city, enjoy the weather, breathe fresh air and have fun with some outdoor activity. Well, it’s about time!

Outdoor Escape Rooms are just what we are looking for and, moreover, presently considered a very popular social entertainment activity. They combine the best elements of escape rooms, scavenger hunts and geocaching with the help of a smartphone or a tablet.

 

What is an outdoor escape game?

Outdoor escape games are fully immersive adventure games where the team’s main goal is to solve a mission within a time limit. The games are equipped with a complete storyline set in real locations, tricky riddles, fantastic AR avatars and complementary gadgets for a real-like feeling. Usually, these adventures are run on a phone or tablet following a real online map.

Outdoor escape games are among the most famous fully immersive scavenger game experiences for company events, family bonding, and friends getaway. Frankly speaking, it’s a worldwide trend as they add interactivity to the reality surrounding to immerse teams into a whole story.

When it comes to lasting experiences, outdoor games are way better than other team games available. It improves our emotional, mental, and physical health. Outdoor Escape Rooms provide the perfect combination of team-building activities and mind-bending puzzles for groups who enjoy solving problems together while enjoying real scenarios.

 

How to set up an Escape Game

Creating a good escape room is hard. It’s not enough to just have an interesting premise or some fantastic riddles – it needs the right balance of both. Most escape rooms suffer from one of two problems; either they’re too easy, and players can solve them without any thought, or they’re so complicated that players need to spend hours trying every possible solution before finally getting through.

First and foremost, you need an exciting premise that will grab your players’ attention from the start – make sure they’re invested in solving your riddles before they even walk through the door! Next, consider how complex each riddle should be; not too easy (or people might get bored) and not too hard (so people don’t give up).

Finally, think about what type of customer or demographic you want to attract with your escape room experience. This way, you can design an escape room that’s just right for them! Have you thought about creating one for yourself? Cluetivity experts are here for you.

The Cluetivity Outdoor Escape Games have been created by experienced game designers who know how to make fun scenarios for players with all levels of experience and skillsets. We have decades of combined experience in creating physical games that challenge people in new ways, but we also understand how tricky online gaming can be to make sure your customers have a great time! We cover any audience requirements and understand the niche of your business, giving you the right tools to build unique, exclusive and top-quality escape games for your B2B and B2C business.

For instance, our latest outdoor game experience, Blackout, is fully equipped with top-notch elements such as AR avatars, ultimate gadgets and hidden clues, new multiplayer features and the latest technology.

 

Blackout, The Latest Outdoor Game Experience

 

FAQ

1. What is Blackout?

Blackout is a Cyber-Spy-Hacking-Game taking place in the modern universe. An unknown group of hackers hacked a city power plant, causing one of the biggest threats in modern times: a citywide Blackout!

The consequence is the complete collapse of the modern world as we know it. Unknown to the population, players’ city is currently running on emergency power. They have just a limited time to stop the hackers, restore the power supply and avoid the biggest catastrophe in modern history!

 

2. What is the team’s mission?

Here is the mission:

  1. Three (3) main power nodes and a secret emergency generator can control the city power network. The team must find these power nodes and activate them.
  1. The team has to find the secret emergency generator and restart it to restore the power in their city!

 

As this is a mission of the utmost importance to the whole world, the city is full of agents from different organizations and stakeholders who are either on the same mission as the team or double agents who want to stop them! To protect the team against possible opponents, Cluetivity has equipped each team with a unique new skill: Hacking!

The teams must use this new skill carefully.

 

3. Is the Blackout mission complemented with any widgets?

Definitely yes! Each team will be equipped with a unique case called ‘ActionPack.’ This ActionPack is designed to make the story fully immersive and interactive, making it genuine thanks to the great items and hidden clues.

There will be around three (3) pre-defined ActionPack riddles in the game. Additional ActionPack riddles can be created easily with some of the provided items. We are producing a wholly customized case for the ActionPack, which will fit perfectly into the game setting. The new ActionPack will weigh just around 2,2KG.

 

4. What is the estimated playing time?

The standard playing time is between 2 to 2,5 hours. Yet, the playing time could be reduced to around 1,5 to 2 hours by deleting 2 to 3 riddles.

 

5. Can Blackout be played as a single-player or in teams?

Our mission is to build teamwork, cooperation and team bonding within each game. Therefore, the game is designed to play in teams. We recommend each team be between 2 to 5 players.

