Matthew Stein
@steinium.bsky.social
I design puzzle hunts and ARGs. I also write about escape rooms and immersive gaming for Room Escape Artist. imakepuzzles.com
Now published: my mega-review of 20+ English-friendly escape rooms and puzzle games around Japan! roomescapeartist.com/2026/04/19/e...
English-Friendly Escape Rooms in Japan - Room Escape Artist
These games represent a range of intriguing formats, and this piece should serve as a snapshot of the state of Japanese puzzle games in 2025.
roomescapeartist.com
I wrote about the MIT Mystery Hunt again! Did you know @steinium.bsky.social had to rewrite his "Game Changer" themed puzzle since the Dropout minigames he wanted to use for a puzzle were actually used for an ARG? The puzzle is my new favorite time Sam Reich was asked "where are you from, Sam?"
Gotta Catch ‘Em All: The MIT Mystery Hunt as Puzzle-Based Spectacle | ARGNet: Alternate Reality Gaming Network
The 2026 Mystery Hunt's Pokemon-themed hunt featured everything from a Dropout puzzle with Sam Reich to a Hot Ones puzzle with actual hot sauces. But the hunt was at its best with its metapuzzles.
argn.com
It's been 3 months since my deep dive into Japan's remarkable puzzle scene, and I am still in awe of what I experienced there each and every day. This article is just the tip of the iceberg - much more coming soon!
Michael Andersen@mjandersen.bsky.social · 5mo agoI keep going back to @steinium.bsky.social's brilliant article on Japanese puzzle culture.
I made a puzzle tribute to @gamechanger.dropout.tv for the 2026 MIT Mystery Hunt! A giant thank you to @samreich.bsky.social for making this puzzle extra special! 🧩
Cahoots – Bootlegger Breakout [Reaction] High spirits
Cahoots – Bootlegger Breakout [Reaction]
High spirits
roomescapeartist.com
“A groundbreaking demonstration of nuanced emotional narrative in an escape room, The Crumbling Prince explored themes of friendship and grief, impressively developing a deep world in a small space.”
Room Escape Artist@roomescapeartist.bsky.social · 2y agoUkiyo – The Crumbling Prince: Episodes 1 & 2 [Review] Peachy Keen
