Setting Up Hints and Clues
The hint system is designed to prevent player frustration, keep the game flowing, and provide staff with valuable data on puzzle difficulty.
The Purpose of Hints
Hints are an essential tool for maintaining customer satisfaction. They allow the game master to provide support without physically interrupting the immersion of the room, ensuring players finish on time and feel a sense of accomplishment.
Creating a Progressive Hint System
Hints should always be ordered from subtle to obvious for maximum effect. Aim for 2-4 hints per puzzle.
| Hint Type | Best For | Progressive Example |
| Text | Quick nudges and direct instructions (e.g., "Look at the pattern."). | Level 1 (Subtle): “The numbers are hidden in the room.” |
| Image | Visual clues, highlighting specific objects, or showing a mechanism's state. | Level 2 (Clearer): Image of the bookshelf where the numbers are located. |
| Audio | Maintaining immersion with in-character voices or sound effects. | Level 3 (Obvious): Character voice states, “Look at the first letters of those titles!” |
| Video | Demonstrating physical actions or showing a full solution as a last resort. | Level 4 (Solution): Short video clip of the final code being entered. |
The "Count as Hint" Option
Every hint you create has a toggle to determine whether it counts toward the player's final hint total (which may affect leaderboards).
- Count as Hint (Checked): Use this for substantive clues that directly move players forward in the puzzle. This affects your game statistics.
- Do Not Count (Unchecked): Use this for free guidance, such as initial instructions, reminders, or workarounds for accessibility/broken equipme
The Hint Screen (Display Configuration)
The Hint Screen is a dedicated TV, tablet, or monitor in the room. You generate a unique link for each game, load it on the display, and the Game Master triggers hints remotely. This keeps staff out of the room, preserving immersion.