Frequently Asked Hosting Questions
QUESTION: Should the host play a role in the game? If so, which character?
The host should play one of the characters in the game! We want our hosts to have an equal amount of fun and intrigue as their guests! Our parties are easy to host, so you have plenty of time to play. Choose any character from the character list.
For in person games: do not view the clue cards or other spoilers designated on the table of contents (page 1 of the game file) when you are preparing the game. With the download version, the host doesn't need to know who the victim or murderer are before the game, but you will need to grab a volunteer who isn't playing and ask them to cut out your clue cards and put them in envelopes for you, as well any other items that may give spoilers (i.e. victim sign, forensic report, answer key). We do not divulge spoilers in the host instructions - you are safe to read the instructions!
Better yet, have our staff prepare your kit in a Party Pack and choose the party ready option in the drop down menu so you can be on an even playing field. Everything in this version of the boxed kit will come to you, ready to go. You have the ability to upgrade a download, so it's never too late.
For virtual games - it's foolproof to host and play without knowing anything to spoil the mystery, as all spoilers are located in a separate file on your account.
QUESTION: Does the murderer/victim change if you play again?
No, the murderer and victim are set in the story. There is a gradient from the game of Clue to My Mystery Party games with storylines. Clue has little to no story, is highly flexible, but with little intrigue or suspense - and no role-playing. However, you can play the board game as many times as you wish. On the other side of the spectrum, our games are driven by storylines, are interactive, and role-playing. You slip into your character role and interact with others in character while the story builds around you. The clues will all point to a single suspect and it will be embedded in the story.
QUESTION: Do I have to use all optional players from the main game before I use expansion pack players?
No, you do not. You can play any combination of optional players from the main game and expansion packs. Just note that the characters are added in order of occurrence to the guest lists on the free invitation and Your Mystery Party site, so skipping an entire expansion pack (i.e. #1) and moving on to the next (i.e. #2) isn't suggested, as your players will be required to skip many players in the list when reading over them. Skipping a few isn't a big deal and hardly noticeable. Skipping 8-10 is a bigger deal and may raise questions.
QUESTION: One of my guests has to be the victim? Won't they get bored because they're out of the game?!
Quite the contrary! As far as the victim being a character - in the long history of our business with our customers and market tests, etc. we found that people 'enjoy' being the victim in our games. We do not take anyone - especially the victim - out of gameplay. We believe in fun for everyone, and that is why the victim doesn't know they are the victim and the murderer doesn't know they are the murderer - until it is time to know. The victim is the character that gets the 'most' attention throughout the game - it's the spotlight role. In Round One - they are very heavily into the story and might even start to figure out that they have many targets on their back. In most games, in Round Two - they are notified via their clue card that they are the victim and all they need to do is wear a victim sign and then 'play as a ghost of their character.' The instructions ask them not to speak and communicate in other ways (this has proven to be hysterical) but play along with the rest of the players as usual. You can also elect (as the host) to have them 'speak as a ghost' or just play normally. As long as they're wearing the victim sign - they're designated as the victim. We also have optional items to put with the victim kit which are a victim's halo, white face makeup (to put on their face because they're now a ghost) and we even have a victim t-shirt that they can put on to further distinguish themselves and it doubles as a party souvenir. Being the victim at one of our murder mystery parties is great - especially if you love attention! Now, some may find it 'silly' to have the victim come back as a ghost of their former character. Well, do you want to look the victim player in the face and say 'game over' as soon as the murder occurs? No, you won't want to do that - the fun has just begun with the investigation! Our author, who has decades of experience of hosting parties, keeps everybody in the game for equal fun! With that said, if you don't want them to remain the victim after the victim reveal, you can just make them a detective or a background player - by the time the victim is revealed, it's only the investigation and most of the character role play is over and the serious sleuthing begins. It really doesn't matter what character the victim is playing.
QUESTION: How involved are the 'optional' players of the game? Will they know they were optional and feel left out?
The murderer and victim are within the required players, and you must have the required players intact to play the game. The optional players have the same type of materials as the required players. They'll never realize they weren't optional to the game. They will have motives and a story that intertwines with the rest of the characters and some optional players actually have a big role in the game. However, you can leave them out without affecting your game. Optional players may be played in any combination from the main game and expansion pack(s).
QUESTION: Do you have mysteries where the victim is already disclosed and isn't a guest?
We now have some options for you if you're looking for a murder mystery without a victim. The first option is Murder & Mayhem at Doom Mansion. The second option is the Reading of the Last Will & Testament of Roland Kingsley. A third is the Murder of Archibald Grim. Another option is our virtually formatted games, which also are the best for small groups in person.
