How to Write Your Own Murder Mystery Game (If You Dare)

Thinking about creating your own murder mystery game? Whether you want to run it at a party, host it online, or even sell it, designing a whodunnit is equal parts creativity, logic, and just a touch of mischief. At Skills Murder Mysteries, we’ve built countless games, and we’ve learned that even for DIYers, the process benefits from a bit of expert insight.

Step 1: Choose Your Theme

Every great murder mystery starts with a theme. It’s the hook that sets the tone for the entire experience. Are you planning a glamorous 1920s speakeasy? A cozy library in a snowed-in mansion? A neon-lit retro arcade? Your theme will influence everything from costumes and decor to dialogue and the type of clues you create.

Tip: Choose something your players will be excited about. A theme that inspires them will make their character interactions more natural and entertaining.

Step 2: Decide Your Cast Size

Before you start writing, decide how many people you want involved. A small game might have 6–8 characters, while a big party could handle 15–20. The number of characters impacts:

• How many clues you need to create

• The pacing of the game

• How complex the story can be

Step 3: Who Dies And Who Kills?

This is where it gets juicy. Sometimes we know exactly who our killer is before the building process begins. They leap off the page with motive and opportunity. Other times, we start fleshing out character ideas, and somewhere along the way, the story reveals its own victims and culprits.

If you get stuck, don’t force it. Go with the flow. Often, letting the relationships and personalities take shape naturally will point you toward the perfect twist.

Step 4: Develop Characters With Personality

Names matter. A punny or theme-appropriate name instantly tells players something about their role. For example:

• A baker in a food-themed mystery? Patty Cake.

• A lounge singer in a 1940s game? Velma Notes.

Beyond the name, write a short bio for each character that covers their personality, background, relationships, and a few secrets they might be hiding. The more real they feel, the more players will lean into their roles.

Step 5: Map The Relationships

A murder mystery thrives on tangled connections: grudges, alliances, romantic entanglements, rivalries. Creating a relationship map will help you track motives and ensure everyone has a reason to talk to each other.

Step 6: Design The Clues And Evidence

Your evidence can be physical (notes, photos, objects) or digital (emails, text messages, videos). Keep them on theme and avoid making them too obvious. You want players to think, not breeze through.

Step 7: Create The Game Rules And Story

Clearly outline:

• How the game starts

• How players gather clues

• How accusations are made

• How the killer is revealed

Consistency is key. Players should all have the same basic understanding so gameplay stays fair and fun.

Some mystery writers create a detailed, scripted event. Others prefer a prompt-based style where players improvise dialogue, guided only by key facts they must reveal.

At Skills Murder Mysteries, we lean into improv. This keeps the experience fresh and unpredictable, but a script can be a better fit for first-time hosts.

Step 8: Plan For Physical Or Digital Play

Your mystery can be hosted in person or virtually. For physical games, you’ll need printed materials, props, and possibly set decorations. For digital games, consider platforms like Zoom or Discord, and design your clues so they can be sent as PDFs, images, or links.

Free software that’s helpful for creating your materials:

• Canva – for character booklets, clue cards, and invitations

• Google Docs/Slides – for scripts and editable files

• PDFescape – to make interactive PDFs for digital play

Step 9: Test And Tweak

Run a test game with a small group before hosting your big event. You’ll quickly see where clues are too easy, too hard, or confusing — and you’ll catch any plot holes.

Step 10: Prizes And Keepsakes

Consider adding a little extra flair with:

• Winner certificates

• “Best Actor” or “Most Dramatic Death” awards

• Themed prizes that match your setting

It’s a small touch that adds big memories.

Mysteries Take Time, But They're Worth It

Writing a murder mystery is an art, and no two games are ever exactly the same. Whether your killer is obvious from day one or reveals themselves halfway through writing, trust the process. The twists, the laughter, and the “Aha!” moments make it all worthwhile.

And remember — if you want to go deeper into the craft, Skills Murder Mysteries may just have an advanced course in the works. Until then… happy plotting.