IAAPA: Escapology, L3DFX expand their Batman plans
Orlando-based Escapology has a bright outlook for its Dark Knight plans. The company — alongside L3DFX, a fabrication firm — plans to install Batman-based escape rooms in 30 locations in 2025.
The companies detailed their plans for the exclusive Batman: The Dark Knight Challenge during the IAAPA Expo at Orange County Convention Center.
“I love the ability, especially with IP [intellectual property], to be able to put people in the story, and know that we’re walking away with that experience, and it’s our goal to, obviously, make sure that it’s impactful and they want to come back,” said Paul Ciesiun, president of L3DFX, which is based outside Chicago.
In the game, players assume the role of trainees for Batman’s Gotham City Guardian Training Program, and they have 60 minutes to think like the Dark Knight and pass the first test.
“There’s a lot of great technology in the game, lots of surprises,” said Burton Hess, Escapology’s CEO.
His company develops the story, visuals, design and puzzles, all of which go through approval processes with Warner Bros., which owns DC Comics.
“Once that’s locked, then it goes to prototyping and building it. That’s where the likes of L3DFX come in,” Hess said. “And then there’s a whole other approval process.”
L3DFX team members fabricate and install unique elements, including four gargoyles that play roles in the game’s problem-solving. The Dark Knight Challenge already is installed in some Escapology locations, including the one in Kissimmee, and the procedures will be repeated multiple times in 2025.
L3DFX has IP experience with dinosaurs for “Jurassic World,” in the “Transformers: The Last Knight” film and for the “Trolls” and “Sing” parade units at Universal Studios theme park.
Batman “is an iconic brand, something that we were really excited to jump in and get involved with,” Ciesiun said.
The large-scale rollout needed a knowledgeable partner, said Hess, who oversees about 90 Escapology venues across the U.S.
“We’re constantly looking for vendors to work with who not only have the skills and the talent and the experience, but really, especially when you’re working with licensed IP, there’s really a qualitative element that’s required,” Hess said.