Escape the Cabin of the Cackling Man: How M.A.G.E. Brings Mystery to Life

Conventions are supposed to be a little chaotic—that’s half the fun. Panels, cosplay contests, concerts, dances, vendor halls, random encounters with your new best friend in line for ramen—it’s all part of the swirl. But sometimes you want something different, a challenge that isn’t just “can I stay awake through this 2 a.m. rave” or “how do I carry this six-foot plush without knocking someone’s sword off their back.”

That’s where the escape room at M.A.G.E. 2025 (October 31 – November 2 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis) comes in. This year’s theme—“Escape the Cabin of the Cackling Man”—is creepy, clever, and pure nerd gold. Imagine retro video game lore colliding with occult horror, sprinkled with just enough urban legend vibes to make you glance over your shoulder on the walk back to your hotel room. You and your team stumble into a run-down cabin in the woods, discover some very dead “gamers past,” and realize something’s lurking in the shadows. The clock’s ticking. Solve the puzzles, decode the cursed game’s secrets, or become the next group of unfortunate souls added to the Cackling Man’s highlight reel.

Sounds intense, right? That’s because it is—but in the best possible way.

The Escape Room Experience

First, what makes this escape room different from the random mall versions you may have tried is that it’s built for fandom culture. The puzzles lean into gaming tropes, horror stories that sound like they could’ve been ripped from old creepypasta threads, and nostalgic nods to 80s gaming weirdness. Instead of generic “find the code to unlock the box,” you might be piecing together a corrupted controller layout, spotting hidden references in pixel art, or deciphering a ritual that feels like it came out of a lost NES manual.

The challenge level is layered. Newbies won’t feel crushed under impossible riddles, but veterans who’ve cleared their fair share of escape rooms won’t coast, either. The design mixes logical problem-solving with teamwork-heavy tasks—you might need one person reading clues while another tests switches or keeps track of a creepy countdown soundtrack. (Pro tip: designate a “note-taker” early. The team that remembers details is the team that wins.)

Time-wise, the session moves fast. You’ll probably get 30–60 minutes depending on your group’s progress, and it’ll fly by in a blur of frantic ideas and “wait, wait, try this!” moments.

Tips for Teams, Solos, and Families

If you’re coming with friends, you’ll want a balance of personalities: the puzzle-cruncher, the detail-spotter, the optimist who keeps morale up when the Cackling Man’s laugh track gets under your skin. Too many “leaders” can slow you down.

Solo player? Don’t worry—M.A.G.E. makes sure individual sign-ups get matched with groups. It’s actually a great way to meet people, because nothing bonds strangers faster than panicking over a cursed cartridge.

Families with older kids or teens can totally jump in, though the theme does skew spooky. If your kid is the type who eats horror movies for breakfast, they’ll be fine. If not, maybe stick to the gaming rooms or the Maid Café.

Strategies for First-Timers vs. Veterans

• First-timers: Don’t freeze up. Everything in the room is there for a reason, even if it looks like junk. Talk constantly, because saying “I found a weird symbol on this thing” out loud might spark an idea in someone else.

• Veterans: Resist the urge to speedrun alone. These rooms are built to reward group problem-solving. If you hog the puzzles, you’ll miss clues others could’ve spotted.

• Everyone: Keep an eye on the clock, but don’t obsess. Teams that panic-watch the timer usually trip themselves up.

Scheduling Your Escape Without Missing the Rest

The good news is the escape room runs throughout the weekend, so you won’t have to choose between escaping death-by-digital-demon and catching the cosplay contest. The smart play is to book your escape session early in the day or during a programming gap—think late morning, before the afternoon crush of main events, or in the early evening before concerts and dances kick off.

And speaking of everything else—let’s talk about the buffet of chaos that is M.A.G.E. programming. Because if you only did the escape room, you’d miss out on about 90% of what makes this con an annual highlight.

