Find answers to our most commonly asked questions.
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Yes, but it's more than that! Our experiences take the puzzles and the race-against-the-clock excitement from escape rooms, but also add party games, big team challenges and a game-show atmosphere. The big difference is size: up to 24 people play together in one room, all at once, with no splitting up and nobody stuck on the sidelines.
Your whole group enters a high-tech room full of light, sound and special effects, where an AI called SYNERGY 1.0 lies dormant, waiting for a team worthy of operating it. Guided by a dedicated gamesmaster, you'll take on puzzles, communication tasks and active team challenges, all in the same room and all at once. The core game is the same for every group, though we may make small tweaks to suit different types of booking.
Kids take on secret agent training, testing skills like observation, stealth, code-breaking and teamwork as they work towards graduating as fully-fledged spies. The whole group plays together in one room full of lights, sound and effects, guided by a dedicated gamesmaster and our spy-training computer, Spy-Q.
No. Every booking is completely private. We never combine groups, so you'll only be playing with the people you booked with.
No. SYNERGY 1.0 is a fictional AI character and the game doesn't run on a real AI model; it's all designed and simulated for entertainment. Our games are created by our small Edinburgh team, and some AI tools were used during development.
Win or lose, the experience lasts about an hour. We want you to succeed, but the result is down to your team. Your gamesmaster is watching throughout and can give extra help and clues whenever you need them.
Yes. Spy Academy is fully replayable, as it mainly tests spy skills rather than puzzle-solving. Synergy 1.0 can be replayed too and is unlikely to unfold the same way twice, though the story and main activities stay the same. New experiences are on the way: join our mailing list in the website footer to hear first.
Yes. Every group has a dedicated gamesmaster who watches and listens throughout to keep things fun and safe, and who'll step in with help or clues whenever you need them. Depending on the experience, they may also join you in the room at points during the game.
No, never. The room has two emergency exits that can be used at any time, and anyone is free to leave whenever they need to.
Usually, yes. Get in touch and we'll find a time for you to pop in and have a look.
Team Machine is a separate company, but our experiences are designed by the creative team behind Escape The Past, one of Edinburgh's highest-rated escape room companies. We've taken everything we've learned from years of designing award-winning escape rooms and built something new: large-scale team experiences for groups of 8 to 24.
You'll find videos of our experiences throughout this website, and independent reviews on Google and Tripadvisor. For news and offers, follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@team_machine_edinburgh) or join our mailing list in the website footer.
Our current prices are £24 per adult and £19 per child under 16, including VAT. On kids' bookings, up to 4 accompanying adults go free. Optional extras such as party room hire, catering and party bags are priced separately, and quotes for corporate groups are given excluding VAT.
Yes. Up to 24 people can play in a single session (20 children for Spy Academy), and we run back-to-back sessions for bigger groups. While one group plays, the rest can use a meeting room, with catering if you'd like. Get in touch and we'll plan the schedule with you.
Bookings are for a minimum of 8 players, and our games work well for any size from 8 up to 24. If fewer than 8 turn up on the day, we'll do our best to run a reduced version of the experience, but with fewer than 6 we can't run it at all. If your numbers drop, rescheduling with at least 48 hours' notice is usually the better option. There's no minimum spend beyond this.
Yes, for event bookings over £500. We can issue an invoice with 14-day payment terms, as long as payment is received in full no later than 7 working days before your event. Contact us to arrange it.
Prices on our website include VAT. Quotes for corporate and business bookings are generally given excluding VAT, with VAT added to your invoice. We can provide VAT invoices and receipts for your records.
Book and pay online at team-machine.co.uk/book-now. All bookings are paid in full, in advance. We recommend booking as early as you can, as popular dates fill up. For bespoke packages or anything the booking system can't handle, email info@team-machine.co.uk.
For standard bookings, no: a date is only secured once it's paid for in full. For very large groups, corporate events or bespoke packages, we may be able to agree a deposit, with the balance due no later than 7 working days before your event. Not sure of final numbers? Book for the people you know are coming and add more later, subject to availability and room capacities.
Yes. Students get 10% off with code STUDENT10 and Blue Light workers get 10% off with code BLUELIGHT10. Codes need to be applied at checkout and can't be added after you've paid. If you're booking multiple sessions or regular events, ask us about bulk discounts.
Yes. We don't sell them online yet, but get in touch and we'll create one for you. Vouchers are valid for 12 months from purchase, can be used towards eligible bookings and can't be exchanged for cash.
No. There are no booking fees or service charges. Optional extras such as room hire, catering and party bags are priced separately, so you only pay for what you add.
We accept all major credit and debit cards. For corporate event bookings over £500, payment by invoice is also available: get in touch to arrange it.