 

6. Can different teams play against each other?

Yes! Teams can play parallel to each other. Players can also play „against“ each other. Each player’s score can be compared at the end of the game. Besides the high score, our new optional Multiplayer Feature (Versus Mode) will allow players to interact directly against each other.

 

7. What means the “Versus Mode” in Blackout, and how does it work?

The „Versus Mode” (also called VS-Mode) is an optional and additional new mode in Blackout. It is a multiplayer feature that enables teams to fight against each other. The standard story-based game mode works without the VS-Mode!

The VS-Mode can be activated in the route settings on the iPad. If the VS-Mode is activated, players see an additional Button inside the User Interface of the App. This button enables the players to „Hack“ other teams and steal money from them (in Blackout, the teams collect ENERGY and DOLLARS $).

To use the VS-Mode, the iPad MUST be connected to the internet! For this mode, SIM cards are needed. The data volume for using this function is low, so no big data plans are required.

 

8. What are the limitations of the “Versus Mode”?

The VS-Mode does not work for single teams. It will work only if multiple teams are playing simultaneously and in the same high score.

 

9. What outdoor settings and conditions should be considered to set up Blackout?

We recommend using a city location (probably a forest would not fit much to the setting). Any urban area with buildings will be okay. The size of the area needed is very flexible and depends on the length of the game.

 

10. Is Blackout exclusively an outdoor game?

Not really! We plan to release an indoor version with printed documents and without the need for the ActionPack.

 

11. Which iPad model is recommended to play the game smoothly?

We recommend an iPad 6th gen Wi-Fi + Cellular (2018) or newer to run Blackout and other Cluetivity games such as Operation Mindfall, Magic Portal or The Last Secret. There might be other iPads like iPad 5 or iPad Air 2+3 and several iPad Pro models which might be supported. A detailed list of all supported devices will be published once the first version is available in the app store soon.

In our upcoming Outdoor Escape Game Blackout, players will be equipped with an exciting new Gadget Case – the Cluetivity ActionPack™ and immersed in a fully new story. Become a Cluetivity Partner now and bring Blackout to your city this summer!

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Outdoor Escape Games: Why Is It A Thriving Alternative

Outdoor Escape Games: Why Is It A Thriving Alternative

by | May 28, 2022 | B2B, Business, Outdoor Escape Room, Partner

Are you seeking excitement, thrill, fun, and adventurous games for your employees and customers to enjoy? Have you tried adding an outdoor escape game to your training, tradeshow, and events you organize for your employees and customers? Here’s the best information about outdoor escape games you need to know and why it’s a company must-have.

Today you will know all about outdoor escape games:

What is an Outdoor Escape Game?
     Benefits of Playing Outdoor Escape Game
     How to Build Escape Game for Outdoor
Best Outdoor Escape Game for Events
     Blackout
     Operation Mindfall
     Magic Portal
     The Last Secret
Conclusion

 

What is an Outdoor Escape Game?

Outdoor escape games are among the most famous fully immersive adventure game experiences for company events, family bonding, and friends getaway. Frankly speaking, it’s a worldwide trend as more and more people experience the fun and excitement it can offer. Even at weddings, outdoor escape games are a big hit!

Escape games are adventure-based games where players seek to solve puzzles and riddles. Participants search around to find clues, hints, and items that can help them complete the game. Typically, escape games take place in physical rooms like offices, gymnasiums, or the streets.

 

Benefits of Playing Outdoor Escape Game

When it comes to lasting experiences, outdoor games are way better than other games available. It improves our emotional, mental, and physical health. If you’re looking for a fully immersive escape game for significant events that bring value to the money you invested, here are the top 5 benefits you can gain in considering Outdoor Escape Games.

Outdoor Escape games can improve players’ overall health

Outdoor games such as escape games are also exercises that offer more awesome fun. As the participants try to figure out how to escape the game with the hints and clues to solve a puzzle, it helps them stay in shape and maintain an ideal fitness level without noticing it.

It allows people to get an adequate amount of sleep

When your employees or customers participate in outdoor games, they also get into a rigorous exercise beneficial to their bodies. As a result, it enables the body to utilize unused energy that you don’t usually use when they’re just sitting in their workstation with minimal movement.

It can boost a person’s concentration

Escape games do more than just keep a person physically fit, which is essential in this time. When they answer a riddle, solve a puzzle, or look for hidden clues, it serves as a mental exercise, further boosting focus. Lack of concentration in this game can fail as people are expected to keep their thoughts together to surpass the challenges and complete the escape room.

