Typically, players in a murder mystery game gather at the same physical location. However, with technological advances, murder mystery games can effectively be played virtually. This mode can draw friends and family from all over the world to play a fun and interactive game.  Although you can use platforms like Google Meet or Skype, our favorite platform for playing murder mystery games is Zoom.  Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure your virtual murder mystery game on Zoom is a hit.

Step 1: Choose the Right Murder Mystery Game

When purchasing a murder mystery game, make sure the game is also set up for play on Zoom.  At Mystery Enterprises, our games are designed to be played in person or virtually with detailed instructions for both formats.

Step 2: Confirm your Party Date and Your Guest List

One of the most challenging aspects of hosting a murder mystery game is that it requires a specific number of players. It is even more dangerous virtually because it is inherently easier to “blow off” a virtual event than an in-person event.  Therefore, it is important to solidify participants’ attendance, so you have a guest playing each character in the game.

At Mystery Enterprises, we help this process with customized email invitations specific to each game. The invitation includes a video and written teaser to increase excitement about the event, reducing the likelihood of the dreaded last-minute cancellation.

Step 3: Assign Characters to Guests

In interactive murder mystery games, each participant plays the role of a character. To increase the immersive feel of the game, participants can opt to dress up like their characters. The good news is that when playing over Zoom, participants only need to worry about costumes from the waist up, since that is what will appear on the webcam.

In addition to assisting with costumes, a detailed description of the entire cast provides a good overview of the game’s plot and setting before the day of the party. In most murder mystery games, a “moderator” is appointed as the game’s referee. The moderator must be given the “Zoom host role” to set up breakout rooms and send private chats to specific players as needed.

At Mystery Enterprises, you can have a cast of character list automatically emailed out to your guests prior to the day of the event. In addition, for our costume-themed games, we provide specific costume and prop suggestions for each character, including links to buy wardrobe items at a reasonable price.  

Step 4. Set Up on the Day of the Game

You will want to give a specific time for guests to arrive on Zoom.  To prevent Zoom bombers, you can create a waiting room and admit authorized guests as they arrive. The host will need a pro account on Zoom so the meeting will not end after 40 minutes.

Most mystery games cannot begin until all the guests are present. Since it is human nature to be fashionably late at parties, we recommend playing some warmup games or puzzles that you can play until all guests arrive. If all participants do not know each other, this would be a good time for a “get to know you” icebreaker.

You can opt to transform your zoom space into the mystery’s setting with zoom backgrounds. You can even send the Zoom background to guests as part of the invitation so that everyone has the same background.

Step 5: Welcome Guests and Get them Ready for the Game

When they arrive over Zoom and are admitted into the meeting, guests should change their Zoom name to their character name. Most mystery games will have some general knowledge about the game’s plot and these can easily be shared over group chat.  Most mystery games also have special knowledge that is specific to that character. This is usually when players learn whether they are innocent or the murderer. This information should be sent over private chat.

Have each character read through this information. People like to play mystery games, not read them. So, hopefully, the game you select will keep the background information to an easily digestible amount.

At Mystery Enterprises, purchasers of our games have access to the back office of our website which can electronically send the 1-page general knowledge sheet and a 1-page special knowledge sheet. Both read like a story, so it is easy to read and remember the key points.

Step 6: Let the Games Begin  

At the heart of every murder mystery game is the interaction among the characters. Over Zoom, this interaction occurs seamlessly with the use of breakout rooms. The moderator can separate the larger group into smaller groups in private rooms.

To keep the game moving, there should be some time limit to the discussions. Zoom does have a countdown clock that you can utilize. At Mystery Enterprises, we have tested a game format that creates suspense while keeping the game moving. Our games limit each 1on1 discussion meeting to three minutes. After three meetings, the round ends and, at the end of each round, everyone votes for who they believe the murderer is. We have incorporated clues at strategic times to increase the tension, forcing some characters to play defense.

Step 7: Wrap Up the Game

After the mystery is solved, take a zoom picture of everyone in gallery view. In a wrap-up email about the event, you can share the picture and give praise to the players with the best costumes and anyone who solved the murder.  By following these steps, your virtual murder mystery game on Zoom will be a captivating event your guests will rave about for years. So gather your guests, set your scene, and get ready for an engaging and immersive evening of mystery, suspense, and fun.