But first - let's get to the bottom of why you're not wanting a victim in your game. Having a victim in the game builds an added layer of suspense when the guests don't know who will be murdered. In Round Two - the victim will be notified they are the victim - not even the host has to know who it is - and they'll leave the room via a cue to 'become' the victim - minimally by wearing a victim sign but you can go all out and have them apply white face makeup, wear a victim T-shirt and halo. It's hilarious when they walk back in the room. From that point on - they are to communicate in other ways than speaking (optional but funny) because they are a 'ghost' - but you can allow them to speak as long as they keep their victim sign on. They're not taken out of the game at all! In fact, they're the highlight of the game! We've done tons of research and found the players that have played the victim in the past 'hope they get to be the victim again in the next murder mystery game!' We would never want to take anyone out or make anyone feel like they were not important in the game or to the storyline - so that's how we are different than those other companies that take your guests out of the game after they are murdered. Most of our mysteries are formatted this way with the exception of Doom Mansion and the Last Will game. Doom was originally created for a group of pre-teens who couldn't 'murder' one of their friends due to their age, but wanted a Clue inspired game. But we've had plenty of adults play this game and it's great fun! The Last Will game was created in 2017 as an option for hosts wanting to avoid the victim in the game.
Even though these are two stellar games, we prefer to make one of the guests a victim! Don't want to have a 'murder' in your game? No worries - we have a great selection of non-murder games.
Also, we have two more specialty games that do not have a victim as part of the cast. Plaza Ritz Murder Mystery and our golf tournament murder mystery. Last, we do have a new line of case file games, with the first one released being the Murder of Abigail Ross (Catch a Killer). This game may be played solo, or with a group.
At this time, the virtually formatted games do not have a live victim in the game. The virtually formatted games may be played at home, as well.
QUESTION: Can I change the gender of a specific player?
Not really. First, we cannot provide editable files or allow you to edit the game because of copyright. Second, if the author thought the role could be easily played by the opposing gender, it would be marked as 'either gender' to increase flexibility of the game. Gender-related issues may be involved in the storyline, so it would not be optimal to change anything about any player. These games are well thought out and storylines can be quite extensive and interconnected. Changing anything can alter the ability for the mystery to flow smoothly and is not suggested. If you need a game with more gender flexibility- we have plenty for you! Bloodwood Masquerade Ball, for example, has 40 mostly gender flexible characters!
Now, if you are set on the game but have a gender ratio that is off and end up with a required player that is the opposite gender of what you need, you can do this: if you find a willing player of the opposite gender to play the role, print off a face-sized picture of the character (just do a search online for one). Then, cut out eye and mouth holes. Glue the photo on a Popsicle stick or wooden dowel from a hobby store. The player holds it in front of their face during the game when they speak in character. It works, and is quite funny if you have a good sport playing the opposite gender role. Last resort: with any of our games, you can still play while missing a required player - just make sure your murderer/thief/kidnapper and victim (in murder games) are intact. Then, you will post the missing character's cards each round on a wall so the guests get all the information they need to solve the crime. Want to keep the surprise? Contact us via email and we can tell you which player you can leave out - we guarantee a response within 24 hours.
QUESTION: What is the difference between teen and adult games?
You won't find a more cautious murder mystery game author. There is no foul language, sexual innuendos, or drug references in our games. The only games that reference alcohol in the story-lines are the prohibition (1920s) games - because of the times (i.e. bootlegging, rum running, speakeasies, etc.) and the wine tasting for obvious reasons. Even though a love triangle is one of the biggest motives for murder, it is only mentioned in two games - the Grand Gatsby 1920s game, and the 1960's Peace Love & Murder. Even then, it's only mentioned with no details given - it's just a strong motive for murder and fit the personality/scenario of those characters. With that said, our ratings are based upon difficulty. If you see a game that's 13 and up - that means the minimum age for comprehension is 13. We assess the rating based upon test groups when a game is first published. We tweak the minimum age based upon feedback.
If you email us asking if your 10 year old can play a 13+ mystery - we must say no because we have tested it at a minimum of 13 years. Asking our staff to sanction outside of what we have put into place for a rating isn't fair to them. If you have a bright 10-year-old and believe s/he can comprehend material for 13+, it is your decision. We have sample game materials for each game under the helpful links section of the page (scroll past the game trailer video), so you can get a good grasp of the reading level, content, etc. And, our staff is here to answer any questions you might have about the game. For more detailed information about the rating system levels - Click here.
There are a few games that are only in the teen section and not adult because they are geared for teens (i.e. Teen Idol Awards, Oster Awards). This doesn't mean that adults can't play - it just means it is a teen content game. Also, there are some games that are not listed in the teen section because they are not geared for teens, such as the Wine Tasting murder mystery.
