After exploring The Grail and testing teamwork at Prison Island, the PlayQuest adventure in Prague continued with a thrilling outdoor escape room: Mystery City – The Astronomer’s Treasure, organised by MindMaze Prague. This scavenger hunt transformed the historic streets of the Old Town into a living puzzle, blending history, adventure, and teamwork into one unforgettable experience.
What Is MindMaze Mystery City?
MindMaze’s Mystery City games are outdoor escape rooms where players solve riddles, follow ancient maps, and use physical props to uncover hidden stories. Unlike app-based scavenger hunts, everything happens face-to-face with real tools: treasure maps, locked boxes, and coded messages. The Astronomer’s Treasure challenged participants to track down the hidden work of an Imperial Astronomer before it fell into the wrong hands. Along the way, teams explored Prague’s landmarks, learned fascinating history, and put their problem-solving skills to the test.
The GameOn PlayQuest Experience
All 20 PlayQuest participants – 10 from Malta and 10 from Czechia – met in the city centre and were briefed by the MindMaze staff. They were split into three mixed teams and handed “adventure backpacks” containing maps, puzzle books, and mysterious objects that would guide their journey.
The hunt lasted about two and a half hours and took teams across Old Town Square and its surrounding streets. Together they:
- Solved cryptic clues hidden in architecture and monuments.
- Practiced logic, observation, and fast thinking under pressure.
- Communicated ideas clearly and learned to compromise.
- Discovered how different minds bring different solutions.
- Bonded as groups through laughter, energy, and shared achievement.
As one participant summed it up: “It was a cultural game, a chance to get to know Prague in a new way while working as one team.”
What Participants Thought
Feedback collected after the activity highlights just how impactful the experience was. Many participants described feeling excited, challenged, and curious. They recognised practicing vital skills such as teamwork, active listening, time management, and creative problem-solving.
Several noted that the activity pushed them to appreciate cultural heritage in a fun and interactive way. One reflection said it could “help young people and tourists explore a city’s history while building stronger social connections.” Others pointed out that it tackled issues like lack of safe activities for teens, stress relief, and even cultural awareness.
When asked about social entrepreneurship potential, participants saw clear opportunities. Suggestions included adapting the concept to Maltese cities like Valletta or Mdina, offering discounted access for schools and disadvantaged groups, or adding missions that promote local culture and inclusion.
Linking Fun and Learning
Like every PlayQuest activity, the scavenger hunt ended with participants filling in an assessment form. This encouraged them to reflect not only on what skills they had practiced, but also to think as entrepreneurs about how such a business could work in their own communities.
By blending history, puzzles, and teamwork, MindMaze’s Mystery City showed participants that games can be more than entertainment; they can inspire social connection, education, and even entrepreneurial ideas.
What’s Next?
The PlayQuest journey in Prague doesn’t stop here. After the thrills of The Grail, Prison Island, and The Astronomer’s Treasure, more exciting activities followed – each one pushing creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurial thinking even further.
Next stop in the PlayQuest series: A visit to Albi headquarters – the leading Czech board game developers!
