Carrollton-based escape room company Lock City Escape Games was founded by Neko Farmer. His inspiration for opening the escape rooms came from visiting one near Atlanta with his family in 2017.
Neko tells us, “I remember thinking it wouldn’t be fun and almost didn’t go. However, once I played, I was amazed by the concept, and it is to date some of the most fun I’ve ever had!”
Later in 2017 he began planning Lock City Escape Games, which opened in March 2018 at 101 Northwinds Boulevard, Carrollton, Georgia. After two successful years, they have finally released their new wizard experience project that took more than a year to complete.
The Wizard’s Secret is their newest escape room which is inspired by Ollivander’s Wand Shop from the Harry Potter fictional universe. The room and many things in it were completely custom made to fit the set designs similar to those seen in Harry Potter. For example, the reception desk was built and designed by Neko to match the one in the movie, animatronics have been used to create a talking hat and the more than 3,000 wands from the floor to the ceiling were individually hand-cut, sanded, and painted.
“The Wizard’s Secret is a moderately difficult game with a thirty percent success rate. Not to worry though, even those who have not seen Harry Potter are able to complete and enjoy the game as no knowledge of the movie is necessary,” said Neko.
Artemis Preeshl, a professional voice actress and professor at The University of West Georgia’s Theater department, pre-recorded voice lines that are used as hints during the game. All the voice lines were recorded in a British accent to compliment the atmosphere of the game.
Additionally, in the summer of 2019 Lock City opened a room featuring a realistic experience known as Operation: Disarm that allows players to imagine being part of a special forces unit that stumbles upon a nuclear bomb in a previously abandoned nuclear bunker. Neko tells us, “To make the bunker experience as immersive as possible we imported authentic military equipment from around the world. We even tracked down old computer equipment and a 1950’s-era desk.”
Also in that summer, Lock City expanded its space which now provides room to host birthday parties, sports teams, and corporate team building groups. Neko says, “Without revealing much about our future plans, we are working on a mobile version of one of our games as well as looking into bigger expansion opportunities.” New information will be released for these projects on Lock City’s Facebook page.
In addition to Lock City, Neko is the owner of www.Eggabase.com, which indexes secrets and references hidden in movies, television shows, and video games. Neko says, “With that in mind, of course we had to sneak a few Easter eggs into our games. You might even find a secret hidden in the promotional photos!”
In closing Neko tells us, “I recently read that Carrollton is the city of opportunity, and I believe this wholeheartedly. I was born and raised in this city and have been able to do a number of amazing things here. Since opening, I have made many friends with local business owners who have helped promote Lock City. Our customers sometimes help us with advertising opportunities and have even offered to help in new room construction. That is community to me, knowing that those around you truly want to see you do well. I see great things in Carrollton’s future and look forward to being an active part of the city’s continued growth and expansion.”
Lock City Escape Games, located at 101 Northwinds Boulevard, Carrollton, Georgia, is open Friday 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Saturday noon to 10:30 p.m., and Sunday 2:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Visit their website at www.lockcityescapes.com or call them at (770) 954-5106.
