What is a murder party ?

A murder party, sometimes called an investigation evening, murder mystery evening or murder dinner, is a life-size immersion game behind closed doors in which you play the characters in the story.

Often, you have to solve a detective story, hence the name “murder party”. Actors accompany you in the scenario, playing secondary characters to ensure that your character progresses in the right direction.

How do you play a murder party?

At the start of the game you receive information about your character:

• Your identity
• Your relationships with others: complicity, conflict, secret liaison...
• Your objectives, what you need to achieve during the evening

Each participant takes on the role of a character with his or her own personality traits and objectives. Your objectives may be partially compatible with the other characters. That's what makes the murder party so much fun. So you'll have to make alliances, then betray them at the right moment!

You could say that a murder party is a mixture of theatre, improvisation, an escape game and an investigation game. More and more escape game mechanisms are being integrated into the story, such as chests to be opened to recover clues!

Do I have to act like I'm on a theatre stage?

Players are advised to play, or even overplay, their character to make interactions fun.

On the other hand, if you feel embarrassed at the idea of having to play your role theatrically in front of everyone else, don't panic. You can spend the whole game secretly plotting.

The important thing is that your actions are consistent with your character.

Example: if you play the role of a greedy banker, you must act to accumulate as much money as possible.

Do I have to dress up?

Characters generally receive accessories that can be used during the game (handbag, hat, extra clothing). Depending on the theme, the organiser may send the players clothing suggestions to enhance immersion. In exceptional cases, the organiser may provide costumes specially designed for the murder party (but this is rare as it poses logistical problems).

Once again, nothing is compulsory. Most murder parties are played with very light accessories.

How long does a murder party last?

A murder party lasts between 2 and 3 hours. Some scenarios are designed to last around 1 hour, while others can last up to 10 hours, or even a whole weekend.

Where does a murder party take place?

You make progress behind closed doors.

A murder party can be organised anywhere. In this case, the scenario needs to be well thought out to prevent the players from getting lost.

Murder parties are generally associated with unusual locations such as castles or historic monuments to take advantage of immersive settings.

Events

Events are a common game mechanic in murder parties. It involves bringing all the players together to witness a confrontation between two characters, such as a verbal joust, a duel or a tragic declaration. The scenario can include events that the players know about in advance, or events that will happen without anyone knowing about them. Players can also create events themselves.

Example: A court case is due to take place in an hour's time. The characters involved will have to convince the judge to rule in their favour.

Plot twists

In a scenario lasting several hours, you're in for a real treat. Plot twists can be either originally planned in the scenario or introduced by the players.

Example: A central character in the story dies during the game... All the cards are reshuffled. If you were relying on this character to achieve your objectives, you're going to have to find other solutions. What are you going to do?

Is a murder party like an escape game?

Murder parties and escape games are both immersive, life-size events. In an escape game you interact mainly with objects. Whereas in a murder party you interact mainly with other people.

Organize a murder party

Does Just Escape organize murder parties?

Yes! Discover the Redrock Saloon murder party scenario, set in a western atmosphere and playable by 6 to 23 players.

If you prefer the magic school atmosphere, the Wizards' Tournament can be played by 8 to 24 players in 100m² sets!

The scenarios have been designed with everyone in mind: beginners and experienced players alike.

I'd like to organise a professional murder party. Can you send me a quote?

Great idea! A murder party is ideal for:

• Closing a seminar on a high note
• Celebrate an event by forgetting your place in the hierarchy for an evening
• Bring your staff closer together by creating the perfect ice-breaking conditions

Fill in the quote form on the team building page

I want to organise a murder party for a birthday party

It's a highly original gift that will leave a lasting impression on all your guests! Contact us directly for more information.