Standard Murder Mystery Games

The games below are the ones we usually recommend for beginner players (see here for more complicated games for 6 – 33 players).

All of these games can work for 5 – 80+ players. The games are free-form and unscripted, where every person has a character to play with their own backstory, secrets and goals in the game. Players complete their individual goals by moving around and chatting to other players. Players will be given a character sheet when they arrive which will tell them their character’s history, secrets, goals they need to achieve in the game and some ideas of who to talk to and what to talk to them about. But it is up to the player who they talk to and when, and exactly what they say to achieve their goals.

For the games with more than 20 players, there are two different kinds of roles. There are 15 – 20 ‘main roles’ which are named characters who have a more important role in the main story arcs and will probably be a bit busier in the game, and then there are ‘minor roles’ who are not named and not important to the story progression. While these ‘minor’ characters still have information, secrets and goals in the game, they are not necessary for the game to play out. If they chose not to play, the game could still work without them. This often works out quite well as some people are a bit intimidated by the idea of playing a role before a big group of people. So you can allocate the ‘main’ roles to the more outgoing guests and the ‘minor’ roles to the more shy members of the group who may not get completely invested in the game.

The players with ‘main’ roles don’t have to ‘act’ in front of the rest of the group (although one or two of them may be asked to read a small statement at certain times in the game). Most conversations are one on one and in small groups, but players in main roles will have more players coming to talk to them to achieve their own goals.

For the games with fewer than 20 players there are no ‘minor’ roles and all players are named and are important to the story’s progression.

In these games the murder usually happens after the game has started. One of the characters is the murderer and one of the characters is the murder victim. (After they have been ‘murdered’ they will be given another character to finish the game with.)

Except where otherwise indicated these games are all rated 18+ and are not suitable for kids.

We are based in Bettys Bay, Overberg, so we are cheapest near there but will travel anywhere. Please contact us for a quote for your venue.

‘Clean’ versions are available for some of the games, which have no references to extra-marital affairs, drugs and alcohol. This can make the games suitable for teens or more conservative groups.

Teen versions of games are ‘clean’ versions with simplified story-lines.

Non-murder versions of games are ‘clean’ versions where there is no murder and someone faints in the game instead of being killed.

LGBT (Male) versions have mostly male guest lists with some characters in same-sex relationships.

LGBT (Female) versions have mostly female guest lists with some characters in same-sex relationships.

New Year’s Eve versions are set on New Year’s Eve.

Murder in Tinseltown

A tantalizing night in Tinseltown filled with twists and terror.

After a night of accolades at the Academy Awards Show, you will attend the A-list after-party hosted by millionaire Vanity Affair. While socializing and schmoozing with Hollywood’s elite, careers will be made, secrets will be revealed, scandals will be broken and a homicide will happen.

With a V.I.P. victim and the celebrities all suspect, you will be called upon to find the criminal by cracking this red carpet caper.

This game is also available in an all-female version.

Trailer Park BBQ

It’s the annual W.T. Trailer Park BBQ and this year’s blast is going to be one to remember!
Well known in the community and by the law enforcement agencies for its after-hours fights, double-crossings, and illegal happenings, this trailer park’s BBQ is a recipe for disaster. However, with free food and booze on the menu, all of the ill-mannered, illiterate, and intoxicated residents are certain to be there – hair curlers and all!

With too much history and not enough space, something is bound to happen to send one of the guests over the edge . . . and another one to their death.

NOT FOR THE EASILY OFFENDED!!! While there is no foul language, detailed sexual or gory information, this mystery is filled with negative stereotypes. This mystery is not intended for gatherings or parties that include youth, or that are sponsored by religious or other organizations with value-based standards for language and behavior.

1980’s Prom

PLEASE NOTE THIS GAME FOLLOWS THE SAME STORY-LINE AS THE HOMECOMING HORROR GAME

A night of mullets and mystery!

With their high school career coming to an end, the students of Mayhem High find themselves battling it out over grades, popularity, affection, class rankings and what they all have been focused on for years… Who will be awarded the prom king and queen title?

Will it be the class president who is looking to extend his reign past the student council? The pompon captain who has used her moves to land more than a prom court nomination? Or possibly the math team captain who is desperate to make his name in something other than academics.

This game is also available in a ‘clean’ version, an LGBT (Male) and an LGBT (Female) version.

Cluedo Murder

PLEASE NOTE THIS GAME FOLLOWS THE SAME STORY-LINE AS THE WILL READING FOR THE RICH AND GREEDY GAME.

An evening filled with murder and mystery as you mourn the late Mr Boddy.

A known millionaire, Mr. Boddy is a man of great wealth, some of which you hope to gain in inheritance — but only if you are brave enough to attend the reading of his will. For while foul play was indicated in his death, the killer has yet to be brought to justice… and is likely to strike again!

