Our Story
"We believe the most sophisticated technology shouldn't keep us on our screens—it should lead us back into the world."
The Intersection of Logic and Play
Our journey didn't start in a game studio. It started at The Wharton School, where our team first began exploring the intersection of business logic and complex systems. We spent years in the world of innovation consulting, where we spearheaded the development of sophisticated AI agents and internal tools designed to solve intricate institutional problems.
We mastered the art of the conversational agent—finding ways to make machines understand nuance, context, and intent. But even as we built for the corporate world, our true passion remained tethered to the physical world and the timeless joy of games.
A Decade of Stealth Invention
While our days were spent on innovation and AI architecture, our nights were spent on something more visceral. For over a decade, we've been crafting thousands of intricate scavenger hunts and real-world mysteries, long before the term "phygital" existed.
Moments from the Journey
The Chocolate Bank Robbery
An early experiment in scale and friction. We orchestrated a heist simulation in Golden Gate Park for dozens of participants, using a custom-built automated SMS system to verify landmark visits and puzzle solutions. It was our first proof that you didn't need an app to create a world.
Santa Was Taken
When the world shifted, so did our tech. We combined AR character placement with automated phone calls and neighborhood treasure hunting. This rescue mission wasn't just a game; it was a way to reconnect people with their surroundings during a time of isolation.
Grandma Rosie's Mystery
Our most character-driven work to date. We merged high-fidelity audio storytelling with physical ciphers and cryptograms. It taught us that the strongest "AI agent" is one that feels like a living part of the story, guiding players through mazes both digital and physical.
Our Mission Today
What began as a passion project among colleagues has evolved into j2labs. We aren't just building games; we're building the infrastructure for phygital engagement. By partnering with world-class creative agencies and destination venues, we turn visitors into active players in stories that matter.