Written by: Makayla Richardson

From Excape Rooms to Theme Park Dreams

Jarod Jones isn’t just building escape rooms—he’s laying the groundwork for what he hopes will one day be the biggest theme park in Florida. As the founder of Gamers Excape, Jarod has already established a successful footprint in Tampa. Now, he’s bringing that vision to Gainesville, opening a brand-new location at 620 NW 16th Avenue, set to launch this August.

A Fantasy World Inspired by Anime 

For Jarod, this isn’t just a business venture. It’s the first step toward something bigger. “The ultimate goal of Gamers Excape is to build an amusement park,” he says. “Imagine stepping out of your daily life and into a fully immersive fantasy world.” His vision is heavily inspired by the anime genre known as “Isekai,” where ordinary people are transported to magical worlds and gifted extraordinary powers. “That’s what I want Gamers Excape to feel like—like you just got transported into a whole new reality.”

Taking Over and Leveling Up 

Jarod’s journey with Gamers Excape began in Tampa, where he took over an old escape room business whose owners had lost interest. “They were ready to let it go, and I just stepped in,” he recalls. After negotiating with the landlord, Jarod signed a new lease and breathed fresh life into the space with upgraded rooms and a clear vision. “We knew the changes we needed to make, and it worked. It’s been thriving ever since.”

From Employee to Entrepreneur 

But Jarod’s involvement with the escape room world started long before that. He’d worked for the previous owners off and on since he was 18. All the while, he was dreaming, watching videos, and figuring out how to build something greater. Now 24, Jarod leads a young, passionate team of seven who each bring unique talents to the table—from social media and design to game mastering and set construction.

“We don’t have mortgages or kids, so we’re all in,” he laughs. “It’s a lot of work, but it doesn’t feel like work when you love it.”

Why Gainesville?

 His move to Gainesville was both personal and strategic. His fiancée attends law school at the University of Florida, and Gainesville’s openness to new business sealed the deal. “I knew we’d do well here. I already had reviews from working at the original Tampa location, and I wanted to bring that experience here. Gainesville felt like the right next step.”

Scaling Up: From 2,000 to 13,000 Square Feet

 The new Gainesville location spans 13,000 square feet—a massive leap from the 2,000-square-foot Tampa venue. Jarod and his team had to navigate zoning changes, renovations, and permitting to bring the project to life. “We learned how to build things by hand. We learned how to inspire a team. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.”

Excape Rooms Like You’ve Never Seen 

Come August, visitors can expect a lineup of immersive, high-energy escape rooms designed to feel more like interactive theater than simple puzzles. Some of the fan favorites include:

• Jailbreak: Where a live actor plays the warden, and players must hide their escape tools whenever he enters the room.
• The Back Rooms: A creepy, endless maze with unexpected surprises.
• Lost Woods: A pitch-black challenge where something mysterious lurks within.
• Taken: A suspenseful storyline that pulls players into a high-stakes rescue.

In addition to escape rooms, Gamers Excape will also be offering rage rooms, axe throwing, and splatter rooms, expanding the immersive experience even further.

Selling the Experience 

Jarod emphasizes that the magic lies in the experience, not just the props. “Anyone can buy a $5,000 antique clock, but not everyone can create an atmosphere where you actually feel like you’re in jail. That’s the difference—our game masters sell the experience.”

Becoming Part of the Gainesville Community 

He’s also focused on becoming part of the Gainesville community. Jarod hopes to partner with local schools, community groups, and possibly even law enforcement to offer educational and team-building experiences.

Fueled by passion and creativity

What keeps him going through the endless hours and challenges? “It takes a village,” he says. “Everyone here puts in a crazy amount of work to make these rooms real. The creativity it takes is more than most people imagine. But we’re all in.”

Game Master Over Props

 The most important part of an escape room, according to Jarod, isn’t the fancy tech—it’s the game master. “If the room is great, even better. But it’s the game master who really sells it. If I’m playing the warden, you’re in a full jumpsuit. You’re not just playing—you’re living it.”

If You Had to Be Trapped… 

When asked which room he’d want to be trapped in, he laughs. “Definitely Jailbreak. The others are too scary—there are monsters in the woods and a killer in Taken. Jailbreak is the safest bet.”

With 500+ reviews, a fast-growing following, and a team that treats the business like their life’s work, Gamers Excape is more than an escape room. It’s a launchpad for a universe Jarod Jones is creating from scratch—one lock, one puzzle, and one fantasy world at a time.

Catch the experience for yourself this August at 620 NW 16th Avenue, Gainesville. Just don’t forget to hide the evidence when the warden walks in.