FAQ

What is Paruzal?

Paruzal hosts live online escape rooms. Games are played through interactive Zoom calls with audio and visual features. Read through our list of available episodes and choose one that strikes your fancy. Book an available time slot and join in the fun.

We use the Zoom app (get it here) to verbally describe the scenario from the episode you’ve chosen and show you several images of the items around you with which you can interact. From there, it’s up to you to tell the Game Master how you want to inspect items, move things around, open doors, solve puzzles, and ultimately try to win the game.

Do I need to be in the same house with the rest of my team in order to play?

No. One especially nice thing about Paruzal’s games is that you don’t have to be in the same room as your teammates. Our games are still played as a team, even if you live countries apart or are socially distancing yourself from others.

Can I break a large group into smaller teams and have them play simultaneously?

Yes. That’s another nice thing about Paruzal, we have staff who can run simultaneous game sessions for your group. Also, the optional team photos at the end include your team name and time, so you’ll have bragging rights for ages once your team wins. Please contact us with this request and we will do our best to accommodate.

Which games are good for kids?

All of our games are family friendly — there is no scary or adult content in any of our games.

Our first two games, Trapped Under Water and Get Your Motor Running, have the feeling of traditional escape room experiences and have slightly shorter completion times (averaging ~54 minutes) compared to some of our other games. Sneaking Backstage starts to ramp up the creativity and requires some additional imagination, but also falls on the shorter side of our games. Pizza Makes Anything Possible and A Pirate’s Projections have significantly more puzzles and require a solid attention span, resulting in longer completion times (averaging ~63 minutes). Although all of our games have been played and thoroughly enjoyed by players of all ages, we recommend Trapped Under Water and Get Your Motor Running for kids.

My host was great, can I leave them a tip?

We love our hosts and would be glad to pass along a tip to them. Please send your tip to our Venmo (@KirbyCash) and include your host’s name in the comments. You can also write in to our General Manager (bookings@paruzal.com) and ask that we process an additional charge in the tip amount on the card used to make the booking. 100% of your tip amount goes to the GM you name.

How many players do you recommend per game?

We recommend a maximum of around 8 players in one game session. We have found that having too many players may detract from gameplay. For example, more microphones means more potential for background noise. Larger groups also may make it more difficult for everyone to participate. However, we trust that you know your group best, so if you want to book a larger group, go for it!

Do you accept large groups?

Yes. Keep in mind, we recommend a maximum of around 8 players in a game, but if you want to put 100+ players in a game, we’ll take them. If you’re willing to break your large group into multiple smaller ones so more players can participate and run those games simultaneously or consecutively, please contact us and we willl be happy to help you arrange that.

What if I’ve never played an escape room before?

Don’t worry. You don’t need any experience with escape rooms or special knowledge to play.

How do I play?

Use the Episodes page to find a game that interests you. Use the “Book Now!” button on that episode’s details page to book your game (up to 20 players in a single game session; contact us directly if you have more players.)
After you pay, the schedule will create an audio conference room for us in Zoom and send both of us a confirmation of the date, time, and a link to your private game session. You will need to forward this to your teammates to make sure everyone has the same link.
All players will need to install the free Zoom software on their smartphone or computer before the scheduled game time.
Once your game session starts, we will introduce the episode and discuss some basics of gameplay before describing your surroundings and identifying the things with which you can interact. It would be a good idea to have a paper and pencil handy.
And then you’re off to the races. You’ll have approximately 60 minutes to tell us how you want to explore the space around you, interact with objects, and solve puzzles… hopefully ending in a win for your team.

Do I need any special equipment?

You will need the free Zoom program plus paper and pencil. Zoom offers a free smartphone app as well as free desktop software, both of which can be found at zoom.us/download. You’re on your own for the paper and pencil.
Games are only conducted in English at this time. That’s not really special equipment, but it’s good to know.

How long does a game last?

A game session consists of some initial instructions and background information. “Game time” will take approximately 60 minutes of a call scheduled for 75 minutes.

Why do you cap the number of players in a game?

We don’t. Our online booking system can take up to 20 players in a game, but you’re welcome to contact us and arrange a game for larger teams.

What is your refund policy?

We understand that things come up that are beyond your control. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds at this time. With at least 48 hours advance notice before your scheduled start time, we would be happy to reschedule your game. Please email us if you need to reschedule.

Is there an age limit on these games?

The content of our games is suitable for all ages. However, our games require a good amount of attention span and attention to detail. Remember, game play takes about an hour. While any age person is welcome to be on your team, we think that people ages 13 and older will get the most out of the game. If you have younger children who want to play, we require an adult to be on the team.

My payment method isn’t working, how can I make a reservation?

I don’t see a time that works for me. Can I still play?

Yes. Contact us and we’ll try to fit you in.