Escapology, an escape room company known for its cinematic, immersive style, opened at The Gateway this month.
Co-owners Cody Stovall and his wife, Leah, were hooked on escape rooms after their first visit to one in Los Angeles about eight years ago while spending time with family. “We were just blown away by the immersion level of the game and how it came to life,” Cody said. “We did two games that night, and then the next night, we went out and did two more.”
After returning to their home in New Mexico, Cody recalls Leah saying to him, ‘Would it be crazy to open some of these?’”
The idea took root, and they soon worked alongside Cody’s sister to open an Escapology location in Farmington, New Mexico.
Cody said he likes that the company continually adds to its rooms, creating an immersive experience beyond just finding keys and unlocking things, incorporating electronics, audio, lighting and surprises as guests work together to complete a game. “It really is that moment of just transporting you to a different world for a little bit.”
Cody and Leah partnered with Kasey Kroll and David Welch to open The Gateway location. Cody said it feels good to be part of a business bringing life back to The Gateway, alongside entertainment venues like Museum of Illusions and dining options like artisanal food hall Hall Pass.
At Escapeology, participants take on roles in the rooms’ stories, and a game master joins groups to offer occasional clues.
One of Cody’s favorite games at The Gateway includes Scooby-Doo characters, who make their voices heard throughout the game. The location also has Escapology’s newest game, Haunted House, where guests inherit the chilling Mulberry Manor and encounter jump scares and spooky lighting as they search for clues.
The rooms range from those recommended for beginners to those who need a bigger challenge. If you are new to it, Cody said not to worry about whether you’ll succeed, but to focus on how much fun you’ll have in the process. “It’s really not about trying to prove how intelligent you are,” he said. “It’s really just about having a good time.”
He said even those who don’t solve the escape rooms leave with great memories. “In an escape room, you’re coming together with friends, family, loved ones, and you get to tackle some pretty fun, intriguing problems together,” he added. “You walk away with a real experience.”
Along with family outings, Escapology is available for birthdays and corporate team-building events.
The Gateway location is located at 136 S. Rio Grande St. Contact them at 801-803-5689 or SLCGateway@escapology.com.
Under different ownership, Escapology also has a location at 12101 S. State Street, Draper, inside All Star Bowling & Entertainment.
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