Alterface, a leader in interactive technology, is celebrating the launch of the Dämonen Gruft (Demon’s Crypt) compact dark ride at Heide Park Resort, the biggest theme park in northern Germany.
The attraction was produced by Alterface for Merlin Entertainments and takes visitors on an immersive adventure into a dangerous netherworld.
International collaborations
Dämonen Gruft is set in “ancient catacombs discovered during excavations”, a location accompanied by mysterious secrets, stories of disappearances, and ominous warnings.
Stéphane Battaille, CEO of Alterface, says: “Merlin Entertainments called upon Alterface to oversee the production of the show and ensure every detail—from lighting and sound to media and special effects—was flawlessly synchronized. Collaborating closely with Merlin on art direction, we brought their vision to life by recruiting the perfect team to realize the frightening promise of Demon’s Crypt.”
Alterface collaborated with both new and seasoned partners from all around the world on the project.
This included two Belgian companies: 400 Coups, which was in charge of media production, and Oddities, which helped bring the idea to life and offered crucial art direction support. The audio production was overseen by Andy Garfield of Pachinko Media in the US, while show control and technical design were handled by JP Show Systems in the UK. Merlin Entertainments hired Preston & Barbieri from Italy to supply the ride system, and TAA Group from Spain to deliver the theming.
Battaille comments: “Demon’s Crypt wasn’t a solo endeavor—it was all thanks to our incredible team. Each member brought their unique expertise and dedication, making this project a smooth and enjoyable collaboration that was essential to the ride’s success. And of course, it all began with a great design by and the full support of Merlin Entertainments’ creative lead – new products and concepts, Liz Cummings, and her team.”
Spectacular effects
Demon’s Crypt’s story, spectacular effects, media, and no small amount of fear, are all contained in a compact footprint of 380 square meters. The seven-scene, 3:30 minute journey can accommodate up to 480 riders every hour, with eight cars transporting four passengers each.
Etienne Sainton, Alterface’s producer for the attraction, says: “Special effects include scent, temperature, theatrical and SFX lighting, smoke, water spritz and CO2 sprays. Given the tight time frame, we knew we had to find highly qualified partners to realize the many conceptual and technical aspects of the project.”
This was Oddities’ first dark ride, and it was able to take full advantage of the project thanks to creative freedom from Merlin Entertainment and support from Alterface.
Taddéus Fraylich, artistic director at Oddities, explains: “Everyone worked together. The team produced something we believe will serve as a cornerstone for Alterface and Merlin in the field of dark rides/ghost trains. We hope this was the first of many projects with Alterface!”
Sainton describes the opening scene: “Unlike most loading stations, which are often utilitarian, with Demon’s Crypt boarding is the initial scene for Demon’s Crypt. It puts guests into the vehicles and the story right at the beginning. From the start it is scary—scarier than other dark rides you can find in theme parks.”
Scene five, “Feast for the Souls,” is a highlight of the experience and combines many of the attraction’s effects into a single terrifying encounter. Katleen Abraham, production designer at Oddities, says: “A Pepper’s Ghost scrim, video, scents, water jets, immersive sound, and lighting perfectly envelop the video content and theming. It’s an immersive scene that finally reveals the demonic creature that will chase the riders until the end.”
Alterface collaborates with qualified vendors to design and create immersive guest experiences and also offers turn-key solutions. Battaille concludes: “Whether done in-house or in combination with other firms, our efforts are always driven by the client and the story. Demon’s Crypt shows how great teamwork can result in an amazing attraction. I can’t wait to see how people respond to this crazy, scary ride!”
Alterface recently revealed that the first Action League interactive thrill ride in China is set to launch in Suzhou in May this year. This milestone opening shows how the Action League Compact Edition enables family entertainment centres (FECs) and shopping malls to offer visitors highly interactive and competitive ride experiences.
