A Story-Driven Escape Room

Enter the Den. Follow Annie's Footsteps.

Dr. Elias Mercer is missing. Annie has contacted the family. His hidden den inside ArtHatch is still running, but not every system is responding.

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Access pendingAnnie onlineMercer unreachable

Family authorization

Dr. Mercer Is Missing.

Before he disappeared, Dr. Elias Mercer left Annie one instruction: if he became unreachable, she was to contact family. Now she has reached out to you.

Mercer's hidden home inside ArtHatch is still active. His belongings remain. His projects are unfinished. Some systems are still running. Others are no longer responding.

Annie can guide you through what she understands. The rest must be found inside the room.

System restricted

A Home. A Studio. An Investigation.

Annie's Footsteps is a story-driven escape room where players enter Dr. Mercer's private den and working studio after hours. Follow the clues, explore hidden systems, and uncover what happened.

Immersive Set Design

A detailed den and studio built to feel personal, lived-in, and real.

Analog + Tech Puzzles

Tactile clues, old equipment, hidden mechanisms, and digital systems work together.

Story-Driven Mystery

Every object, note, drawer, screen, and sound can matter.

Immersive Atmosphere

A detailed world of hidden clues, atmospheric sound, and unfolding discoveries.

Annie's Guidance

Annie helps where she can, but some systems are restricted, damaged, or silent.

Family Investigation

You are not random players. The story treats your group as the family Mercer trusted.

Do not skip steps

Adaptive Difficulty

Annie's Footsteps is designed to scale with your group. Newer players can stay immersed with guidance that keeps the story moving, while experienced teams can push deeper, solve faster, and uncover more without being handheld.

Difficulty: Adaptive

Observe

Read the room. Notice what should not be where it is.

Connect

Match objects, signals, notes, and Annie's guidance.

Unlock

Push deeper when the safeguards begin to answer.

Rear entrance only

Plan Your Investigation

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Duration

60 minutes

Group Size

2-6 players

Difficulty

Adaptive

Location

ArtHatch, Escondido

Device Policy

Explained before entry

Address

Annie's Footsteps is located by appointment inside ArtHatch, 317 E. Grand Ave #4, Escondido, CA 92025.

Visits

Appointment only. Book when reservations open, or use the contact form before visiting; the facility is staffed around scheduled games.

Booking & Arrival

Reservations are coming soon. Arrival instructions will be sent before your experience when booking opens. Please contact us before visiting.

Questions logged

FAQ

Is Annie's Footsteps scary?

The experience features suspense, atmosphere, and mystery in a story-driven investigation. Contact us if you have questions about the experience for your group.

Is this a haunted house?

No. Annie's Footsteps is a story-driven escape room set inside a detailed den and working studio environment.

How hard is it?

The difficulty is adaptive. The room uses layered puzzles, optional guidance, and story-driven progression so newer players can stay involved and experienced teams can push deeper.

How do bookings work?

Reservations are coming soon. Booking details will be posted here when times are available.

Do you take payment on this website?

Not yet. Payments will be available here once the game is live.

How many players can participate?

The experience is designed for 2-6 players.

How long is the experience?

The main experience is approximately 60 minutes.

Can players bring phones inside?

The experience includes specific device and camera rules that are explained before entry.

Is this family-friendly?

The experience involves suspense and puzzles. Contact us to discuss whether it is suitable for your group.

Can I get a discount?

Yes. Go to distinctionart.com and find the ghost to start the game. Solve the puzzle within 60 minutes, then enter the code to get 20% off.

Family channel

Questions Before You Enter?

Reservations are not open yet. Check back soon for booking availability.

Annie's Footsteps is open by appointment inside ArtHatch in Escondido. Book when reservations open, or use the contact form before visiting; the facility is staffed around scheduled games.

(760) 708-5984 contact@anniesfootsteps.com

317 E. Grand Ave #4
Escondido, CA 92025

Your investigation awaits

Mercer Is Missing. Annie Is Waiting.

Step into the hidden den where the last signal from Dr. Elias Mercer was received.

Book now