A Fresh Breakthrough in Reno

As if there’s not enough grassroots events to keep an eye out for in the biggest little city, Break Through Reno steps out with its escape games and yet again, the ante is upped. It’s testament once again that the burgeoning culture of Reno is radically changing and its no mystery that its vehement revival is in the hands of its brilliant young minds.

After a tough work week, me with four of my equally exceptionally intelligent friends spent sixty minutes last Friday at the newly opened Break Through Reno in E. Moana to investigate what the mystery was about. Apparently, we were not exceptionally intelligent enough because although we almost escaped, well, we did not.

Reno Break Through is the first ever escape game of its kind in the area. My curiousity was piqued by this article I read in the New York Times back in July where they featured an escape game in Budapest. I thought it was such a novel idea and my inner detective has wanted to go since. Having heard that one that opened in Reno, I knew I had to go. The idea is that you (and four of your friends, in the case of Break Through Reno), are locked up in a room (by choice) and the challenge is to try to get out using the clues found in the room within 60 minutes.

Before you scream spoiler, I’ll stop here. This post is not meant be a review In the interest of not approaching buzzkill territory too close. Instead, here’s a Q&A with the masterminds of Reno Break Through to give you a little insight into the concept of Reno Break Through in their own words.

And if you haven’t yet, I suggest you don’t dilly dally and book now. I could see how this could catch on quick and fill up fast.

Who are the brains behind Break Through Reno? What inspired you to create a business built around escape games?

BTR is the brain child of Sumiko Maser, Kristian Kuharszky, and Jordan Slotnick - three UNR grads who have known each other for years. We got the idea after travelling to Europe where Escape Games are very popular. We fell in love with the idea and wanted to bring it back home.

How did you conceptualize "Escape the Mask"? How long did it take you to design and put the room together? Any challenges? We got inspired from the multiple escape games we played in Paris (France) and Budapest (Hungary). "Escape the Mask" was a unique creation that took us over 3 months to develop. The theme and global design was fairly quick to finalize, but the game flow and overall experience was more complex. We had probably 10 reiterations of the product as we wanted to ensure the game could be enjoyed by every age group.

Could you tell me about what to expect from the other room, "Incroptum"? When will it become live?

We are currently actively working on "Incroptum". We will open this room April 15th. We are finishing up testing and it seems like the players really enjoy this new room. The theme and the game experience are different from "Escape The Mask". Incroptum is about a sect that is stealing art works from all around the World. You, as an investigator, are trying to collect information regarding this radical religious sect to bring an end to this crime spree. Throughout your experience, you will be trapped in this cultural prison and discover a fascinating world of past great masters.

Any other information you would like to share about Break Through Reno?

We think that Break Through Reno is a fun activity for all ages- dates, family night out, celebration, fun things to do, morale event and team building! We are always welcoming feedback to make the experience better, so feel free to reach out if you have any suggestions! We have been open for 5 weeks and we really enjoy what we do. Reno is fantastic city and we are very happy to add our little contribution to the wide portfolio of activities the city has to offer! We are already thinking of the design of a 3rd room in case our customers would be interesting for more.

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If you go:

Reno Break Through is located at 294 E. Moana Lane, Suite 13, Reno, NV

The is $60 for a 60 minute attempt to get out. Bookings online here.

The maximum number of people to play is five. I suggest that you go with five people if you can. It just multiplies your brain power five times, thus, in theory, increasing your chances of solving the puzzle and getting out. And it helps if you go with people you actually like. I suggest forming a mixed gender group!

#renotahoe #travel