Virtual Murder Mystery Party

Choose a video conferencing software app that you and your guests feel comfortable with.

Possible software choices include:

• Zoom - paid accounts avoid the 40-minute meeting limit
• Skype - group video calling is free for small groups on PCs, tablets and mobiles
• House Party - social networking app that allows up to 8 people to chat *
• Google Duo - preinstalled on Android smartphones; can be used with tablets and computers; up to 12 people
• Google Hangouts - allows up to 10 people to video call *
• Microsoft Teams
• Facebook Messenger - placing calls may use your existing data plan.
• WhatsApp - up to 8 people on a video call *
• Discord - up to 10 people in a direct messaging group *
• Webex - unlimited numbers of people

* The limit on the number of people is not an issue for instances where more than one person is in the same house (and therefore sharing the same call).

Not everyone is familiar with virtual conferencing technology. To save stress at the start of your party, and to help the game itself run smoother, why not use our optional pre-party sleuthing - the Initial "Mingling" sessions - as a fun way of helping guests get used to technology and to learn the themes of the party? For larger parties, this also helps guests put faces to character names.

The Initial "Mingling" remote-style can be run the day before the party or an hour or so beforehand.  For larger parties, selected guests can optionally work as pairs if their pre-party booklets suggest this. This is indicated in the Host Instructions. The Initial "Mingling" can take one of two forms:

1. For parties where players are new to video conferencing - the host organises a 20-30+ minute call and everyone joins the call in character and interacts as per instructions; the host chooses whether to get everyone to join at the same time or in smaller groups.
2. For players who are more familiar with video conferencing - different people video call each other, possibly using rooms/hangouts that the host has set up. For example, if the host sets up multiple Zoom breakout rooms and makes each player a co-host of each room, then players can join and leave rooms as they choose. In Google Hangouts, the host could create multiple Google Hangouts for guests.

Note: each character's pre-party booklet has optional Initial "Mingling" instructions. As other characters - naturally - have conflicting instructions, expect backstabbing and hilarity!

This is completely up to you.

One of the beauties of video parties is that the host does not need to provide food.

The game will easily work as a standalone event after a meal. As all games have suggested pauses after rounds 2 and 4, there are obvious natural breaks for topping up those all-important drinks and getting snacks.

Alternatively, break mid-party and continue the video chat as you eat. In which case, we provide an (optional) themed recipe booklet that you could send to guests in advance. We also provide (optional) awards for the best food to encourage your guests to get creative. It is up to you whether you make this award for the best-themed food - or for the most appetising!

Yes, this is definitely recommended. The host needs to send out information and coordinate times beforehand. During the game, however, each guest's party booklet contains clear indications as to what should happen next and so the host can relax and enjoy the time with their guests. See What You As Host Need to Do section above.

This is totally your choice. Your game will run just fine if no-one dresses up or decorates.

That said, if players wish to raid their wardrobes (even order a costume), then this makes it so much more fun. We supply (optional) award certificates for the best costume and best decoration (as well as for the best solution, acting and food).

Each guest's pre-party booklet has a range of costume suggestions tailored to their character.

Likewise, each player can if they wish decorate the space behind them where the camera will focus. We supply a tip sheet of easy decoration ideas for lockdown that you can send to your guests. We also supply a decoration pack containing some theme-appropriate images that you can, if you wish, send out. Apps such as Zoom enable you to sit in front of a blank wall and then to superimpose a themed image on the screen. Free software libraries such as Pixabay, Pexels and Unsplash are a great source of free themed images.

One of the advantages of video parties is that the host is not solely responsible for decorations and everyone can get creative!

You may if you wish print the pre-party and party booklets (1 for each guest) and post them - or you may email them to your guests for them to print. As the game will be played digitally, some guests may choose to view booklets on iPads or other devices. (They should then have a different device for the video chat!)