Getting gamers back into the “real world” earned Exit Canada the Innovation of the Year Award.
The business offers customers the opportunity to take part in a simulated, room escape experience in a physical playground at its Garden City Road location.
As its website states, players are transported to a universe of their wildest imagination where they are tasked with exploring and solving mysteries and challenges that lead to an exit from one of numerous themed rooms — a lost ship, ancient Egypt, a prison, and laboratory.
Exit’s mantra is to bridge the gap between virtual reality and the real world so players can go beyond a simulated environment and physically experience adventure.
Exit has been open since October 2013, said owner Justin Tang in accepting the award.
Back then, Tang said he joked with friends that the business idea would prove to be so popular it would quickly spawn three more branches.
“That didn’t happen, because we have confirmed that we are opening six more locations, actually. They are all franchises,” Tang said, adding that during the past 12 months the company has generated revenue in excess of $1.2 million, and has served 62,000 visitors.
“We hope to continue that growth and create more creative games for all the players,” Tang said, adding credit for Exit Canada’s success and chamber award is owed to his group of work colleagues.
Finalists in the category included: Herbaland Naturals Inc., Planat, and Steveston’s Art Connection.