Why M.A.G.E. Is More Than Just Puzzles

M.A.G.E. (formerly MetaCon) isn’t your average “anime-only” gathering. It’s a mash-up of anime, gaming, sci-fi, Renaissance flair, and steampunk weirdness, plus a schedule that doesn’t quit until 2 a.m. or later. That mix makes it feel both accessible for newbies and endlessly entertaining for veterans. Here’s the lay of the land:

Cosplay Contest

This is the arena where dreams, foam armor, and way too many hot glue sticks collide. M.A.G.E.’s cosplay contest isn’t just for applause photos—it’s judged by experienced costumers and broken into categories like performance, craftsmanship, and best in show. Even if you’ve never worn more than a fandom T-shirt, it’s worth watching. You’ll walk out equal parts amazed and inspired (and maybe plotting your first cosplay for 2026).

Vendor Hall & Artist Alley

Bring your wallet and your self-control, because this is where it gets dangerous. The vendor hall is packed with official merch, plushies, figures, comics, and imports. Right next to it, Artist Alley is all about indie creators—prints, pins, handmade crafts, original comics, and commissions. Veteran tip: shop early for one-of-a-kind pieces before they sell out, then swing back Sunday when some vendors cut deals to lighten their load.

Room Parties

M.A.G.E. is one of those cons where the hotel itself becomes part of the event. Approved room parties pop up after dark, giving fans a chance to hang out, make friends, and celebrate without trekking outside. Each one has its own vibe—some laid-back and cozy, others high-energy. Just remember: you’re still in a hotel, so be respectful of neighbors who aren’t here for anime rave energy at 3 a.m.

Musical Events & Late-Night Dances

If the cosplay contest is the heart, the dances are the pulse. Expect concerts that range from nerdy bands to DJs throwing down EDM, plus the Fantasy Ball for something more formal. And yes, the rave goes late—like, “why is it already 2:30 a.m.?” late.

Special Guests

Voice actors, performers, and creators roll into Minneapolis for panels, autographs, and Q&As. Big names like Greg Ayres, Quinton Flynn, Oscar Seung, and others have been announced, and most stick around for the whole weekend. That means multiple chances to catch them, not just one packed session.

Video & Tabletop Gaming

Gamers, you’re covered. The video game room runs almost non-stop with tournaments for fighters, shooters, RPGs, and retro classics. Meanwhile, tabletop gaming brings everything from Catan to life-size versions of classics, plus D&D one-shots that might go until sunrise. Both rooms are excellent places to chill between main events.

Maid Café

Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like: maids and butlers in cosplay serving snacks, playing games, and doting on you like you’re royalty. It’s ticketed separately, so budget for it, but it’s worth it if you want something different from the usual convention chaos.

The Wild World of Fan-Run Panels

One of the best things about M.A.G.E. isn’t just the big-ticket events—it’s the fan-run panels. These are where attendees grab the mic, set up a projector, and share their passions, quirks, and obsessions with anyone curious enough to sit down. Sure, you’ll find the familiar staples like anime trivia throwdowns, cosplay advice sessions, and fanfiction workshops. But the real magic comes from the unpredictability. You never quite know what you’re walking into, and that’s the point.

You could wander into a panel that digs into the nitty-gritty of selling event tickets without losing your sanity (something every con-goer eventually relates to). Or you might sit down for a casual travel chat where the host warns you about tourist scams to avoid when visiting Japan. The next room over? Someone could be geeking out about how virtual reality might change classrooms in the future, while another host breaks down digital marketing strategies that indie creators can actually use.

And because M.A.G.E. leans into all corners of nerd culture, you might find yourself in a DIY crash course on how to make your own video game from scratch, complete with coding tips or art hacks. Or maybe you’ll stumble into a cocktail recipe panel (sometimes with live demos that blur the line between educational and happy hour).

Technology and creativity might collide in these sessions—someone might explore AI technology and what it means for fandom, while another panelist could dive into designing minimalist spaces that don’t feel like a shoebox. Language learning is fair game too; it wouldn’t be surprising to see a beginner’s class on

pop up. And then, just to keep things truly unpredictable, you could discover someone teaching small space gardening tips for apartment dwellers, or running a talk on going vegan without giving up your ramen habit.

