{"id":184298,"date":"2026-01-01T10:01:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-01T15:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/roomescapeartist.com\/?p=184298"},"modified":"2026-01-02T14:13:02","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T19:13:02","slug":"golden-lock-award-2025-complete-winner-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/roomescapeartist.com\/2026\/01\/01\/golden-lock-award-2025-complete-winner-list\/","title":{"rendered":"Golden Lock Award 2025: Complete Winner List"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Room Escape Artist awarded 35 Golden Locks in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2025 winning games are located in 8 different countries. The US winners are in 6 different states. There are also tabletop game winners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And 7 REA Contributors gave out the award in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The winners include sprawling, epic adventures, and cozy, intimate experiences. Many of the winners push the boundaries of what an escape room can be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of these escape rooms opened in 2025. Others have been open for many years, but 2025 was the year that a REA Contributor finally visited. Regardless of when they first opened, all the winners exemplify the top of the escape room craft in 2025. These games wowed us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Reads,<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

And now, we present the complete list of 2025 Golden Lock Award winners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Presented in the order they were announced:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Family<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Escaparium Shawinigan – Shawinigan, Qu\u00e9bec, Canada<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: January 19, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn Escaparium\u2019s The Family <\/em>we went back in time to discover the dark secrets of this so-called perfect family. As we got closer to the truth we stumbled into a horror story revealed in a way we\u2019ve never seen before. It stopped us in our tracks.\u201d – Cindi Saiewitz<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mind\u2019s Eye<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Enter the Imaginarium – Pittsburgh, Pensylvannia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: February 19, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
Photos by Scott Sylvester<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith a trailblazing approach to full-room projection mapping, The Mind\u2019s Eye<\/em> was an enjoyably novel take on an escape room. Across multiple vivid environments, we were tasked with the poignant mission of helping Daedalus to process the untimely death of his son Icarus.\u201d – Matthew Stein<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mole of the Mountain<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Upside Down Escape Games – Mashpee Commons, Cape Cod, Massachusetts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: March 13, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Mole of Mountain<\/em> delivered a plot twist like no other\u2026 and our strange adventure in a beautiful, intricate mountain of trash took a dark, yet playful turn. Upside Down Escape Games lived up to their name, turning all our expectations, well, upside down.\u201d – David Spira<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Judgment Day (Le Jour du Jugement)<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Eliviascape – Qu\u00e9bec City, Qu\u00e9bec, Canada<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: April 16, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFew games utilize an interactive medium like Judgment Day. <\/em>Eliviascape\u2019s dark and haunting story resonated through incredible set pieces and the puzzles we solved with, in, and around them. The tension ebbed and flowed in such a way as to be thought provoking long after the experience ended.\u201d – Lisa Spira<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Magnifico<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Escaparium – Laval, Qu\u00e9bec, Canada<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: April 20, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Magician<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo escape room has brought me more joy or left me more awed than Magnifico<\/em>. Escaparium has not been shy about their ambitions for greatness, but even for them, this game is wildly impressive.\u201d – David Spira<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pandora\u2019s Legacy<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

TED-Ed + PostCurious – Tabletop Game<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: April 29, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Box<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPandora\u2019s Legacy<\/em> was as beautiful as it was ambitious. It delivered an incredible time by blending jigsaw puzzling with a wide variety of other puzzles \u2013 all set against the backdrop of Greek myth. The precision in the game\u2019s design was remarkable, and I still find myself thinking about the ending.” – David Spira<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Medieval Mishap<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

History Mysteries – Kids’ Tabletop Game<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: May 7, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn the world of family-oriented puzzle games, the Medieval Mishap distinguishes itself through handsome artwork and exceptionally thoughtful puzzle design that masterfully lets kids dive in while adults think ahead. It seamlessly met each of us at our level without sacrificing anything in the process. For family play, this is THE game I would recommend.\u201d – Sarah Mendez<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bird<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

