Escape Simulator News

Hey Escape Simulator fans!
Ever thought, "What if we had a simulator within a simulator?" Well, hold onto your power hoses because PowerWash Simulator is coming to Escape Simulator! Get ready to dive into the iconic PowerWash garage, now transformed into an exciting escape room. That’s right, it’s the ultimate Simulator Simulator experience!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
Read more about the new room here and wishlist (it's free!) so you get a reminder once it's live!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2879620/Escape_Simulator_PowerWash_DLC/

Mark your calendars – it's coming out on June 20th and it's completely free!

[h2]Build-a-Room #6 Winners! [/h2]
While you're waiting to play the PowerWash room, check out the winners of our Build-a-room #6 competition! The theme was Party Time to celebrate our 10th anniversary. We received 28 awesome submissions and here are the winners and their prizes:

[h3]🥇 First Place: The Forever Party made by Kukelia & Frama. They won $1000!💰[/h3]

[h3]🥈 Second Place: Wrong Party made by nemo_krub. They won Meta Quest 3 VR headset! 👓[/h3]


[h3]🥉 Third Place: Secret Party made by med1nh0 and he won $100 Steam gift card!🎮[/h3]


[h2]Rookie Category[/h2](first time Build-a-room competitors)
[h3]🥇 First Place: The Birthday After made by apa-games and won Meta Quest 3 VR headset! 👓[/h3]


[h3]🥈 This time we decided to give out one more rookie prize to of $100 Steam gift card to Capybaras in the Club made by MilkyQueen! That song rocks![/h3]


[h2]The community vote[/h2]
[h3]🥇The winner of the community vote is Raise the Rooftop by Brush$troke. She's also getting a $100 Steam gift card! [/h3]


You can check out the winners announcement stream here (once it uploads): [previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

All the winners also won upcoming DLC, but more about it later. ;)

Thank you all for building and being part of our community!

Can't wait to see you all in the garage!
-Pine team

We can't believe Pine Studio is already 10 years old! From over 40 flash games, SEUM, six Faraway sequels, and two Birdcage games, to Cats in Time and our dream project, Escape Simulator. We are proud of everything we've achieved in these 10 years. We are especially grateful to our team and all the incredible people with whom we work side by side doing what we love. Thank you for playing and being part of our journey! 💖

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]


Join us for the Party Time Community Challenge and design the ultimate party-themed escape room! We're tapping into the limitless creativity of our community to create the most engaging and immersive escape rooms for Escape Simulator. Imagine anything from a cozy birthday bash to a wild office party, a luxurious yacht celebration, or an energetic night out—the sky's the limit! (don't forget it has to be an escape room 😅)

We're excited to see what you come up with! Let us know if we should bring anything to your party.

[h2]🏆Prizes Galore![/h2]

To make this celebration even more special, we are again featuring several categories to ensure that both seasoned and first-time builders have a chance to shine.

[h2]Experienced Builders Category[/h2]

This is the main event, open to participants who already have one or more rooms in their portfolio. The top prizes include:

• 1st place: $1,000 cash + a surprise gift
  
• 2nd place: Meta Quest 3 + a surprise gift
  
• 3rd place: $100 Steam gift card + a surprise gift

[h2]Rookie Builders Category[/h2]
Is this your first time competing in one of our Build-A-Room contests? Fantastic!

• You have a chance to win Meta Quest 3 + a surprise gift!
  

[h2]Community Award[/h2]
After the submission deadline, we'll open a poll for the community to vote on their favorite room. The winner of the Community Award will receive

• $100 Steam gift card and a surprise gift.

[h2]How to Enter[/h2]

To submit your party-themed escape room, simply post a link to your creation in the #💾competition-submissions channel on the Pine Studio Discord server. Remember, you can only submit one room, and multiple builders can collaborate on a single entry.

The submission deadline is May 27th at 8AM CEST / 2AM EST. We'll then review all the amazing rooms and announce the winners during a special livestream a few days later (TBA). Stay tuned for more details on the stream!

[h2]📑Rules[/h2]

• You can only submit one room. Multiple submissions will not be counted.
  
• Multiple builders can work together on one room, but there will be only one prize for them.
  
• It has to be an escape room.
  
• The gameplay should ideally be under 30 minutes, but it can be longer.
  
• You can make your room as big as you wish.
  
• You need to record a video walkthrough and post it on YouTube or similar video sharing site.
  
• You are allowed to bug fix your room after submission, but can not resubmit an entirely different room.
  
• All references to existing IPs (including names, images, models and sounds) must be edited, parodied or otherwise modified to infer a likeness to the original IP without directly copying it.
  
• Use models, textures, sounds and other assets that are either Creative Commons (CC0) with attribution, that are from the ES library, or that you have paid the license for. Give credit if needed.
  
• Copies of other players' rooms are not eligible.
  
