Trapped in the 5th Century: An Educational Escape Room Game
Immersed in the challenge, five players buzz with anticipation, their eyes gleaming with excitement as they explore every corner and detail of the carefully-designed space. They have tackled challenge after challenge, their hearts and minds set on finding the answers, but one puzzle continues to elude them. Focused and driven, they search tirelessly for the missing piece. What is it that they are not seeing? They have meticulously inspected all the books on the shelf, shone the UV flashlight on all surfaces, reassessed all the other previously-solved puzzles, looking for a clue, but none exists. Suddenly, a message crackles through the Zoom connection in the room, sparking a glimmer of hope. “Let’s take a moment to appreciate the power of recycling,” the clue reads, echoing through the room. With an “aha moment” shared among them, the players rush towards the recycle bin tucked in the corner. Digging through its contents, they unearth a strip of photos, each piece marked with a number. With triumphant cheers, they piece together the final combination and unlock the sealed box. Laughter and celebration fill the room.
– Author’s observation of the gameplay of “The Case of X” developed by Jerielle Cartales, Faculty of Criminal Justice Sciences, Western Oregon University.