We're open 7 days a week, by advance booking. If the time you want isn't available online, get in touch. We can sometimes open extra slots or suggest an alternative, and we can occasionally fit in last-minute bookings too.
We aim to reply to all enquiries within 3 business hours.
Because each booking is for a specific date and time, bookings are non-refundable. You can reschedule free of charge by emailing info@team-machine.co.uk at least 48 hours before your start time, subject to availability; with less notice we will be unable to move the booking. Full details are in our terms and conditions, and your statutory rights aren't affected.
Adding people is easy: email info@team-machine.co.uk any time up to the day itself and we'll send a payment link for the difference, subject to space. If fewer people come, you don't need to tell us, but bookings are charged for the numbers booked, so we can't refund unused places. Please keep our minimum of 8 players in mind.
Bookings aren't refundable, but you can move to another date free of charge if you email info@team-machine.co.uk at least 48 hours before your start time. If something exceptional happens closer to the day, contact us as soon as possible and we'll do our best to help.
It's rare, but if we ever need to cancel (for example because of a safety issue or technical fault), we'll give you as much notice as we can and refund everything you paid us for that booking, including any party extras. We can't cover other costs such as travel or accommodation.
6 years old. It's a firm limit set by our insurance, so unfortunately children under 6 can't take part in any of our experiences. Depending on the activity they may still be permitted to spectate. Above that, each experience has a recommended age: 12+ for Synergy 1.0 and 8+ for Spy Academy. Children who are 6 or over but younger than the recommended age can take part at a parent's discretion.
Synergy 1.0 is recommended for adults and teens aged 12+. Children aged 6 to 11 can take part at a parent's discretion, but no one under 6 can take part. Every group needs at least one adult aged 18+, and anyone under 18 must have an adult from their group in the room throughout.
Spy Academy is recommended for ages 8+. Children aged 6 and 7 can take part at a parent's discretion, but no one under 6 can take part. Every group needs at least 2 supervising adults aged 18+, or 3 if there are 16 or more children.
If your group is mostly adults and teenagers, choose Synergy 1.0 (recommended 12+). If it's all children, Spy Academy (recommended 8+) is the better fit, and up to 4 adults can come along free to supervise. Children aged 6 and over can join a family group (at a parent's discretion), and under-18s always need an adult from their group in the room. Not sure? Ask us.
Yes, it's the ultimate icebreaker! Everyone works towards the same goal, in the same room, at the same time, so new teams of colleagues, mixed friendship groups and stag or hen parties get talking straight away.
On Spy Academy bookings, yes: up to 4 adults can come along free to supervise, and it's up to them whether they watch or join in. Synergy 1.0 is designed for everyone to play, so we don't normally allow spectators, but get in touch if someone in your group can't take part and we'll see if we can accommodate them as a spectator. Players can take a break on the benches around the room at any time. If you're hoping to bring a baby or a child under 6 to watch, please contact us first.
Not at all. Our experiences are only as physically active as your group makes them, and there are plenty of ways for everyone to contribute. Multi-generational groups are very welcome. If you suffer from any medical conditions that may affect your participation, we'd suggest discussing this with a doctor before booking.
Yes. Spy Academy is ideal for school trips, youth groups, Scouts, Guides and community organisations, and we operate a full Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. The usual supervision rules apply: at least 2 adults from your organisation (3 for 16 or more children) stay with the group throughout. Get in touch to discuss group rates and requirements.
Our experiences are delivered in English, but they don't involve much reading or language-heavy tasks, so non-native speakers can still have a great time.
It's a mix of puzzles, communication and teamwork, with some physical activity: moving around the room, hands-on challenges and the occasional short dash. Spy Academy involves a bit more moving around than Synergy 1.0, but both are only as energetic as your group makes them. Wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes.
We're fully insured and have a detailed risk assessment covering all our activities. Our staff hold Level 1 Disclosure checks from Disclosure Scotland and are first aid trained, and there's a first aid kit on site. Every session is watched throughout by a dedicated gamesmaster, children are always accompanied by their own supervising adults, the room has two emergency exits, and you're never locked in.
It has moments of mild tension and threat, along with darkness, lighting effects and some moderately loud sound effects (within safe limits). It's exciting rather than frightening, it takes place in a large room and you're never locked in. If anyone in your group has concerns, let us know before your visit; we can often adapt the experience.
Spy Academy is designed to be exciting rather than scary. There are no sudden loud noises, though there's atmospheric music, lighting and sound effects throughout. If your child is sensitive to noise or light, get in touch before your visit; we can often adapt the experience.
Our usual entrance is a single flight of exterior stone steps, but we can provide level access if you let us know in advance. Please email info@team-machine.co.uk before your visit. There's an accessible toilet on site.
