What To Expect From A Murder Mystery Game Box
- Written by News Co Media
Murder mystery game boxes are the new exciting way to spend time with friends and colleagues and work out the whodunit. Although the content of the boxes are usually a surprise, players can still expect certain default items. Those items should be up to standard and not be of an inferior value. There are several companies creating fantastic games that will allow players to transform themselves into amateur investigators.
Slapdash sleuthing also helps to take the edge off the really tough year everyone had just experienced. Click here to read more about the murder mystery game box available online. The most important item inside the box is the object that summarizes the committed crime.
What’s in the Box?
This might be in the form of a journal, case file, diary or similar item. The writer of the summary is usually related to the crime; either personally or through the investigation. There will also be evidence and clues, which need to be revealed at specific times during the game.
The host can decide what evidence is relevant or informative to the case. The objective is to try and solve the crime among the players, before revealing the resolution from the box. Although there are several age restricted games, murder mysteries should preferably be played by adults, as children might not be able to process the actual crime scene photos. Younger people might also be bored or embarrassed by having to dress up or doing roleplay.
The happiness of hosting a murder mystery party is that it can be done inside a home, backyard, hotel boardroom, bed and breakfast or even a haunted mansion. Games take around 3 hours from start to finish, and only 10-15% of the guests can correctly solve the mystery.
Games are also gaining popularity as team building events, where employees can think outside of the box, wind down and have fun. Although most people roll their eyes when thinking about dressing up, costumes are quite liberating and add to the overall experience.
How To Host A Murder Mystery Game Party?
Although these parties are a guaranteed hit with most people, the secret is to choose the right group of guests, a dead-on theme and the perfect venue. Here are some expert tips on how to host the perfect murder mystery party: https://www.wikihow.com/Host-a-Murder-Mystery-Party.
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Compile a guest list
Guests may be good friends, colleagues from the office or family. These different groups will necessarily imply different types of parties.
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Choose a terrific or terrifying theme
The theme is based on the guest list. If guests are mostly casual and extroverted, choose something like a decade theme or even a costume ball. If guests are professionals, rather stick to a traditional old manor theme.
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Choose a date and venue
The budget will determine the venue; it can be hosted anywhere from a backyard to a restaurant, yacht or recreation center.
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Assign different roles
Guests can be assigned roles to either match their occupations and personalities, or something that is the complete opposite of who they normally are. The host must notify guests about their characters as well as costume suggestions.
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Invite guests
Guests have to RSVP and show their commitment to attend. This will ensure that there are enough players for the various parts.
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Plan the menu
Murder mystery game parties are flexible. Hosts can either serve snacks throughout the evening, or organize a formal dinner. Just ensure that the food or preparation doesn’t interfere with the smooth flow of the event.
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Decorate
Decorations should fit in with the theme to enhance the drama. The space should engage the guests’ senses and candles are a great way to set the perfect ambience.
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Start the game
Games usually consist of separate rounds. During these rounds, guests mingle and gather clues, as well as reveal certain aspects of their own characters. Motives unravel and the story line is tensely built. Forensic evidence might even be uncovered. After an accusation round, where everyone reveals their secrets, the host may pass out the answers to each player, who can read or act out their unique involvement. The murderer needs to confess as part of the grand finale.
Virtual parties have gained popularity since lockdown. Zoom murder mysteries provide the same suspense and fun in the safety of players’ own homes. Gaming companies provide a professional actor to guide players through the event. Hosts can follow these top tips to host an extraordinary virtual mystery party:
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* Be organized and plan the event properly
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* Keep guest list down to 20 players, as more will complicate the process
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* Choose and assign characters carefully by giving important roles to people you trust
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* Organize the digital files into relevant folders, such as invitations, character lists and information
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* Since it is online, guests cannot enjoy the typically themed food or décor; pre-deliver themed goodie bags to guests with some fun treats and toys for the event
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* Have a stable internet connection, good speakers and microphone so everyone can participate
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* Use virtual questionnaires to gather votes as to whom guests suspect the killer is, as well as other fun nominations
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* Guests can use virtual themed backgrounds to fit with their characters
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* Guests can share their evidence to the main screen to create a sense of togetherness
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* Change names to match characters’ names on the screen
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* Record the event to reminisce and laugh about afterwards
Why Do People Enjoy Murder Mystery Parties?
Murder mystery parties are fun, interactive events, which are absolutely perfect for birthdays and team buildings. Watch this video for an example of a murder mystery party. Everyone enjoys a good game of Clue, Chess or Monopoly, but mystery boxes kick the adrenaline up a nick.
This is the perfect opportunity to experience another side of your stereotypical work colleagues. New characters have different interactions, as you call everyone by their character names. Guests can indulge in playing fictional characters within a safe space.
Hosts can encourage guests to remain in character by imposing a negative consequence, for example money in a sin jar, or wearing a ridiculous hat until someone else breaks character. There are only few rules, and they are usually very simple and easy to follow. The only important thing is to remain in character, for example, frequently using an accent, fretting a fan or puffing on a cigar.
