Why We’re Trying Something New with "Panic at the Piano Bar"
- Amy Seybolt
- Sep 5
- 2 min read
Usually, when Skills Murder Mysteries rolls out a new game, the focus is on the fun: unraveling secrets, stepping into character, and seeing which of your friends ends up being guilty. But this time, the release of Panic at the Piano Bar looks a little different.
For the first time ever, we’re doing a pre-order, and it’s not just about the game. It’s about something bigger.
Why This Game Is Different
This project is close to home for us. Skills Sister Amy has been a longtime fan of Andrew McMahon. Through his music, she discovered the Dear Jack Foundation, and every year she’s been inspired by the way fans come together for the Raise Your Voice 300K Challenge. People pour their creativity into it! Handmade items, art, music, and unique fundraisers all to support young adults and their families during one of the hardest battles they’ll ever face: cancer.
Amy has always wanted to be part of that movement. This year, we decided it was finally time to make it happen through Skills.
Why the Dear Jack Foundation
If you’ve never heard of them before, the Dear Jack Foundation is a nonprofit that provides programs for adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer. They focus on improving quality of life, from treatment through survivorship, by offering community, resources, and support that’s often overlooked for this age group.
It’s important work, and we’re proud that Panic at the Piano Bar will help fund it.
The Game Itself
So, why a piano bar? We wanted a setting that tied back to the music and Andrew McMahon’s world, while still giving players all the intrigue and drama they’ve come to expect from a Skills mystery.
The story: a group of creatives gathers at an LA piano bar for a night of music, champagne, and good company. But under the melodies and laughter, secrets simmer. Everyone has a motive. Everyone has a secret. And by the end of the night, someone will have to answer for it.
It’s designed for 6–14 players and comes with everything you need to host from character packets, invitations, a host guide, name tags, and more.
How It Works
Panic at the Piano Bar releases on October 11, 2025.
If you pre-order, you’ll get the files emailed to you on release day.
And here’s the most important part: every single sale—not just pre-orders—will benefit the Dear Jack Foundation. We aren’t limiting this to the challenge window. This game will always support the cause.
How You Can Be Part of This
If you love hosting mystery games, or just want to support an amazing organization, you can pre-order now. It’s a small way to make a difference, while also giving yourself (and your friends) a night to remember.
This game is more than just another release for us, it’s our way of connecting something we love doing with a cause that means the world to Amy, and now, to all of us at Skills. We can’t wait to share it with you.