Call the Backup League.

A superhero-headquarters micro escape game where the support crew does the saving and every puzzle puts a real decision-making skill to work.

Created by Pamela Gutman for Design for Engagement & Impact: Escape-Room-Style Learning Tied to Real Performance Tasks.

Open H.E.L.P.E.R. console Explore session resources

Mission briefing

The heroes are trapped. The systems are failing.

During a containment accident, the Vanguard became trapped in an unstable field. H.E.L.P.E.R., the headquarters assistant, is still operational but malfunctioning. The support crew must restore the remote rescue system before the Vanguard can be released. No one should enter the containment field.

The challenge has three parallel missions. Teams may divide the work, combine their discoveries, and use the resulting constellation fragments to activate the final containment override.

Three missions • Three performance skills

The mechanics serve the learning.

Memory Meltdown

Separate dangerous incidents from distracting noise, then prioritize the response.

Prioritize information

Gadget Graveyard

Calibrate an emergency generator while balancing multiple operational constraints.

Decide under constraints

Academy Confidential

Find hidden evidence, question apparently reassuring signals, and make a safety call.

Identify risk

For players

Restore the Vanguard.

Have your five-symbol constellation sequence ready? Open H.E.L.P.E.R.'s override console and submit the rescue command.

Launch the finale ↗

For learning designers

Take the method home.

Explore the design approach, a printable planning canvas, and references you can use to build your own performance-focused challenge.

View session resources ↗

Keep the conversation going

What would your Backup League tackle?

I'd love to hear how you're adapting puzzles for your learners, or what unexpected discoveries your own playtests uncover. You can find more of my work and ways to connect through my portfolio.

Explore Pamela's portfolio ↗

Contact Pamela ↗