Money Stuff: The Podcast Midnight Madness: Ryan Patch and Jon Seale
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May 23, 2025 
Ryan Patch and Jon Seale, co-creators of the Great Gotham Challenge, dive into the intricate world of puzzle hunts designed for hedge fund managers. They share fascinating insights on crafting puzzles that blend fun with cognitive challenges. Discover the balance of hint systems that keep players engaged without frustration. They discuss the unique dynamics of 'Midnight Madness,' emphasizing teamwork in finance. Plus, they explore how immersive puzzle experiences in unconventional venues can enhance corporate culture in the evolving post-pandemic landscape.
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Definition and Nature of Puzzle Hunts
- Puzzle hunts often involve location-based cryptic clues requiring lateral thinking to solve complex puzzles.
- They blend elements of races, escape rooms, and team competitions into immersive intellectual quests.
Calibrating Puzzle Difficulty
- Playtest puzzles thoroughly with trusted testers to calibrate difficulty properly.
- Adjust puzzles iteratively based on diverse feedback to balance challenge and engagement.
Using Hints to Prevent Frustration
- Incorporate real-time hint systems or game controllers to help teams avoid significant failure.
- Manage puzzle difficulty to balance encouraging persistence and preventing frustration.