The Excerpt Escape rooms to theme parks: immersive entertainment is booming
Aug 3, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Noah Nelson, Publisher of No Proscenium and co-founder of the Immersive Experience Institute, delves into the booming world of immersive entertainment. He shares how the pandemic fueled demand for experiences that allow audiences to engage directly with stories, from theme parks to escape rooms. Nelson emphasizes the importance of creating memorable moments rather than just complex narratives, and he explores the future of this dynamic industry with exciting developments from major players like Universal.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Essence and History of Immersive Experiences
- Immersive experiences engage audiences by placing them inside the action, not just as observers.
- This form of entertainment dates back to the 1970s and theme park origins like Disneyland's 70-year history.
Pandemic Boosted Immersive Entertainment
- The pandemic accelerated demand for immersive entertainment due to its adaptability for social distancing.
- Escape rooms influenced large-scale venues like Universal's Epic Universe with interactive gameplay elements.
Ghost Town Alive Interactive Storyline
- Knott's Berry Farm's Ghost Town Alive lets visitors engage with live actors in daily changing storylines.
- Kids repeatedly return to participate in this interactive story sandbox culminating in a hoedown event.