Escape Room Business Models: Online vs In-Person Experiences 

Today, escape rooms have become a global phenomenon! People love solving puzzles and working together to escape from a themed room. There are two main types of escape room experiences: online escape rooms and in-person escape rooms. Let’s take a look at how these two business models differ.  

In-Person Escape Room Business Model 

In-person escape games refer to brick and mortar locations where participants drop by to play and enjoy the game in real-life. These businesses require a dedicated space, well-designed rooms, and staff to guide players.  

• Cost of Setup   

Business owners need to rent or buy a building, create different themed rooms, and ensure the rooms are safe for players. It also requires investment in high-quality props and equipment to create an immersive experience. The initial setup costs can be high, but once the rooms are built, they can be used for many games.  

• Revenue Model  

In-person escape games generate revenue of charging a fee for each group that plays the game. Many businesses also offer corporate team-building events or birthday party packages, which brings in additional income.  

• Marketing and Location   

Being in a busy area with lots of foot traffic can bring in more customers. Thus, location is a very crucial factor for in-person escape room businesses. In addition, marketing through social media and word-of-mouth can help attract new players. Good customer reviews also play a huge role in growing the business.  

• Customer Experience 

Players can physically interact with the objects, move around the room, and work together in real-time. The experience feels more real, which makes it exciting for many people.  

Online Escape Room Business Model 

Online escape games are highly versatile as one can play them from anywhere around the globe! Here’s how the business model works.  

• Cost of Setup 

The setup costs for an online escape room are much lower compared to in-person ones. Business owners do not need a physical space or expensive props. Instead, they need to invest in good software to create the puzzles, design the virtual rooms, and make the game run smoothly. Some businesses use video conferencing platforms like Zoom, while others create custom websites or apps.  

• Revenue Model   

Since the game can be played by people from different locations, online escape rooms often attract customers from around the world. The cost per game is usually lower than in-person escape rooms, but the business can host more sessions in a day, which increases revenue.  

• Marketing and Accessibility 

Online escape rooms have the advantage of being accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Social media marketing and SEO (Search Engine Optimization) are key to getting customers for online escape rooms. Businesses need to make sure their website ranks high on search engines to bring in traffic.  

• Customer Experience 

Players solve puzzles through a computer screen, often using video calls to communicate with teammates. While it lacks the physical interaction, online escape rooms are convenient and can be just as engaging if well-designed. People can play from the comfort of their homes, which makes it a popular option during times like the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Conclusion 

Both in-person and online escape room business models have their own strengths. In-person escape rooms provide an immersive, hands-on experience that many people enjoy. However, they are expensive to set up and require a good location to attract customers. Online escape rooms, on the other hand, are more affordable to set up and can reach a wider audience. Choosing between these two business models depends on factors like budget, location, and target audience.