Welcome to our 7th annual District Hunt

Welcome to our 7th Annual District Hunt! We’re excited for you, your family, your friends, and your co-workers to join us for this year's puzzle adventure!

Each year, we design our game around a different theme built into the physical and cultural landscape of Washington DC. In 2025, our focus is on Information. Previous themes covered Women's History (2019), Mental Health (2020), Climate/Environment (2021), Literacy (2022), Food/Housing (2023), and Arts/Culture (2024).

Play at your own pace or race against other teams during this 48-hour event. Each ticket accommodates up to 8 players...

Burying the Lede - Every 25 years, symbolic objects are chosen to represent the culture of Washington, DC. Reports about this ritual also suspect a connected treasure, which has been quietly protected for centuries by a trusted network of individuals. But in 2025, something’s changed. With misinformation on the rise, the protectors are wary of whom to trust and have called for help. Teams are invited to demonstrate whether they are worthy of carrying the torch and preserving history.

Sponsors: Spur Local, Keegan Theatre, JaM Strategies, Link Strategic Partners, Labyrinth
Partners: Archaeology in the Community, Miriam's Kitchen, DC History Center, TranspoBingo
Media: Room Escape Artist

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Thank you to our nonprofit partners and local sponsors. Their dedication to making the DC region a better place inspires us to create fun events like the District Hunt. If you're interested in supporting the 2025 hunt, please reach out to peter@gamegenius.org

There will be 3 tiers of prizes:

Grand Prize: Local Experiences
Top Prizes: Game Products & Services
Fun Prizes: Swag and Small Items

Who can sign up? - Everyone! The District Hunt is open to any individual or team who wants to play.
How much does it cost to play? - Take advantage of our Early Bird Special! Sign up by July 1, and register your team for $50. After July 1, regular tickets cost $100/team. Teams accommodate up to 8 players. Individuals can also sign up and find teammates at our virtual social on October 3.
When is the deadline to sign up? - Registration remains open until the event begins on October 4th.
Where does the event start? - On Friday, October 3, we will release a first clue online. The event then runs for the entire weekend, starting with the kickoff at Keegan Theatre. Check in for this year's game will be limited to a 4 hour window on Saturday, October 4 between 10:30am and 2:30pm. The opening level will not be playable after 5pm. Other levels are available all weekend.
What are the geographic boundaries of this event? - Our design team plans to build entirely within the DC diamond. There might be clue references about the Greater Washington region (DC, MD, VA), but players will only need to travel within the District.
How does the event work? - Part of this is a secret, but what we can tell you is that teams will progress through clues using physical materials and a smartphone. We plan to offer the experience in person (physical adventure), with some pieces completable from home.
How long will the hunt take? - This mostly depends on your ability to solve the puzzles and navigate the city. Our goal is to offer several checkpoints that encourage players to determine an appropriate time to stop. Each checkpoint will represent a step up in difficulty. Players are welcome to break up the game over both days or try to finish in a specific time window. We'll design for the 1st level to take about 30-45 minutes and the 2nd level to run 60-120 minutes. The final level is harder to estimate, but ranges between 60 and 180 minutes.
What do I need to participate? - For puzzle materials, we suggest bringing a smart phone and charging cable/device, along with pencil and paper to take notes. For the experience, we encourage players to plan accordingly around the weather and wear comfortable clothes/shoes for adventuring around a city. For transportation, we will design around what is safe and accessible for players. We will try to avoid advantaging those who have access to personal vehicles.
Who designed the puzzles? - A small team of Game Genius staff and local volunteers. We're always looking for more designers, if you're interested! Email us at: info@gamegenius.org
What age is this game appropriate for? - Our goal is to make it accessible for everyone by offering levels of the experience and a text hotline for clues. Early puzzles should by approachable by younger players with the right guidance. Later puzzles are longer and trickier, which are typically enjoyed more by adults who want a challenge.
Do I need to have experience solving puzzles? - You don't need previous experience, but it can help identify familiar patterns or logic flows. Puzzles come in many different flavors, and we'll provide hints along the way.
Can I complete the hunt alone? - Yes! It might be a daunting task and we always suggest playing with others, but there are no puzzles that require more than 1 person to solve it.
Can I invite a lot of people to play with me? - Yes, but we recommend 2-5 players. Also remember that 1 team ticket represents up to 8 players. If there are more than 8 people, please acquire another ticket.
How does the District Hunt support the community? - Each year's puzzle story is designed with local nonprofits and other organizations. See above for the list of partners.
How can I sponsor or partner with the District Hunt? - We welcome partners and sponsors that align with the arts event theme in some way. As a small organization and volunteer committee, both monetary and in-kind support is very useful. We plan to grow this event every year, and we look forward to building a strong relationship. Please send an email to info@gamegenius.org for more information.
How are you planning around COVID-19 and other seasonal illnesses? - Game Genius will follow up-to-date CDC recommendations to offer this year's hunt in a safe manner. Game Genius can't control what everyone will do in public, so we ask that you make the best judgment for you and your loved ones.
Can I donate to Game Genius and are donations tax-deductible? - Yes and yes! Game Genius is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Any level of support is much appreciated. Click here to get started.

2025 District Hunt

Burying the Lede