Escape de Facto’s 5-Year Journey: From Vision to Victory at Gateway Mall

Five years ago, in a quiet hallway of Gateway Mall, a mysterious door opened—not just to a game, but to a world of imagination, suspense, and storytelling. That door belonged to Escape de Facto, and what started as a bold idea quickly became one of Nebraska’s most talked-about attractions.

Our journey began with “House of Things”, a game set in the eerie home of a brilliant scientist who was mysteriously poisoned on his birthday. With its haunting atmosphere, layered puzzles, and unforgettable twists, House of Things became an instant hit—and put us on the map as more than just an escape room. It was the story that launched it all.

Today, with over 600 five-star Google reviews and a perfect 5.0 average rating, we’re proud to be called a fan favorite—not only by locals but by escape room enthusiasts across the region.

And yes, we’ve welcomed seasoned players too. As one experienced guest, Shawn G., who played over 40 escape rooms, said:

"This was easily the best. Nearly all puzzles were electronic. The owners clearly love what they do—and we can’t wait to try their next game!"

And so we built one. Just recently, we opened our second game in the same location: The Puppeteer. This time, players step into the home of a reclusive puppet master who once worked in New York City but chose to retire in the quiet shadows of Lincoln, Nebraska. What secrets lie behind his handcrafted marionettes and dusty workshop? Only the brave will find out.

Our approach has always been more than just locking players in a room. We create immersive, story-driven adventures with multi-room layouts, high-tech puzzles, and even live actors. As another player put it after visiting The Puppeteer:

"We’ve played lots of escape rooms, but this one stands out. The scares, the props, the atmosphere—it's not just a game, it’s an experience."

"Escape de Facto isn’t just a game—it’s Gateway Mall’s best-kept secret."

What’s next? New games are in development, virtual elements are being explored, and who knows—maybe even new locations. But no matter how far we expand, our mission remains the same: to create stories worth escaping into.

Ready to play? Don’t miss out on our weekday 25% discount (Monday–Thursday) and our brand-new “Wednesday Special” offering 30% off all games every Wednesday. Book your escape today at 👉 www.escapedefacto.com

Have you escaped yet?