Earlier this month, we playtested Secrets in the Stacks in the wonderful Mortlock Wing of the State Library of South Australia with members of the amazing State Library staff, and it was everything I hoped it would be! Secrets in the Stacks is a hybrid TTRPG and escape room-style mystery game designed specifically to be played in this extraordinary space.
Set in Adelaide in 1899, the game invites players to explore the social and political currents of the era – elements such as access to libraries and education, women’s suffrage, the rise of unionism, and everyday life 19th century South Australia. Playing in the room the game was built for really brought the design to life – there is something truly special about watching a game come alive in its intended environment.
This project began as a research initiative at Adelaide University, supported by a university grant and the generous in-kind partnership of the State Library SA Staff. It is a genuine privilege to work alongside such a talented team including Professor Erik Champion, Claire Chivell and Joshua McLean, as well as special thanks to Patrick Bujega and Claire Wald at the State Library for their support and enthusiasm throughout the project so far!
We are still deep in development, and I cannot wait to share where this goes next!
