Gijs Geers

DarkPark

Gijs Geers is the visionary founder and lead designer behind DarkPark. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Gijs has been at the forefront of the escape room industry for over a decade. His innovative approach and dedication to creating immersive experiences have earned DarkPark numerous international awards and accolades, including 15 Terpeca Awards.

As a designer, Gijs excels in weaving intricate narratives with challenging puzzles, ensuring that each game is not only a test of wit but also a deeply engaging story. His ability to craft environments that feel both authentic and fantastical transports players into entirely new worlds, where they become the heroes of their own adventure.

Gijs’s commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of DarkPark’s games, from the meticulously designed sets to the clever and original puzzles. His work has set a high standard in the escape room industry, inspiring countless other designers and providing unforgettable experiences for players around the globe.

Whether you are a seasoned escape room enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, experiencing a game designed by Gijs Geers is an adventure you will not soon forget. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of what an escape room can be ensures that DarkPark remains at the cutting edge of immersive entertainment.

Upcoming Sessions

Reality Escape Pod Live

Welcome to The Reality Escape Pod, your lifeline when you need a getaway from the real world… except for tonight, because this podcast episode is recording live on stage in front of an audience. In every episode, hosts David Spira & Peih-Gee Law explore immersive gaming from all angles with a unique blend of curiosity, joy, and a deep appreciation of craft. Their interviews explore a guest creator’s philosophy, design approach, and humanity.

Tonight’s REPOD Live guest is Gijs Geers, CEO and Head of Design at DarkPark in The Netherlands. DarkPark tells stories masterfully, blending atmosphere, narrative, and puzzles to create haunting experiences.

Past Sessions

RECON 20
Owning an Escape Room in 2020

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Gijs' headshot framed in a golden art deco RECON frame.

He / Him

CEO & Head of Design

Delft, Netherlands

Hotel & Venue

Sheraton Laval Hotel
2440 Laurentian Autoroute, Laval, Quebec H7T 1X5, Canada

Limited Space

A limited number of discounted hotel rooms are available at the RECON 26 hotel and venue, the Sheraton Laval Hotel.

Our block of rooms on-site at The Sheraton Laval Hotel is SOLD OUT.

Luckily, we have secured a second, smaller block of rooms at Le St-Martin Hôtel & Suites. This is a 5-minute drive away from the RECON venue. If you missed out on the original room block, Le St-Martin Hôtel & Suites is our choice among the many hotels in the area. They are providing a special RECON rate of $209 CAD per night (plus taxes) that includes breakfast, wifi, and parking.

How to Book

  1. Go to the hotel website
  2. Click “English” on the top navigation menu (to make this easier)
  3. Click “Book now”
  4. Click on “Add Code”
  5. Click on the words “Discount Code” (which is a drop down menu)
  6. Click on “Group Attendee”
  7. Paste this code: 2608ROOMES
  8. Continue with selecting the dates of your stay.

You can also call the Reservations Manager Kayla’s direct line (450) 902-3007 and mention the Room Escape Artist group. If you are looking to extend your stay longer than 3 days, call Kayla, and she will honor the group rate if possible, depending on the dates of your stay.

Note that even if you stay off-site, you can park at The Sheraton Laval Hotel for free.