A Day In The Life Of An Escape Room Avatar

We recently met Frank while playing Murdoch Mysteries (a remote escape game by Escape Casa Loma ). We've reviewed hundreds of remote escape games since March of last year and Frank is the exact type of avatar we want to come across when playing an online adventure. He was hilarious, quick on his feet, in character and knows exactly how to utilize his camera as a tool to convey a message to the players. We've always emphasized the importance of avatars/GM for escape rooms as they could be the determining factor of what makes or breaks a game. We didn't get to meet Frank after the game that day but we made sure to tell the other host to say thank you to him and tell him what a great job he's done. I'm so glad Frank reached out to me a few days after and brought me this amazing short film he's created to show everyone what it's like to be an escape room avatar.

Francesco De Francesco is an actor, writer and director. This short film was written, directed and edited by himself. The film has also received an award as "semi finalist" in the short film category in the "Couch Film Festival" and "Alternative Film Festival". As I was watching the film, I find myself kept saying "yes, yes, yes" to all the points he's making on what he perceives to be important as an avatar for virtual games.

Here's a few tips that I think escape room owners and avatar/GM can take away from this:

Build the mood - The players can definitely feel your mood. If you're energetic and excited for the adventure, we'll be uplifted as well. Can you create that suspense feeling when time is running out?

Hand acting - If we can't see your facial expression, make sure your hands are "acting".

Interact with the players - If there's a chance to make them laugh or a chance to scare them (in a horror themed room), make sure to use those moments as they'll remember them even after the game.

Practice your camera angles - Be ready to show your "next shot" to your audience. Can you create that cinematic look? What do you want the players to see? Is the screen wide enough or are you cutting out some of the clues? If a secret door is about to open, is your camera ready to show it or will the players miss that moment?

"Clue Staff Managing" - Did you check if all the props and clue items are at the right places before starting an online game? Some escape rooms are being used as in-person and online at the same. It's best to double check to make sure all the items that are needed for the online version is ready to go prior to the start of the game.

On the spot improv - What if a prop or item broke during the game? Are you ready with a plan B? Make sure you can utilize anything off the screen and your improv skills to get through these hurdles.

Treat each game as if it's a different "interactive theater show" - Your skit, the puzzles and the room might be the same but your players are different. You should get to know your players (whether they are experienced or beginners, perhaps where they are from, what they prefer in terms of type of play) as you play through the game.

Bring joy to others for that brief period in their lives - This part really touched me in the documentary. Why do players play these games online? They want to escape reality for a bit and enjoy themselves in a fantasy world. If you treat being an avatar as just a job rather than something you actually enjoy and can bring some happiness to someone else's lives, perhaps the game could be more enjoyable for both sides.

Lastly, we thank all the game master/avatar/hosts of games out there that are working so hard to bring that short period of joy into our lives. If you really enjoyed your GM's performance during a game, make sure you remember to give them a shoutout, review, tips or just a simple thank you. I'm sure it'll brighten their day! ❤

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