A new free game provides the user a chance to experience the city of Clarence-Rockland in a fun and exciting way.
From the co-owners of Mobile Escapes comes Puzzle Blitz, which was launched by longtime friends Eric Marcotte and Nicholas Marcil.
Puzzle Blitz, combines history, riddles, and puzzles for an unforgettable experience where they discover the history of Clarence-Rockland.
After walking down Laurier Street, which features plaques detailing some of Clarence-Rockland’s historic structures, an idea just clicked for the two long-time friends, who launched Mobile Escapes, their mobile escape room business, in 2016.
The free game was officially launched on May 27 by the co-founders of Mobile Escapes, with some help from Clarence-Rockland Mayor Mario Zanth.
“It’s a great way to link the history of Clarence-Rockland and learn about Clarence Rockland,” said Marcotte, in an interview with The Vision just days after launching the free game. “It’s nothing like we have done before, and nothing like the services we offer.”
Players scan a QR code on historical panels on Laurier Street in Rockland, and then try decoding as many codes in 10 minutes or less. Users are then required to complete a PuzzleBlitz to receive a secret letter then Finish all 10 PuzzleBlitz to discover the secret word.
Historical panels are located at 1560 Laurier Street, 672 Henri Circle, 687 Laurier Street, 1595 Laurier Street, 1875 Laurier Street, 2419 Laurier Street, 2290-2294 Laurier Street, 2098 Laurier Street. 1756 Laurier Street and1682 Laurier Street.
Mobile Escapes already offers games during the City of Clarence-Rockland’s annual Clarence-Rockland Festival, culminating with Canada Day fireworks on July 1, and the business owners hope this new game adds to the already successful partnership between the City and the locally founded business.
“We would like to create something for other villages in Clarence-Rockland,” said Marcil. “This partnership is for at least one year, and then we will see if the municipality wants to keep going. We certainly hope so.”
The two friends walked away from careers in teaching to focus on their business concept and admitted that COVID made things difficult as they had to shift their business model.
And while taking their escape rooms to business events, schools and other events has proven successful for the two friends, branching out was certainly driven by the pandemic.
“It was definitely a big jump walking away from a job that felt was safe,” said Marcotte. “It was a tough decision, but definitely the right one and we haven’t looked back.”
More information about Puzzle Blitz is available at mobileescapes.ca.