MyssTic Rooms – Brooklyn, New York<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: May 11, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Bird <\/em>was the complete package: a detailed set with a true sense of place, engaging gameplay built into the set and props, and magical transformations. MyssTic Rooms turned a tiny space into an exciting and memorable, yet intimate experience for small teams.\u201d – Lisa Spira<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Music Academy<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Paradox Project – Athens, Greece<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: May 14, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSet within an actual former music school, The Music Academy<\/em> \u2013 like all of Paradox Project\u2019s epic games \u2013 dared to present deep, layered puzzles. The gameplay was more challenging than we typically find in the escape room world.\u201d – David Spira<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chapel & Catacombs<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lockhill – Athens, Greece<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: May 19, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Stained<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLockhill built a world with a sense of presence and dark adventure. As we explored Chapel & Catacombs<\/em>, we also descended into Lovecraftian madness.\u201d – David Spira<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zoltar Speaks<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Escape Cafe – Hilversum, Netherlands<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: May 24, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Spices<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSet in a historical Middle Eastern bazaar, Zoltar Speaks<\/em> was equal parts daring, dashing, and detailed. Escape Cafe\u2019s debut experience had it all: stunning scenery, creative gameplay, and a worthy mission of aiding the shopkeepers in their peaceful resistance against a tyrannical leader.\u201d – Matthew Stein<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lost and Found<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hotel Veloria – Volkel, Netherlands<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: May 30, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAn evocative masterclass in environmental storytelling and escape room puzzle design, Lost and Found<\/em> showcased how deeply our memories are attached to the objects we carry with us. This ambitious, experimental experience touched both our minds and our hearts.\u201d – Matthew Stein<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pray<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Escape Room Katwijk – Katwijk, Netherlands<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: June 13, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPray<\/em> vastly excelled in vibes. We were repeatedly left speechless as we navigated a creepy yet absurd world, full of unexpected twists and turns. With Pray<\/em>, Escape Room Katwijk guided the Dutch style of religious horror in a bold and intriguing new direction.\u201d – Matthew Stein<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Concierge<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hotel Veloria – Volkel, Netherlands<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: June 25, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Concierge<\/em> was a delightful, detailed, and abundantly satisfying ode to escape room puzzle design. In crafting this full-scale game for exactly 2 players, Hotel Veloria selflessly prioritized player experience above all else.\u201d – Matthew Stein<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parlour Nouveau<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Puzzalarium – San Diego, California<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: July 2, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI loved the format-breaking design of this experience, that allowed both puzzle-centric players and optimization junkies to shine.\u201d – Tammy McLeod<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Case of the Curiously Correct Blueprints: An Ells and Ernie Mystery<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bluefish Games – Tabletop Game<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: July 12, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn The Case of the Curiously Correct Blueprints<\/em>, Bluefish Games created not only a tabletop puzzle game, but also wrote a compelling abridged audio book. These two pieces were so seamlessly tied together that we were able to experience the challenges and excitement of Ells and Ernie\u2019s adventure firsthand through the puzzle pacing and flow.\u201d – Christina Rohlf<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Taxidermist<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Deep Inside – Paris, France<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: July 16, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
Image via Deep Inside<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Taxidermist<\/em> was set in the City of Martyrs, one of the most immersive game worlds I\u2019ve ever experienced. This narrative-driven game wowed us with its moody setting, compelling actor interactions, dramatic reveals, and emotional story-telling. It joins The Magician of Paris<\/em> and The Funhouse<\/em> for a trifecta of must-play games at Deep Inside. \u201d – Cindi S.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rise of the Icarus<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

CU Adventures in Time & Space – Urbana, Illinois<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: July 23, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith Rise of the Icarus<\/em>, CU Adventures brought their signature playful and whimsy game design aboard a spaceship. They did this with collaborative puzzles, character interaction, and a surprising reveal. However, it was the detailed, weathered set that elevated this experience further, making it stand out among the games at CU Adventures.\u201d – Lisa Spira<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Toy Maker<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Big Break Hamburg – Hamburg, Germany<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: August 4, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Toy Maker<\/em> was inventive and whimsical, with surprising reveals and gameplay that re-imagined how standard escape game norms can be used. Loaded with toys & games that would fulfill many childhood dreams, it was pure joy to experience. This is one toy store you don\u2019t want to miss. \u201d – Cindi S.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Forest of Fables<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

CU Adventures in Time & Space – Urbana, Illinois<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: August 10, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith an adorable game world, and dynamic gameplay, The Forest of Fables<\/em> was as strange as it was delightful. Every time we felt like we had a handle on what this game was, CU Adventures changed things up on us.\u201d – David Spira<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fantastic Warehouse<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pandore & Associ\u00e9s – Paris, France<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: August 25, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe team at Pandore & Associ\u00e9s has built an immersive world around the assumption that fairy tales and mythical creatures are real and a part of our everyday lives. The Fantastic Warehouse <\/em>complemented creative storytelling with fun and unusual actor interactions. The set design was inventive, pushing the boundaries of what defines the game space. This experience was indeed fantastic.\u201d – Cindi Saiewitz<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Metropolis 2099<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dream Labs Adventures – Bad Steben, Germany<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: August 30, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
Image via Dream Labs Adventures<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSet in a Blade-Runner-inspired dystopian future, Metropolis 2099<\/em> blew us away with immersive sets, an intriguing neo-noir detective story, and a finale that was brilliant for its depiction of the moral choices between betrayal and trust, good and evil.\u201d – Cindi Saiewitz<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Temple of Light<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Keepers of Balance – Charlotte, North Carolina<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: September 19, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
Images via The Keepers of Balance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTemple of Light was utterly gorgeous. The Keepers of Balance produced one of the most aesthetically beautiful immersive experiences that we have ever seen. It was topped off by a beautiful adventure.\u201d – Lisa Spira<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The St-Onge Case<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Immersia – Boisbriand, Qu\u00e9bec, Canada<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: September 24, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cImmersia is best known for high concept games, and The St-Onge Case<\/em> continues to deliver on that reputation. This standalone sequel to one of their earliest games beautifully used puzzles to establish our understanding of the game\u2019s mythos, and then set us on a thrilling adventure deeper into that world.\u201d – David Spira<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mysterious Miseries of Franklin N. Stein<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Improbable Escapes – Kingston, Ontario, Canada<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: September 29, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn my years of playing escape rooms, I\u2019ve never experienced a game that built up as much momentum as The Mysterious Miseries of Franklin N. Stein<\/em>. Improbable Escapes set out to have players solve one puzzle per minute, and while I don\u2019t know exactly how many I solved, the progression felt rapid and exciting throughout the game.\u201d – David Spira<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Josep Fontcalda House Museum<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1801 Escape Room – Tona, Spain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: October 6, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJosep Fontcalda House Museum<\/em> was a beacon of wonder, curiosity, quality craftsmanship, and human ingenuity. It provided an escape to a wholesome alternate reality filled with giggles and glee.\u201d – Matthew Stein<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

