How to Make a Murder Mystery Game: A Killer Guide
So, you want to create a murder mystery game? Well, my friend, you're in for a thrilling ride filled with intrigue, deception, and perhaps a few crumpled drafts of failed plot twists. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, keeping things as simple as possible—but be warned, crafting a truly immersive mystery can get as complex as you want!
Personally, I spend a lot of time developing just one kit. When I'm deep in the trenches of design, my desk—and, let’s be honest, myself—looks like something out of a mad scientist’s laboratory. Picture color-coded Post-its, Post-its on top of Post-its, mind maps, and a fine dusting of crumpled paper. But fear not! I’m here to lay out the foundation for building a great mystery party, and from there, you can decide just how “crazy” you want to get. Let’s crack the case!
Step 1: Choose a Theme
Every great murder mystery starts with a compelling theme. Your theme serves as the foundation for your story, world-building, and character creation. Consider a location, time period, or genre that excites you. Do you want a roaring '20s speakeasy whodunit? A haunted Victorian mansion? A high-stakes heist gone wrong? The possibilities are endless, but picking a strong theme will help guide all of your decisions moving forward.
Step 2: Create Your Characters
The heart of any good mystery lies in its characters. You’ll be adding depth to them as you go, but for now, start with the basics. Give each character a name, a brief description, and consider assigning them a career, high-level personality traits, relationships with other characters, and a reason for being at the event. These early sketches will help shape the drama that unfolds.
Step 3: Construct the Murder Plot
And now, the juicy part—the murder! I like to tackle this early on because, while my games include multiple storylines, the murder plot is the one most players will be determined to solve. Think about which character(s) are involved, the means, and the motive. A well-crafted murder plot should be layered enough to provide challenge, but not so convoluted that players are left scratching their heads in frustration.
Step 4: Construct Side Plots
Want to take your mystery from good to legendary? Add side plots! These additional storylines create a richer, more immersive experience. Without them, the world can feel one-dimensional, and conversations may stall. Send your characters on mini-adventures and throw in some juicy secrets! Forbidden romances, illegal activities, secret societies, undercover cops, and investigative journalists are all great ways to keep players engaged and invested beyond just solving the murder.
Step 5: Create Clues and Artifacts
This is where the magic really happens! Each character in my games receives:
A secret (something about themselves they don’t want others to know)
A clue (something about another character that could be useful)
Items (objects that add to the mystery)
Designing clues is an art—you want them to be helpful but not too obvious. The goal is to keep players engaged, talking, and uncovering details through interaction rather than just stumbling upon an easy answer.
Step 6: Finalize Your Character Packets
Now that your world and plots are built, it’s time to flesh out your characters. Add details that bring them to life and help players fully immerse themselves. This includes character backgrounds, motivations, and suggested actions. The more you invest in this step, the more seamless the experience will be for players.
Step 7: Reflect
Phew! If you've made it this far, congratulations—you've officially joined the ranks of the murder mystery nerds (welcome!). Before you unleash your game on unsuspecting guests, take a step back and reflect. Ask yourself:
Will players have enough information to engage with the story?
Is there a good balance between challenge and playability?
Will this be fun for all involved?
Check out this post, 22 Questions to Evaluate Your Murder Mystery Game, for even more reflection questions. Mystery games are about entertainment, so make sure your players are set up for a killer time.
Need Inspiration? Check Out Harvest Moon Mystery Kits!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want to see how a professionally crafted mystery plays out, check out my murder mystery kits! You can purchase one to play as-is or use it as inspiration for your own creation. Visit Harvest Moon Mysteries and start plotting your next great mystery!