Was it Mrs. White in the conservatory with the candlestick? Colonel Mustard in the kitchen with the cleaver? Or perhaps Professor Plum in the parlour with the poison?

Crime & Chaos in the Caribbean

Somewhere in the tropics between the Port of Confusion and Bay of Disarray, you’ll find that murder meets mayhem and the intrigue begins!

While most vacation at Margaritaland, an exclusive tropical resort, to get away from their troubles, for one unfortunate soul, it will mean the end of their travels altogether.

Has the lottery winner’s luck run out? Will it be the bartender who has served his last drink? Is the honeymoon over for two lovebirds before it nearly began? Or will the stars collide for one Hollywood star?

This game is also available in a New Year’s Eve version.

Murder at the Salooon

It’s the first annual deadwood poker tournament!

For weeks, people have been pouring into the small western town of Deadwood for the biggest poker tournament this side of the Mississippi. From outlaws to marshals and saloon girls to southern belles, everyone has made this small western frontier town THE place to be.

As the festivities of the poker tournament conclude, a celebration party is planned at the Deadwood Saloon to award the prize money for the tournament and to celebrate what is hoping to be a very financially successful venture for the saloon.

With a smattering of bandits, bankers, saloon girls, sheriffs, gamblers, east coast debutantes, and of course a few of the locals, this is guaranteed to make for a very interesting evening indeed.

This game is also available in a ‘clean’ version.

Buccaneers, Booty and Bloodshed

Well, shiver me timbers and sharpen me sword!

After a voyage filled with pillaging and plundering, the Jaded Jewel – a pirate ship captained by Redbeard, an old but dangerous pirate – is docked in a cove near Port Royal. As the pirates head into town to celebrate their homecoming and spend their gold and goods, a night of turmoil and trouble is sure to transpire.

As the night quickly steers out of control, one guest meets a tragic demise and ends up in Davy Jones’ Locker leaving the rest of the party-goers to bring the guilty to the gallows.

This game is also available in a ‘clean’ version.

Murder Cruise

All aboard for an arousing adventure filled with peculiar passengers and conspiring crewmembers.

After a luxurious week at sea, all those onboard the Mystery of the Seas are ready for a night of romance and intrigue at the Captain’s Cocktail Reception —an extravagant affair to top all others.

Adrift on the ocean, there is no better place to escape your troubles… or for a murderer to strike!

This game is also available in an LGBT (Male) version and an LGBT (Female) version.

Will Reading for the Rich and Greedy

PLEASE NOTE THIS GAME FOLLOWS THE SAME STORY-LINE AS THE CLUEDO MURDER GAME

Your presence is requested at Mystery Manor for an evening filled with murder and mystery in order to commemorate the death of the late millionaire, Rick A. Rochester.

Among Rick’s dying wishes, he wanted his will reading to be a party thrown in his honor to gather together those most important in his life.

From his eccentric ex-wife to his interfering in-laws, his spying servants to the provocative pool boy, it seems that everyone has a shot at a piece of his estate.

As one of Rick’s closest confidants or family members, it is your help that is needed to piece together the mystifying death of Mr. Rochester and to avoid being the victim of yet another murder as you attend his will reading.

Backstabbing Beauties

Backstabbing, bribery and blackmail among beauties.

After a week of competing in the nation’s most prestigious beauty pageant, the contestants, judges and coaches are invited to a pre-pageant party the night before the final round of competition.

With the crown on the line, everyone seems desperate to gain the competitive edge on their rivals… and for one guest that means murder!

This game is also available in a ‘clean’ version and a teen version. All versions can be all-female, or with some optional male characters.

Dracula’s Birthday

As the members of the haunting and haunted gather at the desolate Transylvania castle, this will be an evening away from mortals where the supernatural community can come together to celebrate and carouse!

During the night of spooktacular fun, one of the party-goers will end up in a grave they have dug for themselves. Desperate to avoid becoming victims themselves, the ghoulish guests will seek out the culprit in their midst.

This game is also available in a ‘clean’ version.

North Pole Naughtiness

With the Christmas season well on its way, everyone at the North Pole is working hard to make this a holiday to remember.

Despite the efforts of the arctic inhabitants, productivity is at an all-time low, upsetting many and putting Santa’s legacy at stake.

Desperate for a change, there are many who are willing to do almost anything to increase efficiency and restore peace at the North Pole. But only one who will go too far and commit an act of murder in this mystical place.

This game is also available in a ‘clean’ version, an all-female version, an LGBT (Male) version and an LGBT (Female) version.

Totally 80s School Reunion

It’s the James D. Murder High 35 year reunion!

You’ve come a long way in the last thirty years and so have your classmates. It’s time to reunite with your old friends (and enemies) to see what everyone’s become.

Unfortunately for one of you…it is a murderer who is destined to strike.