It’s an innovative way to socialize

This kind of game is the perfect company activity if you want your employees to socialize or just want to interact with your target customers and get to know them more. It’s a good marketing tool to get more information about the market your company is catering to.

Outdoor Escape Game is an alternative to a boring wellness program in the company

If you want to keep your employees in shape while having fun, you can spice things up by allowing your employees to play in escape rooms. It can be a perfect cardio workout because your employees will be moving a lot to race against other teams and beat the clock.

If you want to carefully plan the building of your outdoor escape game for essential events to avoid any mishaps on the day of your company fair, we’ll share with you a simple step in building an escape game with your colleagues.

 

How to Build Escape Game for Outdoor

Here is a simple guide you can follow for your DIY outdoor escape game:

  • Come with questions or tasks to be done by your participants inside the “perimeter.” You can create custom pins or color-coded t-shirts for each group, depending on your theme that suits your escape game story. Ensure a good background story or a theme to follow to ensure that the tasks or questions are on the same page.
  • Next, think of a street or location where you will leave a way out. You can creatively reveal this secret location by giving out info or hints in the after-answer comments. You can give out letters one by one that will form the location’s name.
  • Think of a picture overlay that you want to use and make sure it surrounds the area. If you want it to look clean or professional-looking, you can simply ask help from a designer to create an image that looks exactly like the city area outline where you plan to run the game.
  • To ensure that your players escape the right way out, you should create many minus areas to block the ways out of the room the game will take place. To do so, you can use a no-answer type of question and set them to give a significant amount of minus points or warning pins.
  • Ensure that the players know what they have to do, their primary goal, the areas in the city they should avoid, and always keep in mind the background theme or story.
  • In this stage, the game is already set to be tested. To ensure that everything works well, you should probably need to run the test on your own or ask guests to play and try the game before the actual event for honest players’ feedback.

Yet, suppose you want an outdoor escape game that’s already made for you and only requires a little bit of customization with no programming skills needed. In that case, Cluetivity has the best outdoor escape game available.

 

Online Escape Rooms with Cluetivity is Possible!

Cluetivity offers outdoor escape games, mobile games, and online escape games. It allows companies to subscribe to their gamification platform to customize their predefined games with ease according to your desired location and needs. Users don’t need any programming skills to do it!

Their Online Editor allows users to create their scenarios, riddles, routes, stories, and games in a few hours. Likewise, they can upload images and videos, use their pre-defined Augmented Reality Interactions and play thrilling mini-games. Once your escape rooms are all set, users can now engage with their participants or customers.

Here are some of their best outdoor escape games from Cluetivity to check out!

 

Best Outdoor Escape Game for Events

Blackout

Blackout is our brand new outdoor game, released in 2022! It is a Cyber-Spy-Hacking-Game taking place in a very modern universe. The story runs in the players’ city, where the power plant was hacked by an unknown group of hackers, causing one of the biggest threats in modern times: a citywide Blackout! The consequence is the complete collapse of the modern world as we know it. Players don’t have much time to stop the hackers, restore the power supply and avoid the biggest catastrophe in modern history! The mission is complemented with special gadgets such as an iPhone, lantern, speaker, LED fan and other thrilling tools. This thrilling outdoor game can be played in single teams or multiteam-versus mode.

Blackout

 

Operation Mindfall

Operation Mindfall is an outdoor and indoor team-building game where the players take the role of secret agents. As international secret agents, their primary mission is to protect the entire world from danger. Players are grouped into 3-5 secret agents that will solve tricky puzzles, experience an Augmented Reality setup, and have lots of fun as they enhance their teamwork.

Each team always has an iPad they have to use to follow the map, play the riddles, and communicate with the AR Secret Agent as a guide. They need to carry a suitcase with all the physical gadgets they must use in some puzzles (mirror, cards, etc.). The perfect problem-solving tool for corporate team-building events.

Making a code visible by black light

 

Magic Portal

Magic Portal is a fantasy escape game that can be played indoors or outdoor. This game is ideal for newcomers and is designed for the whole family and children. It offers ready-to-play content that allows game customization. No need for more staff to run the game flawlessly! This game also provides Augmented Reality. Thanks to this, the virtual avatar comes to life. Players can experience fiction and reality all at the same time.