The randomness is half the fun. You might join a brainstorming session where attendees trade wild business ideas, or a workshop on optimizing gaming setups so your rig finally feels worthy of a tournament. And if the convention whirlwind has you feeling frazzled, you could easily end up in a chill panel about meditation for stressed-out nerds, which might be exactly what you didn’t know you needed.

That’s the beauty of fan-run panels: they’re driven entirely by what people are passionate about at that moment. You go in expecting “Anime Open Mic” and come out knowing how to grow basil on a balcony, pitch a startup, or shake a surprisingly good mojito. And just as often, you might find yourself in a thoughtful discussion about women’s rights or other social issues, proving that M.A.G.E. panels aren’t just quirky diversions—they can also spark meaningful conversations that stick with you long after the weekend ends.

Ticket Info: Lock Yours In Early

Here’s the simple math: buying your badge early = more money for plushies. A weekend badge is currently $40. Day passes are $30, with Sunday discounted to $15. VIP badges run $150 if you want perks like priority seating and exclusive access.

The event runs October 31 – November 2, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, with rooms at the con hotel discounted to $135/night. That’s a steal compared to downtown’s usual $250+ rates, and staying onsite means you won’t miss out on the late-night events.

Survival Tips for the Weekend

If you want to squeeze every drop of fun out of M.A.G.E. without crashing by Saturday afternoon, a little strategy goes a long way. Let’s start with the basics: hydration and snacks. Yes, the ConSweet will hook you up with free ramen, rice, and soda (a lifesaver when your wallet is crying), but don’t depend on it for all your fuel. Bring a reusable water bottle and stash some quick snacks—protein bars, fruit, or even candy—for those times when you’re running between panels and can’t stop for a full meal. Future you will be grateful when hanger doesn’t ruin your cosplay photos.

When it comes to scheduling, resist the urge to map out every single hour. It’s tempting to color-code your program like you’re planning a military campaign, but conventions thrive on surprises. Mark your absolute must-sees like the cosplay contest, your favorite guest’s panel, maybe the escape room and then leave room for spontaneous adventures. You never know when you’ll get swept into an impromptu karaoke session or stumble across a fan panel about balcony gardening that turns out to be weirdly life-changing.

Shopping-wise, remember that not every vendor in Artist Alley takes cards. Wi-Fi can be spotty, card readers can fail, and nothing’s sadder than falling in love with a one-of-a-kind print only to realize you don’t have cash. Tuck a little emergency stash of bills in your badge holder, just in case. Bonus tip: swing by Artist Alley early for the rare gems, but come back Sunday for possible discounts when creators don’t want to lug their entire stock home.

Footwear might not sound exciting, but it’s secretly the MVP of your weekend. Between the gaming rooms, vendor hall, panels, and late-night dances, you’ll rack up steps like you’re competing in a secret Fitbit tournament. Pack comfortable shoes, and maybe even some blister patches if your cosplay footwear isn’t exactly orthopedic. Your feet will thank you when you’re still standing strong at the rave.

Finally, don’t underestimate downtime. A quick nap back at your hotel room, even just 20 or 30 minutes, can reset your energy levels and keep you from burning out. The difference between enjoying the late-night dance and becoming a sleep-deprived zombie on the dance floor is often just one solid power nap. Con survival isn’t about seeing everything—it’s about having enough gas in the tank to enjoy what you do see.

From Creepy Cabins to Cosplay Contests: M.A.G.E. Awaits!

The escape room is just one piece of M.A.G.E. 2025, but it captures what makes this convention special: interactive, creative, and a little bit chaotic. “Escape the Cabin of the Cackling Man” will test your puzzle-solving skills, push your teamwork, and give you a memory you’ll talk about long after the weekend ends. Pair it with the cosplay contest, vendor hall, fan panels, late-night dances, and everything else on the schedule, and you’ve got a convention that’s impossible to forget.

So grab your friends (or roll in solo and find some new ones), book your badge early, and get ready to survive not just the Cackling Man, but a full weekend of anime-and-gaming madness. Minneapolis won’t know what hit it.