How to Host a Murder Mystery | Foulplay FAQs

Hosting a murder mystery party is a unique and exciting way to bring people together. It offers an interactive experience that goes beyond traditional parties, encouraging creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. As guests collaborate to unravel the clues, they engage in lively conversation and forge deeper connections. Plus, it's a fantastic way to break the ice, create memorable moments, and enjoy an evening of suspense and entertainment.

Approximately two to three hours depending on the size of your game. However, if folks are having fun and really getting into character, it can last all evening!

Yes! We don’t think it’s fair for the person who put the effort of planning the party to miss out on all the fun! We design all of our games so the host can fully participate in the story. They can even keep the murderer's identity a secret from themselves if they choose.

We include a Host Guide in each game detailing everything you need to know to set up and host the game from start to finish! This guide will go into the specifics of assigning characters, preparing game materials, a party run-of-show, and a few optional extras that can enhance the game experience.

It depends on the game! All of our games offer a minimum and a maximum number of characters needed for each party. We recommend finding a game that you feel you can fill closer to the maximum number of players. Remember to include the host in the count as well! Currently our games range from 6 players, 6-10 players, 7-15 players, and 15-24 players.

Gender-neutral characters are characters who do not have a specific gender or pronouns within the game. For gender-neutral characters, the player chooses their character's pronouns, whether he/him, she/her, they/them, or any other pronouns. This format is more inclusive for gender non-conforming folx, plus it gives our games flexibility so hosts do not need to worry about gathering a precise group of people to fill gender-specific characters for the game to work.

Yes, the murderer is aware they did it and are trying to cover their tracks.

In our murder mystery games, the victim dies within the first 10-20 minutes in the game and will come back as a second character/suspect for the duration of the game. This is included in the character count so if you purchase a game for 6-10 players, there will technically be 11 character books. You can also play the victim yourself as a host!

As a general rule, our games are only suitable for older teens and adults. However, we have had many youth (15 and younger) who have played and loved it. Please review the content warnings as well as the potential romances in your game to assign a minor.

No! All of our games and party themes are 100% original, written by real humans who really really care about creative storytelling and bringing people together.

If you would like to use our games for either of these options, please contact us at foulplaycompany@gmail.com. As in our terms and conditions, our games cannot be run for profit or a fundraising event without prior permission.

Reach out to us at foulplaycompany@gmail.com and we are happy to help answer or add to our FAQ!