Chest opening in Magic Portal

 

The Last Secret

Last Secret is an outdoor escape game that will expand players’ range with excitement and versatile Augmented Reality. In this game, the players will act as adventurers to solve tricky puzzles using the most modern tools you can think of. Participants will have an extraordinary and intensified play with its sophisticated puzzles and navigation.

The Last Secret Teaser

 

Conclusion

Outdoor Escape Games are the next big thing in recreational activities enjoyed by families, friends, employees, and customers. It does not only offer fun, but it allows bonding and interaction. As the participants escape the game, the fun-filled memories and newly discovered friendships will probably stay for a very long time.

Get your escape room ready for that exciting outdoor activity with your employees and customers when you contact Cluetivity today.

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8 Considerations Before Running an Escape Room Business

8 Considerations Before Running an Escape Room Business

by | Feb 3, 2022 | Business, Outdoor Escape Room, Partner

Fun, challenging, and memorable – these three words describe what escape rooms are all about. If you are thinking about running your own escape game business in your locale, here are some of the considerations to ponder before joining this industry to open your own escape room business.

What is an Escape Room?

Escape Rooms are puzzle rooms or escape games filled with theme-based challenges, where the players form groups to complete tasks by looking for hints and use them to solve various puzzles. The rule of the game is to finish the challenges at a given time. 

Contrary to the misconception about escape games, no one is locked in. All the threats and dangers that the players will be going through are all imaginary. It becomes experiential because participants will be taking part in the story designed in the game. 

Being a player is not hard because escape games have a Game Master who explains how the game works, what the players need to do, and the one who will provide certain clues if needed. Most escape rooms offer the following settings: castle, ancient pyramids, space stations, and more. Some even offer a customized theme depending on players’ preferences. 

If you tried an escape room before, you might experience the classic escape room setup that requires the players to finish the game in under an hour or 45 minutes to solve the puzzles and unlock the door. But now, there are new features added in escape rooms like solving a crime, additional targets, finding treasures, and even rescuing hostages. 

Due to this, escape rooms have never been so popular. Many companies avail of their services for celebration and reward purposes. Many also use this for team-building activities, a practical activity for building trust, communication, and strengthening relationships. 

For a marketer like you, the vast popularity of escape rooms is a huge opportunity for you to start your very own escape room business. As you begin your escape games business plan, there are certain things you should put into consideration aside from the startup costs. These are:

 

Experience a lot of Escape Rooms 

As a startup tip, you do not need to have a business degree to open your very own escape room. What you need are skills and a lot of experience in playing the game for you to succeed. Well, you can’t expect a great outcome if you, yourself, are not familiar or clueless about how an escape room works. 

Aside from experience, you also need creativity, attention to detail, and good customer service skills. In this industry, it is not enough to be wise. You should be creative in developing new concepts, room designs, and clues for your players. 

Keen attention to details is a must, from booking escape rooms to placing clues. You, as a future escape room owner, must have a good eye for details. 

If you have experience in customer service, that is a great advantage because it is ideal for escape room owners to provide superb customer service to work well with adults, teens, and kids. 

 

 

Find to talk to other Escape Room owners.

It might be a surprise, but unlike other industries where the competition is tough, the escape room community has an inviting aura, and the owners are supportive. To grow or develop this industry, escape game owners rely on one another as a support system. 

This practice started way back when escape room owners recommended other rooms to try. Although this practice is slowly fading, some owners are still happy to share what they know about running the business with new entrepreneurs to the point that they will even discuss with you the startup cost of running an escape game business. 

 

 

Be part of the community.

As mentioned above, the escape room industry has a welcoming community. You can easily reach them as they mostly communicate through Facebook and other social groups like Reddit. They have numerous groups. 

For example, North America has 25+ groups whose primary purpose is to aid new owners in marketing and sales. Aside from that, you can also gather information from their podcasts and blogs. 

Find time to attend seminars and conferences.

Conferences in this industry do not happen regularly. If you stumble a virtual event about starting an escape game business, it’s best to attend. Such an occasion will help you stay updated with the latest trend or technology to apply to your escape room. Your effort is worth it as you follow a conference because a large portion of the seminar is purely dedicated to helping start-up owners.

 

 

Market Research is a must.

If you already decided to start your own escape room business, the first thing you should prepare for is the escape room cost and planning the location of the escape rooms. It is a must because aside from your marketing strategy, this is the highlight of your business. To succeed in this industry, you should come up with new themes for your rooms. 

Still haven’t come up with a great theme? You can check out other escape rooms and gain some insights from them. 

