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Julia Billyard

Semaphore Cipher
Semaphore Cipher Codes

Semaphore Cipher

You may not have heard of a semaphore before, but it is most often recognised in fields where technicians and workers communicate with flags (such as in the navy). Now, you might be wondering, how can this type of system make its way into games, puzzles and escape rooms? Well here’s a surprise: It’s not limited to flags! Everything from…
Julia Billyard
1 May 2021
Combination Ciphers
Combination Ciphers Codes

Combination Ciphers

For code makers and puzzle designers, sometimes it is not enough to use a single cipher. This isn’t even because today’s technologies can easily spot what kind of cipher is being used at any given time. It is also because many individual ciphers are so well-known and recognisable that even the average escape room player can instantly identify them. (You…
Julia Billyard
18 February 2021
Ciphers
Symbol-Based Ciphers Codes

Symbol-Based Ciphers

For a lot of casual code breaking enthusiasts, most ciphers are pretty recognisable. They often still use letters and a particular format (such as letter substitution). In fact, even something like a pigpen cipher can be easily identified once you know how the basic corners, squares and dots of its messages are actually made. But today, there are plenty of…
Julia Billyard
12 November 2020
Caeser Cipher
Caesar Ciphers Codes

Caesar Ciphers

Last time, we discussed one of the most classic ciphers that are found in many escape room games. But in this month’s installment, we’ll be covering a cipher that has literally been with us since ancient times. The Caesar Cipher The Emperor’s Biggest Secret As the name implies, the Caesar cipher was famously used by Julius Caesar during his military…
Julia Billyard
7 September 2020
Escape Roomsm - Mystique
Mystique and Mental Exercise – Their Combined Appeal in Escape Room Video Games Public Blog

Mystique and Mental Exercise – Their Combined Appeal in Escape Room Video Games

Have you ever wondered why escape rooms became such a hit? Some say it was just the next incarnation of the fun house, or haunted mansion attraction. Still, others say the trend started because escape room video games had gained a cult following among players. It only made sense that creating a real-life version of the experience would be awesome.…
Julia Billyard
16 August 2020
Book Cipher
Book Ciphers Codes

Book Ciphers

One of the most exciting elements about an escape room experience is that it introduces people to the world of cryptography. After all, solving an escape room challenge is more than just about finding clues and hidden switches. Ciphers and secret codes also play major, if not pivotal, roles! In fact, whether you’ve encountered them in live escape rooms or…
Julia Billyard
9 August 2020
Brain Health
Good Games for Good Thinking Public Blog

Good Games for Good Thinking

While there is still a lot of research needed to really show how games improve your brain, there is certainly less doubt about their ability to do so. Thus, there is an increasing number of programs, apps and games being designed based on this research. The challenge now is to simply pick out the ones that have really made an…
Julia Billyard
22 February 2020
Call Elude
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