Murder Mystery Games
Murder mystery games are a great way to test your friends’ detective skills. These games come in a variety of styles, ranging from one-time case files to immersive interactive experiences.
Most murder mystery games have a PDF with host instructions and other details (like secret clues, maps, suspect dossiers, etc). They also usually include name tags for players and a list of roles.
Scripted or turn-based
Scripted murder mystery games typically involve players reading from a script that drives the story forward. They may also receive introductory statements, questions to ask and answers to give during the game. These games can be very challenging, and require a great deal of attention to detail character development and plot twists.
Interactive murder mystery games are a fun way to spend a night with friends! These games typically revolve around a main storyline that involves the murder, but they can also include other plots. This can lead to a night of scheming, backstabbing and blackmailing.
Scripted or turn-based murder mystery games can be a good starting point for newcomers to the genre, but many people eventually graduate toward unscripted games to experience more freedom in their acting. Unscripted murder mystery games use a general description of what to say during accusations, rather than words word-for-word. This allows participants to express their creativity and personality while still following a basic storyline.
Interactive
Online murder mystery games are a fun way to build team spirit and boost problem-solving skills. These virtual group activities can be a refreshing change of pace from happy hours, DIY scavenger hunts, or boring dinner meetings.
These interactive games are often provided with a full backstory and confidential information for players to use in their interactions. They allow players to mingle with each other, talk to anyone and be involved in a number of events outside of solving the crime.
Generally they are done over dinner, but some can be held during buffets or finger food parties as well.
Scripted murder mysteries are less interactive and provide guests with a limited set of instructions to follow. These are usually in booklet form with introductory statements, questions and answers to ask, and little bit of acting direction. There is usually no room for ad-libbing in these games. One example the movie themed “Movie Murder Mystery Party,” which accommodates 5 to 10 participants and provides host instructions, character descriptions, a backstory, clues, and scavenger hunt items.
Online
Online murder mystery games are a fun way to get team members involved in an engaging, suspenseful virtual experience. They are a great option for people who can’t get out of work or family commitments, and they are a great tool for team building and networking.
These games allow players to interact and collaborate over video conferencing apps, such as Zoom. They can range from fully hosted games with a host, to free downloadable activities. These games offer a wide variety of themes, game durations, and minimum and maximum number of participants.
The games may include problem-solving tasks that help improve analytical skills, develop better observation and critical thinking abilities, and learn about topics like forensics and crime scene investigation. They also require teamwork and creativity to solve the case. A few companies have developed immersive experiences to deliver an exciting and unique gaming experience that is both fun and educational.
Dinner theatre
Murder mystery games are an excellent way to get friends together and have some fun. These games are great for parties and can be re-played over and over again with different friends and family members. They can also be a great gift for a friend or family member.
These games often have a script and interactive questions that the guests answer, but they can also be free play where there are some acting prompts, but not an entire script. This can be difficult for novice actors and requires a team of people who are comfortable ad libbing their responses to other players.
Murder mystery games are a perfect way to host a themed party and bring out the detective in everyone. They can be played over dinner, or you can have a separate event where the focus on the game/show. It’s important to stay in character throughout the evening, which is why it’s a good idea to have some costumes on hand.