Aside from the business proper, you should keep in mind your target customers. Are you going after the kids, teens, or adults? Make up your mind, but if you want to cater to all age groups, it is advised that you have 1-2 challenging rooms, 1-2 comfortable rooms, and several rooms in between. This way, all age groups can have fun. 

If you want to be unique, you can also have those portable escape rooms set up anywhere. 

Study competitors.

Learning from the best in the industry can help you gain insight into how you will run your escape room business and create superior rooms like no other. You’re not going to ask your competitors for a lesson directly. You have to study the way they run their business. 

Do they offer free versions? 

Do they have demo plays? 

If they have been in the industry for a while, they must have been doing something right. Also, include their weakness in your study to ensure that their weakness is your success. 

 

 

Write a Brilliant Business Plan

An escape game business plan is a must if you’re going to start an escape game business. But, do not overwhelm yourself. 

You can start with small steps like the designs for your escape room. From there, you should focus on creating a sturdy foundation for your business. So, your business plan must include the following:

  • The name or brand name of your escape room business
  • The mission of your business
  • The market research 

These are essential because you’ll know if you’re low on funds and need to attract investors. It will ensure them that you know what you’re doing. 

Expenses in starting an Escape Room

Every business has its startup cost. For the escape room, it has too many factors to be considered. But, if we base it on the classic escape room, it could start from $10,000. 

Portable escape rooms are much cheaper, ranging from $4,000 to $7,000. Get in touch with Cluetivity for more information. Likewise, transportation is already added to the calculation. 

What makes escape room business expensive are the following: 

  • The renovation cost of the rooms
  • The additional lobby area furniture
  • The supplies and decors
  • The technical supplies like video cameras
  • The vehicle for both classic and portable escape rooms

Conclusion

Starting a business is not a stroll in the park. During your journey, you may experience some bumps, but it’s okay. As long as you stick to your business idea, keep yourself immerse and updated with the escape game industry, you can navigate your business smoothly.

To learn more about escape game business opportunities, contact a Cluetivity specialist today to jumpstart your escape game business this year.

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Mobile Escape Game Review: Can You Solve Crimes Under Pressure?

Mobile Escape Game Review: Can You Solve Crimes Under Pressure?

by | Apr 1, 2021 | B2B, Business, Partner

Mobile room escape games are among the latest recreational and educational activities for solving puzzles and decoding secret messages following a crime scene theme. It requires physical and mental preparedness as players will embark on completing the immersive puzzle game.

Suppose you’re planning to offer mobile escape room games for various occasions. Cluetivity will walk you through one of its phenomenal puzzle game offerings (Einstein Unsolved!) and discuss how beneficial it is to play an escape game.

Generally, this article will cover the following:

  • understanding the essence of an escape room.
  • the benefits of playing mobile escape games.
  • frequently asked questions about mobile escape room.
  • a sneak peek of Cluetivity’s Einstein Unsolved.

 

What is a Mobile Escape Room?

Mobile escape room from the term “mobile” is a portable escape room game designed to be set up in client’s locations. You read that, right! Instead of going to the actual escape room business location, the escape room will come to you.

Isn’t that fun? It does not end there. Mobile escape games come in varieties of mobile rooms. You can choose from large-scale puzzle hunts, the converted trailers, short plays with the size of a photo booth, or props specifically chosen to transform any room into a playing ground.

All the participants can surely enjoy the prepared games as most of them are played with a standard time of 60minutes.

 

Players looking at clues for Operation Mindfall Indoor

 

Benefits in Playing Room Escape Games

Playing room escape games offer a plethora of benefits, including:

It can improve one’s mood.

According to research, puzzle-solving in escape rooms can improve participants’ mood. Solving problems can increase dopamine production, which is the neurotransmitter that function is to regulate mood.

A great stress reliever

Believe it or not, solving a puzzle can help a person relax as it allows you to shift your focus which usually happens when solving puzzles. If you are stress by work, escape rooms are the best stress reliever.

It can improve memory recall.

By solving puzzles, it revitalises the remaining connections between the brain cells, and as a result, it can significantly improve your mental health and thinking process.

Unexpected accelerated ingenuity

It means that we force our brain to develop a possible solution whenever our brains solve puzzles.

Considered as the best workout for the brain

As you try to solve problems and puzzles, you allow your brain to think uniquely and strengthen its various parts.

 

Integrate actors in Einstein Unsolved

 

 

FAQs on Escape Rooms

Are escape rooms scary?