• Keep it fun/clean! No profanity, racism, hate speech, sexually suggestive content, etc.. Rooms that might be considered offensive in any way or form will be disqualified.
  
• The Pine team will choose the winners for the Rookie and Experienced Builder Categories this time! The Community prize will, naturally, be decided by community votes.
  

[h2]💡Some Useful Tips for Building the Perfect Party Room[/h2]

• Keep it simple!
  
• Aim for a playtime of 15-30 minutes
  
• Test your room thoroughly and get feedback from the community
  
• Focus on quality over quantity – a few great puzzles are better than many mediocre ones
  
• Consider accessibility features like color blindness and hearing impairment
  
• Most importantly, make it fun! At the end of the day, that's what matters most.
  

We can't wait to see what you'll come up with for this special 10th-anniversary celebration.

Let the party planning begin! 📝

Happy building,
Pine Team

Hey adventurers,
here's a third round of fixes and improvements for the VR Update! This brings our total to over 100 fixes and improvements since the release of VR mode! Check out what's new in v32582:


[h3]General Improvements:[/h3]

• Added a confirmation window for "Exit To Menu" to prevent accidental exits during gameplay.
  
• Enhanced feedback upon pressing keys to join a lobby.
  
• Updated missing translations for various settings and textures.
  
• Resolved display issues of main menu news for Traditional Chinese.
  
• Fixed a double-trigger issue with the lobby code toggle button.
  
• Updated the theme color for the link button in the main menu.
  
• Fixed a display issue for the trophy icon in completed but uninstalled community rooms.
  
• Upgraded pop-up dialogs and interfaces to a dark theme.
  

[h3]VR Improvements:[/h3]

• Added item information display (name and category icons) when hovering over items in VR.
  
• Improved the realism of player torso movements.
  
• Introduced settings for VR item hover pop-ups and hand visibility (options: hidden, transparent, opaque).
  
• Fixed bugs related to inappropriate item hints, unresponsive books in multiplayer, simultaneous grip and trigger presses, hit indicators passing through portals, disappearing hands in Versus mode.
  
• Enhanced visual effects for item sparkles and added sound for shoulder stashing items.
  
• Added a Halloween ghost character skin.
  
• Ensured correct orientation for player nameplates in multiplayer.
  

[h3]Level Improvements:[/h3]

• "Tutorial": Fixed a visibility issue for VR players when flat version players pick up a book.
  
• "The Underground Lab": Improved item handling to prevent stuck items.
  
• "Leonardo's Workshop": Enhanced the VR paintbrush puzzle experience.
  
• "Decompression Chamber" & "Space Walk": Addressed VR helmet setup issues.
  
• "The Engine Room" (Steampunk DLC): Clarified fire extinguisher usage in VR tutorial.
  
• "Chronomancy Hall" (Magic DLC): Resolved a desync issue with the clock puzzle.
  

We're really happy with how our VR mode is shaping up! Next up, we're shifting our focus to getting the game ready for the Meta standalone. Your feedback means a lot to us, so if you have any cool ideas or suggestions to make the game even better, hit us up at [email protected] or drop us a message on Discord.

-Pine team

Hello Escapists and VR Enthusiasts!

We heard you loud and clear—you wanted visible VR hands, and we've delivered! The VR Hands Update is now live, not only featuring those much-requested VR hands (It's not hand tracking. Other players now see your avatar move hands in multiplayer.) but also packed with over 40 fixes and improvements, all thanks to your feedback.

We've completely remade player models so you can finally see your partner grab objects, solve puzzles, and even high-five (virtually) in celebration.
But that's not all! We've also added a brand new feature for managing your inventory in VR: over-the-shoulder item stashing! Quickly stow away items you're not using for easy access later, all with a natural over-the-shoulder motion.

Here's what the VR Hands Update brings you:

• Visible and Interactive Partner Hands: Witness your co-op teammate's actions in VR for a more collaborative escape experience.
  
• Over-the-Shoulder Item Stashing: Manage your inventory seamlessly with a new, intuitive VR inventory system.
  
• Improved Player Models: We've revamped player models for a more natural and responsive VR experience for both you and your partner.
  
• General Bug Fixes and Optimizations: We've ironed out some wrinkles to ensure a smooth VR escape for everyone.
  
• Check the full changelog at the bottom of this article. It's HUUUGEEE!
  

Ready to escape together in full view? Grab your partner and dive into Escape Simulator's VR Hands Update!

Oh, btw, just one more thing! There is a new Build-a-Room Competition on the horizon, and it's coming next week! So, stay tuned for more news!

[h2]Important announcement regarding the Escape Simulator VR Steam Page[/h2]

To avoid any confusion in the future, we've decided to remove the Escape Simulator VR product page, so all discussions related to VR will be held in one place; in the Escape Simulator discussion boards.