NightShift<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

CruPont Legacy – Sabadell, Spain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: October 18, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
Image via CruPont Legacy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCruPont Legacy\u2019s debut experience NightShift<\/em> took a bold step into the darkness, successfully pulling off a number of tricks and twists that I\u2019ve never before seen in another escape room. The environment was immaculate, the storytelling was compellingly self-aware, and each scene perfectly flowed into the next.\u201d – Matthew Stein<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

K.O.N.G. Protocol<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Escape Barcelona – Barcelona, Spain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: October 24, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
Image via Escape Barcelona<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cK.O.N.G. Protocol<\/em> was the ultimate escape room action-thriller. With a stunning set, brilliant cutscenes, creative gameplay, and a jaw-dropping density of \u2018holy shit\u2019 moments, this blockbuster experience truly had it all.\u201d – Matthew Stein<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Election Day<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Appleseed Avenue – Newhall, California<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: November 25, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
Image via Appleseed Avenue<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cElection Day <\/em>combined puppetry and crime scene investigation into an experience that was equal parts clever, hilarious, and inspiring. By pulling learnings and techniques from numerous other storytelling mediums, Appleseed Avenue boldly redefined what an escape room can look like and how it can make you feel.\u201d – Matthew Stein<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kaleidoscope 1963<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Time Maze – Baden, Switzerland<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: November 14, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
Image via Time Maze<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKaleidoscope 1963<\/em> offered a vivid portal into altered states of consciousness, first transporting us back in time before guiding us on to even more fantastical planes of existence. Combining exquisite scenic design, innovative gameplay, and masterful storytelling, Time Maze created an unforgettable tribute to psychedelic history.\u201d – Matthew Stein<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aunt Hilda\u2019s Room<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Trip Trap – Geneva, Switzerland<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: November 25, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
Image via Trip Trap<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAunt Hilda\u2019s Room<\/em> crafted an immaculately charming fairytale world filled with beautiful puzzle reveals in a uniquely compelling setting. With staggering levels of detail and realism, it was impossible not to get lost in this rustic fantasy.\u201d – Matthew Stein<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antenna Palace<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Trapgame – Charrat, Switzerland<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: December 4, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
Image via Trapgame<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEqual parts absurd, surreal, magical, and whimsical, Antenna Palace <\/em>presented a fresh take on the ever-popular multiverse adventure. Expect the unexpected\u2026 and it\u2019ll still be even more unexpected than you could have imagined.\u201d – Matthew Stein<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The House of Uncle Cornelius<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Trip Trap – Geneva, Switzerland<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: December 12, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"An
Image via Trip Trap<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe House of Uncle Cornelius<\/em> embodied the spirit of adventure, guiding us on a series of unforgettable quests in jaw-droppingly varied environments. This was the pinnacle of Trip Trap\u2019s signature style: a balance of world-class set design, tactile puzzling, and fantastical yet sincere storytelling.\u201d – Matthew Stein<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

West City<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Trapgame – Charrat, Switzerland<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: December 17, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
Image via Trapgame<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFrom a theatrical opening to an explosive finale, every moment of West City<\/em> took full advantage of its incredible environment. The world was elegant in its efficiency, utilizing every trick in the book to make their hamlet feel like a full city.\u201d – Matthew Stein<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dark Memories of Elisa Doll<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Next Level Escape – Kloten, Switzerland<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awarded: December 22, 2025 (REA Review<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
Image via Next Level Escape<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe storytelling in The Dark Memories of Elisa Doll<\/em> was ambitious, unsettling, and deeply effective. Across a spectrum of both literal and memory environments, this tantalizingly mysterious sci-fi thriller kept us on edge and intrigued throughout.\u201d – Matthew Stein<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golden Lock Awards in 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 2025 Golden Lock Award winners include games played between October 2024 and September 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2026 Golden Lock Awards will pick up again with games played in September 2025 through the end of 2025, and then into 2026, of course. We’re excited to share more winning games with you soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patreon Early Access<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Room Escape Artist Patreon backers get early access to 3 written pieces each month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We released 17 of these 35 reviews (49%) to our Patreon backers before anyone else got to read them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These were interspersed with some of our other favorite reviews and a number of commentary pieces including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n