How to Choose The Perfect Murder Mystery Party Game
Deciding to host a murder mystery party is one thing, but choosing the perfect murder mystery game is a whole other story. There are hundreds of games available on the market which can make the decision feel overwhelming. Before we started Foulplay Games, we used to host murder mystery parties of our own, and we know first-hand how hard it can be to pick a game for your group. Fortunately, there are a few factors that can help narrow your choices, if you know where to look! Here are some tips to help you pick the murder mystery party that will be the perfect fit for your special occasion!
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1. Determine your Party Size
Murder mystery games come in various sizes, tailored to accommodate different numbers of participants. Most games have a minimum number of players and a maximum number of players. As long as you have the minimum number, you will be able to play the game. However, we recommend having closer to the maximum number of players as you will be able to experience the full game and all the fun side plots. Having close to maximum also allows for flexibility if you have players who need to cancel at the last minute.
Have too many players for your dream game? Ask us at foulplaycompany@gmail.com for investigators or double up on suspects!
Some murder mystery games, like ours, allow the host to play as well, so make sure you count yourself! We recommend starting with the capacity first as it allows you to narrow down your choices the quickest.
2. Choose the most appealing format
Murder mystery parties can be conducted in various formats. Understanding these can help you pick the one that best suits your hosting style and your guests' preferences.
Unscripted Murder Mystery Games: Guests move around and interact freely, solving clues and having conversations at their own pace. This is great for more flexible and mix-and-mingle gameplay where your guests can make the game and story their own, with enough structure to fall back on. The murderer usually knows they did it and are covering their tracks. Foulplay murder mystery parties are all unscripted!
Scripted Murder Mystery Games: These games usually involve a sit-down dinner where the mystery unfolds over multiple courses in rounds. Players have more structure and are given specific lines, but it sometimes is not as immersive as an unscripted game. Usually, the murderer does not know they are the murderer so they are solving the crime along with everyone else, too..
Sometimes companies do not clarify if they create scripted or unscripted games so look for key terms like:
Unscripted games: immersive, freeform, flexible, live the story, mix and mingle,
Scripted games: rounds, lines, scripts, murder mystery dinner
3. Choose a theme that sounds fun
Before selecting a murder mystery game, consider the preferences, interests, and personalities of your guests. Are they fans of classic whodunits, or do they prefer a unique theme like space western or fantasy? Choose a theme that aligns with their interests, such as an 80s summer camp, a haunted mansion, or a glamorous Hollywood setting. Thinking of your guest list will help you choose a theme they will be excited about. Feel free to ask them what their preferences are, or present them with a few options and run a quick poll!
Foulplay Games has over 8 unique themes to choose from, with more on the way!
Take our quiz on “What Murder Mystery Party You Should Choose?” and get a customized answer and discount code in minutes!
4. Consider logistics, like…
Some first-time hosts have specific circumstances that impact what game they should choose. Consider the makeup of your guests before you choose a game– do you have any kids playing? Is this mostly friends, family, or a mix of both? These answers will help you determine what theme will be the best for you and your group! All of our murder mystery games have content warnings, so you will know if there are elements in the game, such as romances, or certain themes or topics that any guests should know about before playing.
Our blog has articles on how to deal with special circumstances like if kids are playing to help you choose a game!
5. Read Reviews and Get Recommendations
Before making your final decision, read reviews and seek recommendations from other hosts. Websites, forums, and social media groups dedicated to murder mystery enthusiasts can provide valuable insights to help make the final decision.
We love hearing from first-time hosts like Chandler on what it was like to host a murder mystery party and how they made the decision.
“The game went GREAT– we even caught the killer! Everyone had a great time and asked when the next one would be. We decided to host two parties a year and cannot wait for the next one!
On a side note, if you are on the fence about hosting a Murder Mystery Party, do it! And do it with Foulplay. Their breakdown of the game for the host is phenomenal. It’s very easy to read and follow. I have a lot of anxiety around planning and prep–it can be super overwhelming for me. Foulplay’s format and delivery make it SO easy to plan that I felt I could handle it the entire time! As a member of the LGBTQ community, I also greatly appreciate their inclusive language. Maddy was also very warm when we emailed and answered all of my questions. I know my next Murder Mystery party will be with Foulplay!”
Choosing the right murder mystery party as a first-time host involves considering your guest list, your interests, and your play style. By taking the time to select a game that fits these criteria, you’ll be throwing a party that will be a thrilling and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Happy sleuthing!