Will it be the math team captain who is now a financial wizard with millions? The valedictorian who refuses to let anyone top them? Ever. Or possibly the class president who is now a U.S. presidential hopeful?

This game is also available in a ‘clean’ version.

Carnival Chaos

Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls! Step right up for the greatest mystery on earth!

Anxious to bolster his small, dog-and-pony show-like circus to a spectacle rivaling Ringling Brothers, Harold Hargove’s desperate attempts to lure audiences with jaw-dropping attractions have created rivalries that extend beyond the center ring.

As the pressure builds for everyone – performers, guests, and managers– a murder is committed that steals the show… and you are left to uncover the culprit before the final act.

This game is also available in a ‘clean’ version.

Fairytale Murder

A timeless tale of treachery and treason in a kingdom far, far away.

After the mysterious disappearance of Cinderella, Prince Charming is throwing a ball to find a new bride. Some of the Kingdom residents question how the prince could move on so quickly, while others are jumping at the chance to earn their spot as the new princess in the castle.

As the evening escalates, a killing occurs in the palace… leaving you to write the final chapter.

This game is also available in a ‘clean’ version.

Fairest of them All

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL VERSIONS OF THIS GAME ARE ALL-FEMALE VERSIONS

An enchanted evening filled with your favorite fairytale femmes.

With Sleeping Beauty awake from her slumber, the evil queen’s reign turned righteous and a royal wedding in the midst – there has never been a better time to celebrate in the kingdom of Once Upon A Time. As the Fairest Of Them All Ball approaches – a gala to honor Snow White – each attendant knows their place in the kingdom will, almost certainly, forever change depending on how the night proceeds.

An evening full of accusations, promises, spells and magic awaits you and the other characters … all of which contributes to understanding the tragic fate of one of our most beloved characters.

This game is also available in a ‘clean’ version, a teen version, and a non-murder version.

Forever Hold Your Peace

Your presence is requested to celebrate the union of Becky Giovanni to Stanley Simpson with a wedding reception you won’t soon forget.

As friends and family come together for a night of food and fun, it will quickly turn into a night of mystery and mayhem – leaving one of the guests murdered! And you and your guests are left to solve the crime…

As the night progresses, secrets will be revealed, motives exposed and your sleuthing skills will be put to the test. What will you say when it is your turn to finger the culprit?

This game is also available in a ‘clean’ version.

Bloody Bachelorettes

PLEASE NOTE THIS GAME IS ONLY AVAILABLE IN AN ALL-FEMALE VERSION

A delirious evening filled with deceit, divas and dirty secrets!

With Mindy Mintjulius, a hot designer diva,  preparing to don a wedding gown, Mindy’s gal pals have planned for one final night out on the town. As the important people of the bachelorette’s past and present gather to celebrate her future, one guest will fall victim and end the night without a future at all…

In a party filled with menacing models, resentful relatives and competitive co-workers, there is only one that will be found guilty and forbidden to go free.

Sinister Sorority Social

PLEASE NOTE THIS GAME IS ONLY AVAILABLE IN AN ALL-FEMALE VERSION

A social filled with sisterhood, scandal and sinister behavior!

As the semester draws to an end, and the pledges get ready to activate, the University’s Panhellenic Board cites the Kappa Kappa chapter for instances of “conduct unbecoming a Greek.” With the sorority house being seriously considered for disbandment, the sisters of Kappa Kappa have to consider deactivating a member in an effort to save their chapter.

As the evening proceeds, and the secrets of the Kappa Kappa sisters come out, an even bigger scandal is created when one Sister drops dead. In a race to find the murderer, no one knows who to trust, who to blame and who may be the next victim.

Homecoming Horror

PLEASE NOTE THIS GAME FOLLOWS THE SAME STORY-LINE AS THE 1980’S PROM GAME

The future is bright for all but one at Mayhem High…

In the midst of a winning football season, school pride is running rampant at the high school. Not only is competition fierce on the football field, but the students are battling it out for grades, popularity, affection, class ranking as well as the coveted homecoming king and queen title.

With so much excitement surrounding the election, everyone is planning on being in attendance at the dance to see who will be crowned royalty.

While competition breeds excellence, it will also make one guest commit an act of vengeance…

This game is also available in a ‘clean’ version and a non-murder version.

Roman Ruin

An evening of gladiator warfare and celebration is planned for all of Rome to enjoy. At the heart of the excitement sits Felix Festus, a lanista looking to win the public favor – and in doing so, a Senate seat – with the donation of his gladiators for exhibition. While no lives will be taken in the ring; honor, pride and the grand champion title are all at stake in the exhibition.

Although lives will be spared in the arena, the same will not hold true at the festivities.

As you defend your own innocence, you will be called upon to decipher between the downtrodden and the downright deceitful… that is, unless the murderer is you!