How to Host a Virtual Murder Mystery

In the last couple of years everything moved online and video calls became a pretty normal way of communicating with family and friends. Next time you want to have a little online gathering you could organize a virtual murder mystery! You could do this because of the pandemic, but also if your friends are living in different cities this could be a way to spend nice time together.

Here are some steps, tips and instructions on how to host a virtual murder mystery.

• Pick a theme and murder mystery game

First step in hosting a virtual murder mystery is choosing the theme of the party. The theme you choose will set the tone for the entire night so you need to consider the season and who you plan to invite. There are plenty of virtual murder mysteries you can purchase online.

Some of the most popular party themes are:

Roaring 20s

Hollywood Gala Party

Haunted Mansion

1980s Party

Cruising

Pirates

James Bond      

• Choose your video call platform

There are plenty of tools you can use to host your murder mystery party like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Messenger & Face Time.

Make sure the platform you choose has all the features you need. Some of the free options do not allow Breakout rooms, and some free platforms have call time limitations.

Create an event and meeting link which you will send to the guests.

If you’re a first time host of a virtual murder mystery, don’t forget to test your technology before the game night. We recommend to create breakout rooms in advance (if needed), and test the participants’ connection to avoid any waiting and malfunctioning at the beginning of the game.

• Match the roles to your guests and send invitations

Once you decide on the guest list and who will play which role you are ready to send invitations. Some of the virtual murder mysteries have editable invitations where you insert the necessary information, other just give you the invitation text which you send to your guests together with a game illustration.

Also, you might want to share background illustrations with your guests to match the party theme.

• Launch the game

It is a good idea to send a final reminder to your guests before the virtual murder mystery begins.

Also, there are usually booklets for players which are shared at the begining of the game. They can also be shared a couple of hours before the game so the players can spend some time preparing for the game and getting into the game mood. Don’t forget to mention that they are only allowed to read first or first couple of pages.

And, let the game begin!!! It usually starts with an introduction of technology, of the game plan itself and then the role playing starts.
We recommend to explain the game flow and game plan to your guests, where they will find information in their booklets, etc.
Some games include breakout room sessions which should also be announced at the beginning of the game.

• Accusations
  By the end fo the game the players should be able to make an accusation. You might want to add a little drama to this part and ask some players in private message to be loud and dramatic.

• Prizes and awards
  Giving awards is a great way to end the game. You can decide on the winners or you can organize voting.

Some ideas for awards are listed below:

• Best Detective (first person to correctly name the Murderer and the motive)
• Best Costume (hold a vote via Chat)
• Best Performer (hold a vote via Chat)
• Most Likely to Commit a Crime (for someone who was not guilty, but received many accusations)
• Best Liar (for the Murderer, if no one guessed the solution)
• Other prizes as desired

You can also give prizes like chocolate, online gift certificate, detective equipment, something related to your party theme, etc.

You would be surprised how fun is an online murder mystery. Even if something goes wrong, the guests will have great time!