Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT HOUSE OF MATTHES

What is the HOUSE OF MATTHES?

Servus! We are HOUSE OF MATTHES from Munich, in the south of Germany. HOUSE OF MATTHES is a very exclusive circle and a platform for people who want more than just watching a cool movie from the couch, playing a computer game or a board game. It is a special and unique place for individuals who love to play hyper-realistic and elaborately staged live-action games. We are the gateway for people who want a very close real-life experience.

Who is Bente Matthes, the founder of all this?

Bente Matthes is a digital marketing strategist and a games and movie nerd. She has worked for several well-known brands. She has been organizing private and exclusive networking dinners for several years, which have always been exciting, playful and have a special game character.

Bente has two silver cubes that she always carries with her. She likes to use them to challenge people she meets to a little mind game. If you meet her, have fun with the game.

If you want to know more about Bente, visit her LinkedIn profile.

Who else is part of the team?

We are a large production with over 30 people involved, including actors, storytellers, costume and make-up designers, set designers, location scouts, organizers and more.

ABOUT THE GAME

What is THE CATCH?

THE CATCH is a real-life game. It is an elegant, action-packed and hyper-realistic live-action role-playing – a so-called PARG. It is not an escape game, scavenger hunt or mystery dinner. Rather, it is a highly complex, exciting and very professional agent adventure. It's more like a good movie or computer game – powerfully transported into real life. You're not watching it from the couch or playing it on the computer. Instead, you experience it up close and personal for several days.

You are an active part of the game and influence it with your decisions. Live, very close and absolutely realistic. You are the agent (okay, let's be honest: the hero) - and we build the story and the world around you. We create a unique, mysterious and exciting scenario so that you feel like you're in a completely different world.

Even if you know it’s a game, you’ll never feel like it is.

When and where does THE CATCH take place?

The game is held from May 11 – 19, 2025, on the beautiful island of Mallorca. The Mediterranean feeling is calling.

How does the game start?

Once the ticket for THE CATCH has been purchased, the adventure casts its shadow ahead and subtly enters the participants' everyday lives. Weeks before the actual adventure begins, signs begin to appear in the participant's (sorry, the agent's) everyday life: A postcard without a return address, with a mysterious symbol - nothing else. Then a mysterious phone call: ‘Beware of the diamond ... beep beep ...’ The game draws closer and finally, each agent receives a mysterious parcel by post. Inside: a black box sealed with a combination lock that must be cracked. Inside the box: Your flight tickets, a mysterious thing and a note. Let the game begin…

What is included in the package of THE CATCH?

Besides the days of arrival and departure, you’ll get four full days of game, a fantastic event night, supporting events and then two days of relaxation with a fine leisure programme. You don't have to worry about a thing. We make sure that you want for nothing and that you have a unique experience from the first to the last minute. The flights and your extremely elegant accommodation with all hotel amenities are included in the price.

You can find out exactly what is included in the price on request.

What kind of things will I do in the game?

That’s top secret. But we can already give you some information. You’ll live the glamorous life, decipher clues, uncover hidden locations, communicate with informants, solve puzzles, experience action moments, interact with people and situations you meet and make choices that affect your path in the story.

What is PARG?

PARG stands for Phygital Alternate Reality Game. Phygital is a portmanteau of the terms physical and digital.

Is THE CATCH a kind of reality show?

No, it is not a reality or TV show. It's not that similar either. We also keep the game private. It is simply a fictional role-playing game based on reality.

Is THE CATCH an escape game, scavenger hunt or mystery dinner?

It is none of these. It is a fictional agent game that plays close to reality. You don’t play it at the table or on the computer. There is no studio backdrop or cordoned-off meadow. It's an exciting real live agent role-playing game set in the wonderful western Mediterranean region.

Who is the game THE CATCH for?

It's for you if you like role-playing games, live action and exciting stories. You don't have to be a games or film nerd. We're aimed at everyone who wants to play an agent in real life, not just at the table or on the PC.

What will I experience?

You book a one-of-a-kind experience. We make it possible for you to experience a very mysterious, elegant, exciting and hyper-realistic role-playing game. And we complement this wonderful event with a party and two days of relaxation in an extremely elegant and secluded hotel after the agent game. So you can review the wonderful and exciting experiences and adventures of the last few days.

Can anyone take part? How strenuous is the game? Do I have to be sporty?

Unfortunately, the game is not barrier-free and is only accessible to people aged 18 and over. You do need to move a lot and be a good walker, but you don't need to be a sports ace. The physical activities are average and not a sporting challenge.

What is the level of difficulty of the game?