No. Although some escape rooms are horror-themes designed like a zombie apocalypse or haunted house. Most escape rooms are fun and entertaining. You should not worry if you do not like a horror theme. You can always choose a non-horror theme online.

 

What happens if you fail to complete the escape room game?

The majority of escape rooms follow a standard escape time of 60mins or less. Do not worry if you failed to complete the escape room. Only 20% – 40% of participants have succeeded in finishing the escape room.

If your time is up and you are still inside the escape room, one of the staff members will show you the clues you missed, walk you through the whole thing, and aid you in going out.

 

Player grabbing the holy grail in chest

 

What are the rules to follow in escape games?

Like any other game, an escape room has its own rules like the following:

Rule #1 If the escape room requires you to show up 15mins early, you should follow the rule and ask your team to do the same and show up in time.

Rule#2 Before heading to the escape room location, you should check their website to see the items that are not allowed inside the game facility. Some of these items include cameras, bags, lighters, phones, and pens.

Rule#3 Do NOT damage anything that is inside the game area.

Rule#4 Do NOT show up intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol.

 

What kind of puzzles include escape rooms?

Different escape rooms offer different types of puzzles.

  • Number and Text Puzzle

You are not required to have a degree in English or Maths to solve this kind of puzzle, but you’ll undoubtedly use words and numbers to solve this puzzle.

  • Physical Puzzle

It is the most common type of puzzle in an escape room, like undoing knots, quickly moving objects, and moving large objects.

  • Light and Sound Cues

Many escape rooms use this kind of puzzle where participants like you listen closely to background sound, pay close attention to where the lights are directing, and listen to the song’s lyrics.

  • Hidden Object Puzzle

Escape rooms rarely laid out a clue as soon as you enter the facility or any room. Hidden objects are one of the most common types of puzzles you have to find inside the room.

  • Visual Design Puzzle

Although some participants think that the room’s design is just for aesthetics, the truth is, standard escape room puzzles incorporate the creation of the room.

  • Combination Puzzles

This type of puzzle does not rely on just one puzzle type. It is usually a combination of different objects and clues.

But if you want to have it your way, Cluetivity offers customisable puzzles for the escape room in the guise of Augmented Reality minigames.

 

Einstein Unsolved: An Immersive Mobile Escape Room Experience

What is Einstein Unsolved?

Einstein Unsolved is the latest mobile escape game offering by Cluetivity, which features Augmented Reality (AR) minigames. The plot of the game revolves around finding the culprit toEinstein’s death by travelling back in time. It has a playing time of 0-60 minutes. The game time can be adjusted and played using an iPad. It’s an AR minigame set up in malls, at home, at a trade show, wedding reception, and other events.

Escape Game Features of Einstein Unsolved

It can be played anywhere (preferably indoors) or directly from the organiser’s site.

Playable with only an iPad without any staff assistance or additional equipment,

the minigames can be set up in minutes

Minigames’ playing time and puzzles are customisable.

Best Uses of Einstein Unsolved

  • Offer guests a short mini-game to bridge waiting times.
  • Use ‘Einstein Unsolved’ for icebreaker events.
  • Ideal for Product Placement and Promotions.
  • Collect the email address of participants to generate leads and boost your business.

 

Conclusion

Cluetivity offers a convenient way to play escape games in the guise of Einstein Unsolved. Players can enjoy the experience it using an iPad. The game time is very flexible, making it a perfect breakout minigame to keep your event attendees engaged and entertained. The mobile escape game can also be installed in any indoor venue, so your participants’ safety is secured.
Want to spice up your upcoming event with a mobile escape game? Get in touch with a Cluetivity expert today!

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A Lucrative Challenge: B2B events with more than 1,000 people

A Lucrative Challenge: B2B events with more than 1,000 people

by | Jan 29, 2020 | B2B, Partner

B2B events can cause sales to soar. However, many leisure providers and escape rooms struggle to attract corporations as customers. Intrigued by their success, we sat down with Richard Toquet of CBR Team Building – a popular event and team building agency based in Paris, France.

Many escape rooms, event agencies, and other activity providers spend of most their time being reasonably busy, complimented by stable sales from the B2C market. But what if they could significantly increase their sales with just one additional event a year? If you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity, you would be a fool to pass up on it. All you need is the right products and services on offer to host large B2B events.

What does B2B mean?

