Create a murder mystery game with AI

What is a murder mystery game?

In a murder mystery game, a group of players works together (or against each other!) to solve a fictional murder. It’s like bringing a mystery novel into your house to act out the plot. Each player tries to solve the mystery by finding the murderer, while the killer tries to get away with their crime.

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Elements of a murder mystery game

When you’re ready to come up with ideas and materials for a murder mystery game party of your own, ask generative AI to conjure all the playful and sinister details. Consider each of these elements to get murder mystery game ideas that are perfect for you and your crew of suspects:

Format

Whether you’re planning to keep it scripted or lean into improv, there are tons of murder mystery game formats to choose from. To come up with murder mystery party format ideas—including games that continue over several evenings—try AI prompts like these:

• My friends love to improv. Create a murder mystery game format with minimal directions and lots of room to play.
• I’m planning a murder mystery game for my family, and we want it to continue over three nights of our vacation. How do we make that format work well and stay fun?
• I’m new to murder mystery games. Devise a format for a beginner-level game that lasts about an hour and is to be part of a murder mystery dinner party.

Storyline, setting, and characters

Since generative AI is making your murder mystery game based on your specifications, choose the storyline, setting, and characters that appeal most to you. Brainstorm murder mystery game ideas and customize for your enjoyment with prompts like these:

• My friends and I love the ‘70s. Create a murder mystery game with a ‘70s feel that weaves iconic cultural references into the storyline, characters, and setting.
• Devise a murder mystery game for six players set on a train in Eastern Europe. The characters should be travelers from far-flung locales, and the mystery should include political espionage.
• I need help coming up with a setting and theme for my murder mystery party. Where should we begin?

Game materials and décor

Increase the intrigue with materials and décor that bring your murder mystery game to life. From printed clues and case files to pretend murder weapons and theme-specific table centerpieces, the details make your party that much more memorable. Try prompts like these for game material and décor ideas:

• For my murder mystery game, create a case file to review, printable clues, and a journal entry from a suspect. Also, suggest one other game material I haven’t mentioned.
• My murder mystery game dinner party theme is the Roaring ‘20s. Recommend inexpensive table centerpieces and other décor to bring the theme to life.
• Give me 10 ideas of game materials, décor, and theme-specific objects to use as part of my college-themed murder mystery game.

With AI, your friends and family will have a blast cracking the case at your murder mystery game night. For more ways to have fun with AI—from throwing a luau party to learning how to paint—head to the Microsoft 365 Lifehacks hub.