If you’ve read our SDCC Lanterns offsite review, you’ll know that HBO always goes big with their offsites. However, even we were surprised when they announced they would be bringing a second offsite alongside Lanterns which would immerse fans into the world of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe. There was some concern that splitting their resources and energy between the two experiences would result in a drop in quality. However, this didn’t happen. Instead they produced two excellent activations that are a blueprint on how to do a SDCC offsite.

For the Stuart Fails to Save the Universe offsite, fans were immediately greeted by Stuart’s comic book shop storefront, seen in The Big Bang Theory. Ushered inside, attendees were given their comic book membership cards by two “employees” and encouraged to browse the store.

Then, Stuart appeared via video message to explain that he needed help finding a mysterious device and saving the universe.

Fans were then sent through a portal to the main room, again themed like a comic store and game room, where they took part in interactive challenges in order to find the device. These challenges, unlocked by the comic book membership card, were choose your own adventure style games.

Once three of these challenges were completed, guests were taken into a room where the device was hidden. Encouraged to try to activate the device by pushing buttons and switches, Stuart appeared once more to congratulate fans on their success.

Finally, attendees were brought into the last room to scan their membership cards. Based on the choices they made in the challenges, they were assigned the Stuart Fails to Save the Universe character they are most like and given a collectible character trading card. And in one of the best swag giveaways at Comic Con this year, fans were also give a t-shirt, comic book and Red Vines.

At this point, it’s clear that HBO knows what they’re doing with SDCC offsites. They make them immersive and engaging for fans, whilst also being fun and unique. The Stuart Fails to Save the Universe offsite had long lines throughout the weekend but HBO made sure the wait was worth it, and at that end of the day that’s all fans want!

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe premiered on HBO Max on July 23rd, and airs weekly.