How We Create Our Escape Rooms – From Idea to Opening Day

At Crooked Cottage Escape Rooms in Delaware, Ohio, every adventure starts with a story.
We’re known for creating immersive, story-driven escape rooms that combine thrilling narratives with hands-on challenges. But how do we come up with our unique themes, intricate puzzles, and cinematic sets? Here’s your exclusive look behind the scenes at our escape room creation process — from the first spark of an idea to the moment the first team steps inside.

Step 1 – Writing the Story for an Escape Room

Every unforgettable escape room begins with a compelling narrative.
Our creative team meets to brainstorm themes — everything from local legends and haunted tales to high-stakes adventures. Inspiration might come from historical events, paranormal mysteries, or even strange artifacts we find in antique shops.

Once the concept is chosen, we develop a full backstory with characters, plot twists, and a clear mission for players. This story becomes the foundation for escape room puzzle design, ensuring every challenge feels natural to the setting.

Step 2 – Designing Puzzles That Fit the Theme

With the storyline in place, we map out the game flow from start to finish.
We carefully balance:

• Logic puzzles for critical thinking

• Hands-on challenges for physical interaction

• Story-driven clues that move the plot forward

Every puzzle must make sense within the environment. In a haunted cottage, you might discover an old diary with a hidden code. In a treasure hunt, you could solve a map riddle that leads to a locked chest. This design process ensures our escape rooms are immersive, challenging, and rewarding.

Step 3 – Building the Escape Room Set

Once the puzzles are mapped out, it’s time for construction and set design.
Our team builds walls, installs lighting, and creates detailed sets using hand-painted finishes, antique furnishings, and custom props. We often incorporate special effects — from atmospheric lighting to hidden passages — to heighten immersion.

Technology plays a role too. Many rooms include interactive electronics that trigger sound effects, lighting changes, or secret compartments when puzzles are solved.

Pictured below is a side by side of the entrance to Crabtree Manor- death & Greed during initial construction of the added space verses during painting and design. YES- those bricks are painted on by hand!

Step 4 – Testing the Escape Room Before Opening

Before we launch, each escape room undergoes extensive playtesting.
We invite testers to experience the room as real players would, while we observe:

• Does the story make sense from start to finish?

• Are puzzles intuitive but challenging?

• Are there any unintentional shortcuts or broken logic?

This stage helps us fine-tune difficulty levels, improve pacing, and make sure every moment flows naturally toward the thrilling conclusion.

Step 5 – The Big Reveal: Opening Day

When everything is polished, it’s time for the first official bookings.
We train our game masters, update our online booking system, and prepare to welcome teams ready for an unforgettable experience. The real reward is seeing players laugh, cheer, and celebrate as they escape with seconds to spare.

Why Our Process Makes a Difference

Because every room at Crooked Cottage Escape Rooms is designed and built in-house, you’ll never find these experiences anywhere else. From the story to the last lock, everything is crafted to pull you deep into the adventure.

Experience a Crooked Cottage Escape Room for Yourself

Ready to see the results of this process in action?
Book your next challenge at Crooked Cottage Escape Rooms in Delaware, Ohio and step inside a world of mystery, puzzles, and unforgettable memories.