MC @ Iappa, Jake
A Conversation with Jake from Majestic Circus
Q: Jake, what made you decide this was the year to bring your game shows to IAPPA for the very first time?
Jake:
I think we brought it here because we finally feel like our foundation is solid. We’ve gone through the trials and tribulations, worked out the early problems with some of our games, and now everything is fully functioning internally.
At this point, we can essentially build any game we want. It just felt right to start talking with other people about how we can bring game shows to their properties.
Q: When people walk up to the Majestic Circus/Epic Outdoor Cinema booth, what’s the very first reaction you hope they have?
Jake:
“I want to play.”
When they first walk up, it should be, “What is this?” They should be able to watch one answer, quickly understand how the game works, and immediately want to jump into the next round.
That’s the goal.
Q: What’s the story behind your flagship game show, Traps? How did it all begin?
Jake:
Traps originally started as just a regular round inside our virtual team-building game when we first launched the company. That original game was called The Hit List, and it was incredibly popular.
It became the final round. Then it became its own standalone game. Then it became the first full game show we produced for a major cruise line. From there, it evolved into what it is today.
It’s become our favorite party game because it gives you that Price Is Right–style energy where everyone can shout out answers, but it’s still trivia — which is actually very hard to pull off.
Q: What’s your favorite part of Traps?
Jake:
When it gets down to the final two or three players — with one or two traps left — and you can feel the anticipation in the room.
As a host, it’s especially fun to stretch out those dramatic pauses. You can literally see people’s hearts racing.
Q: Who is the perfect audience for Traps?
Jake:
Honestly? Anybody.
There’s a category for everyone — Minecraft blocks, episode titles of Friends, countries in Africa — you name it.
The best part is that even if you don’t know the category, a lucky guess or some quick outside-the-box thinking can still get you the right answer.
Q: Where does Traps work best — hotels, resorts, cruise ships?
Jake:
It works anywhere you have a screen.
As long as there’s a screen to run the game, you can play. We’ve done lounges and theater stages, but we’re now moving into poolside activities, outdoor venues, golf courses, weddings — even ballrooms.
You really just need a screen.
Q: What makes Majestic Circus stand out from anything else on the show floor?
Jake:
A couple of things.
First, we’re truly turnkey and incredibly easy to get started. We have a very small footprint. All our games run off a laptop and an HDMI cord. We can add props to elevate the experience, but it’s not required.
Second, we don’t rely on Wi-Fi or internet connectivity. We get players off their phones and fully into the game. It’s live, high-energy interaction — not “download this app and stare at your screen.”
Q: Have there been any unexpected or hilarious moments with attendees so far?
Jake:
Watching families compete against each other has been the most fun.
They walk up hesitant… and then suddenly they realize how competitive they actually are. You’d be surprised how quickly siblings start nudging each other and laughing when someone gets eliminated.
It’s great.
Q: If you designed a game inspired entirely by the expo’s energy, what would it look like?
Jake:
It would need a huge player count — maybe six teams of 10 to 20 people.
Everyone would have to collectively agree on an answer and send one representative up. But if that one person gets it wrong, the entire team is eliminated.
A massive groupthink game where entire teams can disappear at once. There’s something there… I just need to think on it more.
Q: What’s the one thing you want operators and entertainment leaders to remember about Majestic Circus?
Jake:
That you can bring classic game show energy directly to your property.
People remember The Price Is Right, Jeopardy!, and Wheel of Fortune. We bring that familiar excitement, but with something unique and modern.
The barrier to entry is incredibly low. Anyone can play.
Q: Dream celebrity host… and dream contestant?
Jake:
Host? Arisa Cox — former host of Big Brother Canada. She’s incredible. Contestant? Vana White. One hundred percent.
If Arisa Cox and Vana White were in the same room playing one of our games, I’d probably stop breathing.
Q: After your first IAPPA experience as Majestic Circus, what inspiration are you taking home?
Jake:
The imposter syndrome is gone.
Everyone here is just trying to create fun, engaging experiences for people. That realization lets my imagination run wild.
Maybe the next wave isn’t just trivia. Maybe it’s something Survivor-style. Maybe something Squid Game–inspired that works at resorts and hotels.
