Game Introduction - ONLINE VERSION

Euphorigen Investigation is a live, interactive event, played by teams of 4-6 players with a game host. There are two parts to the escape room game experience:

1. Gameplay (45-60 minutes): Escape room game facilitated by a game host. 

2. Debrief (15-30 minutes): Post-game discussion and activities (this is where the learning magic happens!)

Euphorigen Investigation was designed to explore how persuasive messaging, manipulative techniques, and human biases can shape how you interpret information - especially around high-stakes decisions. In the game, players encounter compelling claims, data visualizations, and even a deepfake video. Each element is meant to show how information can feel credible. When coupled with emotional reactions to putting a substance in the water supply, we experience how easily it is to be fooled!

Take-aways: 

• To experience how easily it is to be fooled. Everyone is vulnerable to misinformation, not just "other" people. In the game, players share a deepfake, thinking it is the real video. 

• To experience how confirmation bias shapes how you interpret information. In the game, players encounter manipulated evidence (headlines and charts), that when combined with low levels of trust in government, creates the impression that Euphorigen cannot be trusted.

• To realize that it is not possible or practical to rely on one's own eyes to detect AI-generated images. The faces puzzle is the most challenging, and while players find the AI mistakes, they also recognize this is because they were focused on it and the images were large. In real life, when scrolling quickly on a phone, they would miss the signs. 

• To reflect on the consequences of sharing misinformation, which typically occurs when people do not take the time to validate something before sharing, and because social media platforms are designed to encourage quick and frequent engagement.  

Here’s some text to use when promoting the escape room. Note: we recommend avoiding terms like "misinformation" or "fake news" 

Short version

The Euphorigen Investigation -- Should the government add a brain-boosting supplement to the public water supply? Test your wits in an escape room game by solving puzzles that immerse you in a world of manipulated media, social media bots, deepfakes and other forms of deception. 

You may also want to add the mission

For years a supplement called “Euphorigen'' has been used by the very wealthy to boost brain activity and productivity. Now the Government wants to make the benefits of Euphorigen available to everyone by introducing it into the public water supply. The company that makes Euphorigen claims to have completed successful trials, and an announcement of the deal is expected shortly. But your investigator friend has suspicions, and has heard that a prominent scientist has recorded a statement on whether or not the company’s claims are to be believed. She’s asked you to help find and share that information with the public. Track down whatever information you can on Euphorigen to uncover the truth, and spread the word!