Want a chance to celebrate Pride by stepping into a queer love story? Or cozy up with some coded-language film classics in a 1986 living room? Book time at IMGD's Memoirscape, re-opening for full narrative experiences and small-group immersive events in the sub-basement of Fuller Labs (room A25) from June 24th–30th: https://escaperoom.wpi.edu.
About the story
In 1982, Nancy Garden's love story Annie on My Mind became the first young adult queer novel with a happy ending.
In 1986, Julie Adler was spending her last summer in her grandmother's apartment before leaving for college.
In 2023, Dr. Julia Adler's Interactive Memory Lab finished the first testable MEMOIRSCAPE room: a recreation of Dr. Adler's nostalgic, cozy memory of that long-ago moment in time. And she's been perfecting it ever since.
Become a participant in the ongoing testing of this 1986 memory by exploring, playing, and providing important feedback for Dr. Adler and her team to truly recreate this small slice of long-ago happiness.
About the project
Memoirscape has demo'd to great acclaim at the Foundations of Digital Games 2024 conference, been played by an international audience using our unique, ADA/sensory-friendly remote-play option, and is the upcoming subject of articles from industry and peer institutions who've had the chance to step into Adler's story. Our team has also been interviewed by the Boston chapter of the International Game Developer's Association, discussing designing for cozy experiences, creating for cross-generational and "non-gamer" audiences, and the beauty of finding connection and compassion inside a narrative.
Still not sure if this is for you? Here's a small sample of the feedback we've received:
- "That was really just incredibly enjoyable and really relaxing – I truly am in awe of the work you have done on this – really something special."
- "This was an amazing experience, very immersive, and I was totally invested in the story."
- "This was the most meaningful escape room I've ever done. I won't be forgetting this soon."
Book time in Memoirscape at http://escaperoom.wpi.edu, or email the team at gr-escaperoom@wpi.edu for more information!