Where did the idea to use Caught come from?
Marcel Benedictus: We’ve been organizing company outings and team activities for over 36 years and have been active with interactive games for more than 20 years. We once started in the WAP era — with those very first mobile phones that were super trendy at the time. As technology evolved, we began looking for a flexible platform that would allow us to build our own games and unleash our creativity. After a search of over a year, we found Caught — it matched our needs perfectly.
What kinds of experiences have you developed with Caught?
We’ve developed various city escape games, like the Rembrandt Game and the Pilgrim Game in Leiden, where participants discover historical sites and complete missions. We also offer outdoor programs in the Ardennes and games on the water, such as the Sloepen Game and Sail Game. Using the app, teams search for locations, complete tasks, and earn points — all while working together in a beautiful setting.
Why Caught specifically? What makes it so special?
Two things. First: reliability. The app just works. Customers need to trust that technology won’t disrupt the game — and with Caught, it doesn’t. Second: creative freedom. We can completely control the look and feel of a game. We can even implement client-specific assignments, change texts and images — all independently via the backend. That flexibility is incredibly valuable to us.
What’s your favorite feature of Caught?
The combination of frontend and backend. We can see exactly where teams are during the game. That provides peace of mind and a sense of safety — for us and our clients. Plus, real-time scores are visible, you can show other teams, and we can plan and adjust scenarios live. For example: if the weather turns bad, we can shorten the game. That flexibility really makes the difference.
Do you use Caught for indoor games too?
Definitely. During the COVID period, we were able to convert our outdoor escape games into indoor versions within a week. With QR codes, Zoom/Teams, and links to our website, we were able to run full games online. We also developed an onboarding game where new employees learn about the company by exploring the building — all managed through the backend of Caught.
What do your clients say about Caught?
We always hear that clients are positively surprised. About the quality of the app, the creativity of the challenges, and most importantly: that everything just works. Apparently, that’s not always the case with other platforms. We hear those comparisons often. And if something does happen, Mark and Luuk are always directly reachable and think along with us. That open communication is very valuable to us.
Has Caught changed much since the beginning?
Yes and no. The essence is still the same: building your own programs with building blocks. But a lot of features have been added — like augmented reality, photo and video challenges, and other tech innovations. That helps us stay up to date and prepared for the future.
What are your plans with Caught for the future?
We develop at least one new game every year. We enjoy it, and it keeps us sharp. We also want to focus more on the consumer market. Soon, people will be able to easily book a game via the online shop — 24/7, without requests or intermediaries. Whether you want to explore Leiden with friends or play on the water in Friesland with your family — with Caught, it’s all possible. The possibilities are endless.