B2B stands for “Business to Business”, meaning that one company works with another. This is also the case with CBR Team Building. The Paris-based company develops team building activities, seminars, and parties for other companies. The agency offers both indoor and outdoor B2B events directly on site at the customer’s premises, at various locations throughout Paris, or as a city rally with a Tuk Tuk. A considerable amount of the activities function with an iPad, loaded with Cluetivity’s augmented reality technology. Despite being a company that thrives from the help of innovative technology, CBR Team Building did not always rely on digital measures.

Cluetivity is the ideal complement for escape rooms, event agencies and leisure providers. Are you keen to get involved? Get in touch now to arrange a conversation with us!

The agency was founded in 1993 under the title Compagnie des Balades Rallyes. At the time of their inception, there were not many B2B event providers in France. Founder, Patrick Victor, wanted to close a gap in the market, and did so with great success. CBR Team Building today organises more than 500 events a year. Regular customers include large companies from Paris and the surrounding regions, with clientele including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Hermes, BNP Paribas, and Accor Hotels.

Richard Toquet organises b2b events with Cluetivity.

In addition to catering for these key players in business, CBR Team Building also offers events for smaller companies. “We’ve just launched a new project called ‘Happiness Hour’ specifically for small businesses,” says Richard Toquet – the agency’s business director and creative mind when it comes to developing new team building formats and games. “You can sign up and engage in activities together or against teams from other small businesses. The costs of the events are even shared between the companies.”

“Colleagues should celebrate success together”

Over the years, Toquet and his colleagues have built a reputation in Paris and beyond. “The requirements of corporate customers are fundamentally different from those of private customers,” explains Toquet. It starts with the fact that the target group is particularly varied at a business event. “The participants are not necessarily friends – they are colleagues. For them to grow together as a team, they must celebrate success together. That’s why we don’t make games where they can fail.”

CBR Team Building offers over 10 different team games. From the 5-sense challenge in which the participants put their sensory skills to the test, to a sporty outdoor Olympic challenge, even extending to the augmented reality escape game, everything is included. Cluetivity plays a crucial role in many of the games, particularly our agent thriller game, Operation Mindfall, which has proven to be popular with many B2B clients.

1,600 players in Operation Mindfall? Not a problem!

“We have been a Cluetivity partner since 2016 and are enthusiastic about the collaboration,” says Toquet. In addition to combining modern augmented reality technology with geotargeting, the event experts make use of the versatile application possibilities and individualisation options. “I have customised Operation Mindfall for many of our customers. It’s good to know that with the game, I can serve pretty much any customer request.” Whether 20 or 2,000 participants, Operation Mindfall is always an option.

Are you inspired by Richard Toquet to organise B2B events with 20, 200, or even 2,000 players? We are happy to help you!

Richard often hosts large groups at his Cluetivity games team events. Events with 500 people are not uncommon. Their largest B2B event drew in 1,600 participants. “We had 145 iPads in use and had the players launch in three waves of 80 teams, every 10 minutes. It was a huge challenge”. With 20 employees, CBR Team Building was on site to organise everything. “Our team is very experienced in receiving and supporting the participants. This is important, because companies expect a high quality of service during an event.”

In November 2019, CBR Team Building were the recipients of a coveted award – the HEAVENT Paris Innovation Award – for their B2B events with Operation Mindfall. “This is a great honour for us and confirms that we offer the best augmented reality GPS games in France,” says Toquet.

Learn From the Professionals – 3 Top Tips

You can now benefit from Toquet’s experience. Whilst his advice is suited to event agencies, his knowledge is easily applicable to escape rooms, and other business types.

Tip 1: Use every possible channel to draw attention to you!

“In order to attract corporate customers, you have to take action yourself. Talk about your achievements and benefits wherever you can – at events, on your website, on social media, in online ads and where else is possible. Since it is sometimes difficult to understand the benefits of Operation Mindfall immediately, a trailer is a good idea. I made this video and it’s become our best seller!”

Tip 2: Work with only the best!

“In the B2B area, every request is special, and each customer needs their own, individual solution. Our employees need to understand the needs of companies and respond to them in a manner that suits their organisation. If an event takes place in a factory with strict safety rules, you must be able to tailor the program to it. If we have a request for 500 people to play with our games, there must be no chaos. We are ready to go, right from the start.”

Tip 3: Find your unique selling point!