[h2]Got questions? We have answers![/h2]

Head here to find a small FAQ that hopefully answers all your questions. Have more inquiries? Ask away on the Escape Simulator forum or our Discord!

[h2]VR Improvements:
[/h2]

• Player characters now feature realistic head and hand movements and are fully integrated into multiplayer settings.
  
• Introducing a novel inventory addition method: simply hover and release items over your shoulder to store them.
  
• New movement option "Smooth With Turn" allows seamless movement and turning with a single thumbstick.
  
• For a more immersive experience, we've added the "Off" movement option, which disables thumbstick navigation.
  
• You can now customize the thumbstick deadzone under VR settings (VR -> Other -> Thumbstick Deadzone).
  
• Movement settings are now individually adjustable for each hand.
  
• Celebrate your victories with a dynamic confetti effect that surrounds you upon completing a level.
  
• Witness a visual "poof" effect when players add items to their inventory in multiplayer.
  
• Enhanced Room Editor now offers improved control over VR item sparkles, with settings for "Automatic," "Enabled," and "Disabled."
  
• Tools such as fire extinguishers, wands, and revolvers have been upgraded to project effects in the direction they face.
  
• Hands remain visible and turn transparent when holding items, enhancing realism.
  
• We’ve removed obstructions caused by trigger colliders to the raycast hit indicator.
  
• Simplified the toggling between snap and smooth turning in the settings menu.
  
• Added a new tutorial step to guide you through changing settings anytime via the in-game menu.
  
• Smooth transitions between game and in-game menu with newly integrated post-processing effects.
  
• Fixed several bugs including issues with the level loading spinner, teleport marker visibility, and performance hiccups in community levels due to excessive colliders.
  

[h2]Level Fixes:[/h2]

• Tutorial: Resolved an issue allowing players to access items from a locked chest in VR.
  
• Emergency Awakening: Enabled the collection of flying glass pieces.
  
• Hallway Accident: Addressed a glitch where the cable part could become stuck and uncollectible.
  
• Space Walk: Corrected a problem allowing item retrieval from sealed containers in VR.
  
• Chamber of Dead:
  
• Corrected the scaling issue with the slot, preventing the ball ghost from appearing egg-shaped.
  
• Improved the accessibility of the crowbar in VR to prevent unintended easy grabbing.
  
• Gold Chamber: Enhanced the interaction with the pickaxe to avoid unintentional easy grabbing in VR.
  
• Metaverse: Fixed a VR issue where players would not correctly spawn in metaverse rooms upon loading.
  
• Versus (Beginner and Expert): Eliminated an unwanted VR vignette effect visible in the final room.
  
• Among Us (DLC): Resolved a difficulty with activating the hint box, particularly in VR.
  
• The Engine Room (Steampunk DLC): Clarified the use of the fire extinguisher in VR instructions.
  
• The Helm Room (Steampunk DLC):
  
• Resolved a glitch where VR night goggles effects incorrectly applied to the in-game menu.
  
• Improved the readability of the note gear in VR.
  
• Fixed an issue with placing an opened container in the mailing tube in VR.
  
• Magic Shop (Magic DLC):
  
• Addressed a coloring issue with hints appearing pink.
  
• Fixed the orientation issue with the eye book in VR.
  
• The Saloon (Wild West DLC): Improved the readability of the deadbeat note in VR.
  
• Chronomancy Hall (Magic DLC): Enhanced the usability of turnables and slidables in VR.
  
• Potions Garden (Magic DLC): Fixed a VR-specific bug affecting player movement when carrying ladders.
  

-Pine team

Hey adventurers,
we're back with another round of fixes and improvements! VR Update Hotfix #2 focuses on enhancing both the general and VR gameplay experience.

What’s New:
[h2]General Fixes:[/h2]

• No more freezing when picking up certain items.
  
• VR and flat players can now co-play in all community rooms.
  
• New default step sound for community rooms.
  

[h2]VR-Specific Fixes:[/h2]

• Completed levels now save correctly.
  
• Closing zooms in VR is now a click away.
  
• Level complete UI has a new "Stay" button.
  
• Fixed level complete UI spawning issues.
  
• Community room rating now available in VR.
  
• Trigger function refined for better interaction: Trigger no longer grabs item from other hand (only grip does so), rather it is now used for interactions only.
  
• Improved press indicator for VR grip.
  
• Token and community rooms beta popups are more readable.
  

[h2]Level Adjustments:[/h2]

• 'Emergency Awakening': Fixed disappearing zoomable in multiplayer.
  
• 'The Greenhouse' (Steampunk DLC): Enhanced turnable interaction.
  
• 'The Jail' (Wild West DLC): Fixed the VR bug with the picture on the table.
  
• 'Divination Towers' (Magic DLC): Fixed table turnable snapping issue.(could be set in-between 2 towers)
  

We're committed to making your gaming experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Keep the feedback coming, and let's keep the game great together!

Pine team