Special Release Bonus Episode S6E3: Going Viral with Christine Barger

Reality Escape Pod - Escape Rooms & Immersive Games

"You never know why something will go viral, and it doesn't matter why. They'll still come."

If social media was an escape room, most owners and designers would never find the key. Navigating all the different trends and social media apps is a daunting task, and it's even harder when most escape rooms don't allow photos or videos of their games.

That's why we brought in an expert. In this special release of our Patreon Exclusive Bonus episode from Season 6, Episode 3, we talk to social media influencer and the owner of Exit Game OC, Christine Barger. Exit Game OC not only allows filming during their game, they actively encourage it. They also capture footage of their guests filming TikToks for their own social media.

Christine explains that all these players "want to market you. For Free." and wonders why more escape rooms don't take advantage of this free, viral marketing opportunity. We also discuss hiring practices and how to foster kindness towards players. This is a can't-miss conversation. For more episodes like this, support our podcast by joining our Patreon today.

Timestamps & Full Show Notes

Episode Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors Who Killed Ickey? and Morty:

Who Killed Ickey?

Who Killed Ickey? is a madcap treasure hunt from Galbraith Literary Publishers taking place on January 27, 2024, with prizes totaling fifty thousand dollars. This hunt is designed by John Bromels, a member of the team running this year’s MIT Mystery Hunt.

Who Killed Ickey? Details:

• Grand prize of $25k to fastest team.
• Next 10 fastest teams win prizes with total value of $20k.
• There are mini puzzles every week, and solvers are entered into a drawing for $50. If you solved every single puzzle, you’re entered into a drawing for $5k.
• The entry fee is buying a copy of the book Who Killed Jerusalem, which will be needed to solve the puzzles. However, you won’t need to read the book to solve anything.
• Neither the book (which is set in 1977 San Francisco) nor the Hunt are related to recent global events in any way.
• The Who Killed Ickey? treasure hunt begins at 10 am pacific time on January 27, 2024 and ends at 4:30 pm pacific time.
• You can learn more at the Who Killed Ickey? website.

Morty

Morty is a free app for discovering, planning, tracking, and reviewing your escape rooms and other immersive social outings.

Morty News:

• Morty now features haunt attractions
• Morty for Android is here

Special Badge for REPOD listeners:

You can learn more at morty.app/REPOD to sign up and get a special badge for our listeners (works for existing users also).

Production Credits

Hosted by David Spira & Peih-Gee Law

Produced by Theresa Piazza

Supported by Lisa Spira

Edited by Steve Ewing of Stand Inside Media

Music by Ryan Elder

Logo by Janine Pracht