“As competition increases, it is becoming increasingly important to find a unique selling point. For us, it’s actually the quality of our offers that distinguishes us. However, we also aim to always offer our customers the best price. Therefore, we usually make-do without expensive props and actors at our B2B events. We think that people themselves are the most important part of a team building event. No matter what game we play, or what problem we want to solve, the participants will end up remembering how they’ve strengthened their relationships with their colleagues. Truly making happiness cannot be digitised.”

Secure your unique selling point. Send us a message and learn more about our Outdoor Escape Games.

Photos provided by CBR Team Building

Paintball and Outdoor Escape Games: 2’s Always Better than One

Paintball and Outdoor Escape Games: 2’s Always Better than One

by | Jan 8, 2020 | Business, Partner

A wide range of offers, innovative ideas – and lots of stag parties. This is Actionzone Outdoor Park in East Belgium’s recipe for success. Event Manager, Mike Schumacher, explains what characterises his event company’s business and the roles that Cluetivity’s outdoor escape games play.

 

You wouldn’t ever pass by this site by chance. Only a small country road without a pavement leads to the Actionzone site. Anyone unfamiliar with the province of the Belgian Ardennes might think they’ve lost their way. But then, there they are – the company sign, the colourful playing fields, complete with a BBQ grilling sausages and steaks.

From the Paintball Facility, to the All-in-One Outdoor Park

Here in East Belgium, Actionzone is an established institution. Launched in 2004 as a paintball facility, the outdoor park now also offers bubble soccer, Arrowtag, high-energy off-road bicycle tours and AR scavenger hunts – Magic Portal and Operation Mindfall – by Cluetivity. Paintball, however, is still an important pillar for Actionzone. With their grounds covering more than 25,000 square meters, they also have their own paintball team, BM United Deidenberg, playing in the 2nd German Paintball Bundesliga.

Mike Schumacher fully endorses Cluetivity’s added value!

“Our paintball offer is really diverse,” says Mike Schumacher, who has worked as the Event Manager at Actionzone since 2006. Whether a beginner or a professional, an adult or a child, Actionzone has the right offer for every player. Pro gamers can use the professional ‘Sup’Air Field’ as a training ground and even bring their own equipment. For children, there are special markers that operate with spring pressure. As such, they shoot at a much lower pressure than the markers for adults. “The pressure is comparable to throwing a tennis ball,” Schumacher explains.

Here comes the… escape game?

Interestingly in this unique use case Actionzone’s largest profits don’t come from office team events, nor children’s birthday parties. Actually, you’ll find that they come from stag and hen parties. While many groups come to play paintball with their friends, some tend to prefer the other offerings. Upon analysing the profiles of people that book with Actionzone, Mike found that the Cluetivity games are primarily booked by women as part of a bridal party.

Above all, the demand for outdoor escape games is rapidly increasing. “We have been with Cluetivity since 2017”, says Mike. “In the beginning, the demand for Magic Portal and Operation Mindfall was still a bit weak. However, even after only a year, we were already able to increase our sales by 300%. For 2019, we expect a significant increase again”.

Are you working in the event industry and want to expand your business? Here we’ll show you five great ways to do it.

Cluetivity games are an important addition to Actionzone. Therefore, Mike has created three routes available in four languages for his games, which his guests can now play care-free on the company premises. “Usually, we’re fully booked. We’re very pleased that we can send our customers that are playing Magic Portal and Operation Mindfall on a grand tour of the area.”

Always offering something new

Whilst someone might immediately think that because Actionzone is in a rural area, it’s plagued with disadvantages. However, they couldn’t be further from the truth. Mike believes that his visitors are more loyal than in a big city”. Around 30% to 40% of the players visit again. The company doesn’t need to rely on sophisticated loyalty programs, as visitors are likely to visit again.

To keep things fresh and exciting, Mike “regularly considers new activities and combined packages”. This leaves opportunity for Paintball and Bubble Soccer players to combine their session, for example, with a complimentary barbecue. Having complete control over the organisation of the games means that when large groups come, Mike can distribute them to different paintball fields and activities – and the power is in his control.

Looking to the future, the 32-year-old already has plans. On the one hand, he wants to use Cluetivity to expand his company’s catchment area by investing historical iPad treasure hunts for the two small towns of St. Vith and Malmedy. On the other hand, Actionzone is currently building a 400-square-meter hall for indoor activities. Hoping to attract dozens more people, this might be Mike’s solution to combatting outdoor games in the cold weather.

Are you interested in becoming a Cluetivity partner like Mike Schumacher? If so, please click here to get in touch with us!