The Tomb Raider Experience in Seattle has been open for a few weeks, and we recently had the opportunity to visit and play through the Escape from the Temple of Fire, as well as speak with Creative Director Seth Wolfson about creating this unique experience!

Q: What sparked your interest in creating a Tomb Raider Experience in the first place?

Seth: Tomb Raider was made to be an escape room! In 2016 we joked that it would be great if we could do one but never expected to have the chance. Then during the pandemic, I coincidentally bought all the new games to play, since I wanted the action/adventure [and] puzzle aspect. So, when I got the call from Crystal Dynamics, I jumped at the chance. It is an incredible honor to be asked to build this attraction.

Q: What were some of the most important elements you wanted to include for players?

Seth: For us, it was the mix of puzzles, a story based on a real legend, the physical activity that works within the world, and also making the space fully accessible for all players. And of course, Lara Croft and the other characters. Lauren Santana, who voiced our Lara, is just amazing, Phia.Cos as our Lara Silhouette, Yuri Lowenthal as Dr. Fisher and Bryan Krasner as his henchman, all directed by Ben Rock, really brought the whole universe to our Seattle space.

Q: What was the most difficult prop/mechanic to create?

Seth: I think it was the finale, which is has so many moving parts, videos, sound, lighting effects and more. But the build team at Attraction Solutions LLC brought all the tech to life and to Theme Park quality. We are so proud of our design and build team, each person brought the attraction to life and without them it could not exist. Also, our amazing actors who play "Alex," the guide who takes guests through the experience, really make this something special.

Thanks so much to Seth and Hourglass Escapes for hosting us! If you want to experience Escape from the Temple of Fire yourself, you can find more information at the official site, and tickets are available here.

Collaborations

The Tomb Raider Experience Seattle: Escape from the Temple of Fire