Yes. Our experiences test lots of different skills and are only as physical as your group makes them, so there are plenty of ways for everyone to contribute, even if one or two activities aren't fully accessible. Please tell us about any access requirements when you book so we can plan reasonable adjustments, as we can't always guarantee them without notice.
The experiences may include flashing (non-strobing) lights, darkness, eye-safe lasers, loud sound effects and non-toxic smoke, so we don't recommend them for anyone with photosensitive epilepsy. If you have a heart, respiratory or balance condition, a recent injury or another medical concern, please check with your doctor before booking. Contact us if you'd like more detail on what's involved.
As the experience involves some physical activity, we don't recommend it during the second or third trimester, out of an abundance of caution. Earlier in pregnancy, please consider whether it's right for you and check with your midwife or doctor if you're unsure.
Many of our activities suit neurodivergent players really well, and we can often adapt lighting and sound. If you have particular questions or concerns, contact us before your visit and we'll talk it through.
Not fully yet; we're working on adaptations. As it's a group game, there are plenty of other ways for colourblind players to contribute, and teammates can help with colour-based tasks.
Yes. Please let us know in advance so we can brief our team. As the experience includes lighting, sound and smoke effects, we're happy to talk through whether any adaptations would help.
The experience lasts about an hour, including the introductory briefing. Arrive no more than 5 minutes before your start time and allow a few minutes at the end for your team photo. If you've added party room hire, that's a further 40 minutes straight after the game.
We're at BF05, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX, on the basement level of the Methodist Church on the corner of Nicolson Square. When you arrive, follow the signs for Team Machine and ring the buzzer.
We're a 5 to 10 minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station and the city centre, and across the road from the Surgeons' Hall bus stops. There's no parking on site, but there's a paid car park next door. We recommend arriving on foot or by public transport.
Please arrive together at your start time, or no more than 5 minutes before. Our foyer is small and we don't have a waiting area or bar, so please don't arrive earlier than that. If you'd like to meet up beforehand, there are plenty of cafés and bars nearby.
Please be on time. Late arrivals cut into your game time, and sessions can't be extended because another group is usually booked straight after. If a few people are running late, we'll add them to the game as soon as we can, though they may need to wait briefly. Anyone arriving more than 15 minutes late can't take part, and no refund is given.
Please don't. For everyone's safety, anyone visibly under the influence of alcohol or drugs won't be allowed to take part, and no refund is given. Alcohol isn't permitted anywhere on site either, so save the celebrations for afterwards. We're happy to recommend great bars nearby.
Loose, comfortable clothing and supportive footwear, as the experience involves some moving around.
Yes, there's a storage area for coats, bags and other belongings during your experience. You remain responsible for your own belongings, so it's best to keep valuables to a minimum.
Yes, there are toilets on site, including an accessible toilet.
Yes, within reason. You're welcome to take photos and short clips to share on social media (tag us @team_machine_edinburgh!), but please don't film the whole experience or share puzzle solutions, as it spoils the surprise for future teams. Your gamesmaster may ask you to put phones away at certain points, and we'll offer you a full team photo at the end.
Call us on 0131 605 6786 or email info@team-machine.co.uk.
Smoking and vaping aren't allowed inside the venue or immediately outside it. If you need to, please go beyond the gated car parking area.
Every Spy Academy booking needs at least 2 supervising adults aged 18+, or 3 if there are 16 or more children. You can bring up to 4 adults, all free of charge, and it's up to them whether they join in or watch. If you need to bring more than 4, please get in touch first. The adults are responsible for supervising the children throughout your visit.
Every booking includes the full Spy Academy experience (about an hour) for your private group, run by a dedicated gamesmaster, plus a team photo at the end. You can then add extras to build your party: 40 minutes of party room hire, our pizza party catering and Spy Academy party bags. Add them when you book, or email info@team-machine.co.uk at least 72 hours beforehand.
Party room hire gives your group a private room for 40 minutes, starting as soon as your Spy Academy session is scheduled to end. It's only available alongside a kids' booking and must be added when you book or at least 48 hours beforehand, subject to availability. The time can't be extended if you arrive late or the game runs over, as the room is needed for the next group.
Yes, if you've added party room hire. You're welcome to bring food, soft drinks and a birthday cake to enjoy in the party room at no extra charge; please bring your own plates, cups, napkins and cutlery. Regular candles are fine under close adult supervision, but sparkler and novelty candles aren't allowed. No alcohol, and if you self-cater you're responsible for any allergies and dietary needs in your group.
Each child gets a third of a freshly made Neapolitan Margherita pizza from a local Edinburgh restaurant, a packet of crisps, a Fruit Shoot and a snack (a chocolate biscuit or piece of fruit, with a small bag of Haribo swapped in where allergies require it). We provide plates, cups, napkins and cutlery, and food is ready within 15 minutes of your party room time starting. Catering requires party room hire, has a minimum order of 8 children and the menu is fixed.
