In today’s crisis-ridden world, a resilient democracy depends on the active participation of its citizens. However, young people in particular often feel alienated from political processes or do not know how to get involved effectively at the local level. The Escape Demos project addresses this challenge with a creative approach: a mobile escape room translates abstract local politics into a hands-on, cooperative experience. The aim is to offer low-threshold political education where young people spend their free time.

The scenario: A dystopia
The story is set in the near future, when automated administration in Würzburg is to be taken over by an artificial intelligence called “Demos.” Since the AI’s training data has been manipulated, it threatens to abolish democratic achievements and youth projects.
The game group has 20 minutes to solve a series of puzzles together and press the emergency stop button before the AI is fully installed.

Game mechanics and learning content
To achieve the goal, four parallel puzzle strands must be solved. Each strand represents a real form of political participation and conveys how it works in a playful way:
• City council work: When reviewing real city council files adapted for the game, players encounter terms such as “committees” for the first time and thus gain an initial impression of committee work.
• Citizens’ initiative: A puzzle about a fictional citizens’ initiative can only be solved through communication and teamwork.
• Online participation: Via a digital interface, the group learns that they can write an email to the mayor with their concerns.
• Referendum: A ballot box serves as a physical puzzle in which the active submission of “no votes” (symbolized by water) leads to the solution.

Design and mobility
The game comes directly to the target group. All of the equipment fits into the box of a cargo bike (Musketier model) and can therefore be used flexibly in public spaces. The accompanying furniture is designed as a simple wooden plug-in system that can be quickly assembled and disassembled without tools.
Objective: From game to reality

Goal: From game to reality
Escape Demos aims to strengthen the feeling of self-efficacy. The experience of averting a crisis together serves as an impetus for real engagement. Through its connection to the Stadtjugendring (City Youth Council), the playful introduction is directly linked to existing participation structures. In this way, an abstract political concept is transformed into concrete action competence.