New in Town: Escape room venue opens in Delta Township

Whether it is discovering the mysterious genie’s lamp or racing against time to kill the vampire king, the GamePod escape room venue promises adventure, intrigue and a test of teamwork in its four themed rooms.

“It is a great alternative to entertainment in front of a screen,” owner Jared Klepal said.

Klepal entered the escape room business after escape room venue Elusive Escapes closed down at the same location. The landlord gave The GamePod a trial period at the location and so far the business is showing promise, Klepal said.

“We put you in a whole new world for a while. This is an immersive interaction requiring your brain to think as opposed to just watching something,” Kepal added.

Participants have four escape rooms with backstories to choose from — the bank vault, the sheriff’s office, the vampire’s lair and the genie’s lamp room. In a time trial, participants only have an hour to figure out how to escape.

Within a booth filled with monitors, Klepal surveys the progress of each team and ensures their safety while trying to escape. He is available to give hints occasionally when a team is stumped on a way to move forward.

“My ultimate goal is to design puzzles that give people a good start to boost their confidence,” Klepal said. “Then come tougher clues with the goal to see moments of people scratching their heads.”

Crafting a story also plays a role in activating someone’s critical thinking, he added.

“I want you to feel that pressure to slay the vampire king and escape.”

The genie’s lamp room is by far the hardest with an “insane” rating for difficulty, Klepal said. The room features a nonlinear progression of puzzles that eventually bottleneck into an objective.

However, designing the rooms takes empathy, he added.

“I focus on how we can make this be a positive, fun and exciting experience for people who come through the room. You know you design a room well when you hear people say “‘We’re idiots. The answer was in front of us the whole time.’”

Klepal said escape rooms will be just one element in GamePod’s future. He plans to eventually invest in virtual reality systems with omnidirectional treadmills, simulating physical walking and running while in the virtual reality system. He also wants to start an improv theatre night at the space.

“Escape rooms are just the beginning. We want to be an awesome entertainment function with a community aspect.”

Up to six people can play a room at once. Bookings start at around $15 per person.

The GamePod

Tues., Thurs-Sat., noon to 11 p.m.

Sun., 3 to 11 p.m.

Closed Monday and Wednesday

934 Elmwood Drive

(616) 747-0343, thegamepodlansing.com