More than 800 participants attempted the inaugural “Adventure Game Aptitude Test” (AGAT) last Saturday, an intense challenge designed by Woe Industries that required players to complete the 1987 classic Maniac Mansion without any external help—resulting in a brutal 0.24% pass rate.
The Ultimate Test of Retro Gaming Skill
The premise of the AGAT was simple but unforgiving: finish a legendary ’80s graphic adventure game within four hours without using walkthroughs, hints, or outside assistance. To ensure total integrity, the event utilized professional online proctoring software, monitoring participants via webcam and microphone to detect any unauthorized aids, such as second screens, mobile phones, or off-screen help.
Out of 831 total attempts, with an additional 168 participants disqualified for late starts, only two individuals successfully navigated the game’s complex puzzles to completion. Woe Industries noted that this microscopic pass rate makes the AGAT arguably more rigorous than high-stakes standardized exams like the SAT or MCAT.
Cheating, Bribes, and Strange Submissions
The proctored environment led to several bizarre interactions. Developers reported that one participant attempted to bribe the organizers with a mock $1,000 bank transfer instead of the required win-screen screenshot. Others seemed to have misunderstood the assignment entirely, submitting screenshots of Fallout 4 rather than evidence of completing the 1987 Lucasfilm title.
The two winners managed to finish the game with impressive speed. While the developers speculated that the champions likely possessed deep prior knowledge of the game, they maintained that the accomplishment remained valid under the strict, no-walkthrough rules of the test.
The Descent into Frustration
For those interested in the psychological toll of the challenge, recordings from streamers like New2DinoSourXL capture the full experience. Woe Industries observed a common trajectory among the 800+ players: starting with high-spirited enthusiasm, only to experience a gradual, inevitable descent into the specific brand of frustration that defined 1980s adventure gaming.
Ultimately, the organizers were relieved to see at least one winner—let alone two—having already prepared the diplomas in advance. Despite the high failure rate, the event proved that while modern gaming might prioritize accessibility, the “old school” difficulty of titles like Maniac Mansion remains a formidable gatekeeper for even the most dedicated players.
