Beyond Hope 2025

We did it, so you can do it too! This session will break down how AI helped create an escape room in a small-town library on a limited budget. Using ChatGPT, we developed a literary-themed game with engaging, solvable challenges. We’ll outline the design process, including storyline development, puzzle construction, and expected vs. actual audience participation.  Maximizing limited space and resources was key. We’ll cover prop sourcing, DIY set pieces, and adapting library spaces for interactive programming. We’ll also discuss logistical challenges, from working within library policies to balancing budget constraints and programming time.  The escape room’s popularity exceeded expectations. We’ll share what worked, what didn’t, and what we’d change for future iterations.