It's a highly complex, mysterious and action-packed game that involves a lot of mental exercise as well as movement. But don't worry, it is playable and manageable for all people with average mental and physical fitness.

Is the game timed?

Yes, the game is timed. You will have four full days to solve your mission.

What if it rains?

Then we say to you: Agent, be strong and hang in there! The western Mediterranean region is a beautiful place at anytime of year. The game can be enjoyed even if it's raining. But don't worry: We provide everything you need to be stylishly dressed whatever the weather.

What about catering and breaks during the game?

Although there are no classic breaks like at LARPs, you will want for nothing. Despite the excitement and action, we always ensure that you have enough breaks and enough to eat and drink. However, you will never have the feeling that you are not in the game. Our team is invisible to you. Nevertheless, you will want for nothing.

Can I play if I don’t know the island?

Yes — participation in the game does not require local knowledge. Venturing into the unknown makes it even more exciting.

Can I play if I don’t speak English or Spanish?

You should be fluent in English, but it doesn't have to be your mother tongue. You don't have to speak Spanish. The game is written in English and uses English idioms, slang and cultural references.

Can children play?

Unfortunately not. The game is for people of aged 18 and over.

Is the game suitable for wheelchair users or buggies?

The game requires the use of steps to access some locations and clues and is not wheelchair-/buggy-friendly.

Is it filmed on location? Can it be seen on television?

HOUSE OF MATTHES and the game THE CATCH are spectacular but exclusive places and safe spaces. We occasionally take film and photo recordings if the participants wish. We make these available to the participants afterward as a wonderful memento. Only the particular participants can be seen in this material. This material is for private use only.

However, we are organizing a press event for influencers and the media to attend. This will be made available to streaming services as a documentary.

We want to create an exclusive event for our participants. Cameras would only get in the way.

Who is taking part? Any celebrities or Silicon Valley heads?

Please understand that we do not mention any names. We're a small, exclusive circle that enjoys a big live-action game.

Will *name of your choice* be there?

Ask her/him/them.

BOOKING AND TERMS & CONDITIONS

How much does it cost and how can I book?

Unfortunately, access to the HOUSE OF MATTHES and thus to the game is not open to everyone. You must have been invited by us. If you have received a card that says "You have been chosen," you can book the game via the email address provided. If you have not been invited, you can apply to us. Please send an email to enter@houseofmatthes.com. We will send you all important information like the price, access authorization and terms & conditions.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes, as a consumer, you have a 14-day cancellation period from the date of purchase. Later cancellations can no longer be accepted free of charge. But we are sure you won't want to miss this special event.

Can I make a reservation?

Unfortunately not. It is not possible to pre-book or hold places due to demand. You are in when you have booked and paid.

How can I pay?

As an interested party, you will receive our terms and conditions and all information about the conditions and processes. If all formalities have been clarified and you would like to participate, you will receive an invoice after your confirmation and your booking confirmation after payment.
From then on you are in the game - and it will be exciting. Be curious to see what comes next ...

Can I also book for several people?

Participation is limited to ensure the best possible game. But of course, you can also request participation for several people, such as friends, business partners or spouses. We will get in touch with you to discuss the possibilities.

Do I play alone?

You are always part of a team of two. This can be a friend, partner or colleague with whom you book and play the game together. But if you book just for yourself, it can also be a stranger who becomes a new friend.

Why do I need to book so early?

Our places are very limited in order to create a unique experience. In addition, the preparations are intensive and take time to create the best possible game and one-of-a-kind experience for our participants. We are not a mass event, but an exclusive live-action game for people who want to experience something special.

I don’t yet know whether I’ll have time in May 2025. Can I still join later?

Unfortunately not. Our booking phase ends end of August 2024. We do have a waiting list. But don't count on it.

I have friends who know Bente. Does that mean I have a better chance of taking part?

Congratulations. Personal contacts and good networks are generally a good thing. Especially in the world of agents. ;) But there are no guarantees anywhere. Take your chances and give it a try.

FURTHER INFORMATIONS

I have a lot of questions.

We are delighted that you are so interested.

If you are from a media company, please contact us via
‍media@houseofmatthes.com.

If you work for a brand and interested in partnerships, write to us at
‍brands@houseofmatthes.com.

And if you are interested in the game as a future ‘agent’, we will be happy to answer your questions via the email address
‍enter@houseofamatthes.com.

How can I hear about news of the game?

Various media report on THE CATCH, HOUSE OF MATTHES, and Bente Matthes. Visit our media page or google the general information. More in-depth information is for our participants only. You know: top secret and confidential.