Possibly not, so please check our allergen information before booking. The pizza contains gluten and milk and is made in a kitchen that handles other allergens, so we can't guarantee anything is free from traces or offer certified gluten-free, vegan or allergen-free alternatives. We can swap the snack for a small bag of Haribo where allergies require it. If our catering isn't suitable for a child, you're welcome to bring food for them; just leave them out of your catering numbers.
Each bag contains an invisible ink pen with UV light, mirrored spy glasses, a Spy Academy wristband, a make-your-own cipher wheel, stickers and a small pack of Haribo. Bags are priced per child and handed out at the end of the game. Add them when you book or by email at least 48 hours beforehand, and let us know by then if you'd like them without sweets. They're designed for ages 6+ as they contain small parts. Please note that exact contents may change from time to time.
Children remain the responsibility of their accompanying adults throughout their visit, including in the party room and while eating. Your gamesmaster runs the experience and keeps an eye on safety, but at least 2 supervising adults (3 for 16 or more children) must stay with the group the whole time.
Only with your agreement. We offer a team photo at the end if your group wants one, and we'll always check before sharing any photo online. We never use images of children in our marketing without explicit parental consent. Accompanying adults are welcome to take their own photos of their group.
Yes. You can usually drop off food, cake and decorations in the party room when you arrive, though occasionally you may need to wait up to 15 minutes. We can't give access any earlier, as another group will be using it. Setting up, eating and clearing away all need to fit within your 40-minute hire.
Yes, please leave the room as you found it before your 40 minutes are up. We provide bin bags; please take away any leftover food, cake and decorations. A £40 cleaning charge may apply if the room is left in an unreasonable state, and groups are responsible for any damage they cause.
Adult food isn't included in the party catering, but adult portions of pizza can be added: get in touch for prices. Adults are also welcome to bring their own food and soft drinks at no extra charge.
Your dedicated gamesmaster runs the Spy Academy experience and will show you to and from your party room, but won't stay to host or entertain. That time is yours to celebrate as a group, with your accompanying adults supervising.
Yes. Catering and party bags can be cancelled for a full refund up to 72 hours before your booking. After that they're non-refundable, as we'll have placed orders with our suppliers. Party room hire follows the same rules as your main booking, and if we ever cancel your experience, all party extras are refunded in full.
Yes, it works brilliantly alongside a working session. We have access to a range of meeting and event rooms with AV as standard, catering from refreshments to full meals, and back-to-back sessions for larger teams. Tell us your agenda and we'll help you plan the whole day.
Yes. We can arrange for a professional teamwork coach to brief your group, observe how you work together during the experience and run a practical debrief afterwards. Get in touch with your goals and we'll talk through the options.
Absolutely. Synergy 1.0 makes a brilliant Christmas party activity - it's a great way to get the whole team engaged and energised. Why not can combine it with room hire and catering for a full festive event that's low hassle and great value. December dates book up fast, so enquire early.
Yes. We've hosted team building and work socials for some of Scotland's biggest employers, including Amazon and NHS Scotland. You can read independent reviews on Google and Tripadvisor, and we're happy to talk you through events we've run for similar teams.
Yes. Send us your date, numbers and requirements and we'll put together a formal event proposal. If you'd like company branding or custom content, tell us what you have in mind and we'll do our best to accommodate it. Get in touch.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the venue, including in our meeting rooms.
Yes. We can add a small extra element to Synergy 1.0 especially for stag and hen groups. Get in touch for details.
Yes, fancy dress is welcome! Just bear in mind you'll be moving around during the game, so wear something you can move in comfortably and safely.
Absolutely. We're surrounded by great bars and restaurants and have partnership deals with some of the best, so Team Machine makes the perfect start to a night out or a team meal. Get in touch for current deals and recommendations.
We can arrange catering through our network of local suppliers, from tea, coffee and refreshments to snacks and full meals, served in one of our meeting rooms or a secondary area that's private to your group. If you'd rather eat out, we partner with great local restaurants and bars. Get in touch to discuss options.
Yes! Kids' bookings can add 40 minutes in our party room straight after the game. For adult groups and work events, we have access to a range of meeting and event rooms, with Wifi and AV as standard and optional catering add-ons. The right room depends on your date and numbers, so get in touch first and we'll suggest the best option.
Not into the game room, as food and drink aren't allowed in the experience itself. Food can only be brought on site with our permission; kids' parties with party room hire are welcome to bring their own food, soft drinks and cake. Alcohol isn't permitted anywhere on site. For adult groups, we can arrange catering in a hired room or recommend somewhere nearby.
It depends on the supplier for your chosen catering, so please contact us with your group's requirements and for allergen information before you book. Our kids' party pizza package has a fixed menu and can't be made allergen-free; see our party hire terms for details.