On the flip side - some people have asked us for risque material in the games. With our author - that's just not going to happen. She is an award-winning Young Adult (YA) novelist, and doesn't wish to publish risque content. You can, however, instruct your guests to embellish their characters in any way they want to add risque content. It's just not going to be created that way!
QUESTION: Can we use your games for profit &/or for a fundraiser? Also, are we able to post your art/graphics on our site or promo materials for this event?
Hosting our games for profit without our consent is a violation of international Copyright law. If you plan to make a profit on our games &/or host them publicly, you must have a commercial/multi-use license. This includes but is not limited to event planners, restaurants, bed & breakfast facilities, hotels, etc. Even more important, you must abide by the terms of the license. Our staff routinely searches the internet for our game materials, and if we find you are selling or hosting our games illegally, we take immediate legal action against you. You are also not allowed to use our graphics on your website or on any type of promo materials without purchasing a commercial license and abiding by the terms set forth in the commercial/multi-use license, which include posting a link to our site and including a statement it is a My Mystery Party game. However, if you wish to use our graphics for a personal party - just email us and we'll be glad to give you permission to do so free of charge!
There is a separate commercial license for virtual hosting and face-to-face hosting and these must be renewed yearly.
If you are a 501(c) with a federal ID, we will waive the commercial license fee for you to host as a fundraiser. Simply put your federal identification (EIN) in the comments section of the shopping cart with the organization name and we will automatically waive the license between the months of February and August. We will not waive commercial licenses in the months Sept-January. Do not lose your order number, however, as we can contact you in the future to ensure your game was licensed or the license had a waiver. My Mystery Party will donate up to three commercial fees per non-profit ID number per year. This means three separate events.
QUESTION: I'm an event planner, can I host your mysteries for my clients?
Yes, you can, but you need a commercial license (see above) for each format of the game (virtual, in-person). You, the Buyer/User/Licensee on record, must be on site &/or visible on the video chat with virtual games during the event. You are not allowed to transfer the hosting to anybody besides who is on record for purchase.(i.e. the Licensee).
QUESTION: Do you only offer downloads or can it be mailed to my home?
We offer both instant downloads and boxed sets. The instant downloads are available immediately upon purchase and you can avoid shipping fees. They are PDF files (standard) and best opened with Adobe Reader - the newest version will always be the best. Nothing needs to be shipped, you have everything you need to play once you download the file.
Click here to download the newest version of Adobe Reader.
Each game is also available via a boxed set called a Party Pack. Our staff will prepare your kit upon purchase and within 2-3 days, will ship to the address you input upon purchase via the method (UPS) you choose.
QUESTION: If I purchase the boxed set, will I also get the download version?
No, they are separate products and not necessarily seamless. We do not advise using both versions while hosting the game. They are on their own update/edit schedules, and the content may not flow. Even if the story flows together, the format and aesthetic of the clue cards will not be the same. We want you and your guests to have an optimal experience. Therefore, we do not recommend co-mingling the two versions. You will have everything needed to play the game with the party ready pack, so there is no need for the download version of the game. Also, the download version contains spoilers that you could accidentally view. The party 'ready' pack is spoiler-free (if you choose the option to have the staff fold and slip the clue cards into envelopes).
QUESTION: If I purchase the boxed set, can I add the download version of the expansion pack(s) later?
See above. We do not advise doing this, as they are two separate products. Same overall story, but the clue cards, name tags, and possibly other materials will not look the same as your boxed set. However - in a pinch, it's better than nothing if you have last minute additions or if you do not have the budget to have more players prepared with the boxed set. Short answer - not advised, but you could do it if absolutely needed.
QUESTION: If I purchase the boxed set, can I add boxed set players later?
Yes, you can. Because there is customization involved in preparing additional players, there is a minimum of 4 and the cost per player is slightly more than when you purchased the kit. You'll need to follow the instructions on the page (click here for the add on players page) regarding letting us know what envelope color/graphic you have for each round. We cannot guarantee, especially if a significant amount of time has passed, to match your envelope graphics/colors - but will do everything possible to try. If you fail to notify us of our envelope colors, we'll do our best to match with our standard color scheme.
QUESTION: Do I have to use all of expansion pack #1 before adding players from expansion pack #2?
As long as you play 'most' of the players from expansion pack #1, you can add players from expansion pack #2. The reason for this is because the players are added to the growing character list in order. You don't want a big section of players not included on your suspect list (it's okay if you are sporadically missing players - that won't draw much attention.)
QUESTION: What if I want to add more characters on one of the downloadable mystery games?
First - check to see if there's an available expansion pack. Go back to your game page and check under the 'helpful links' section of the page to see if there's one. Second, check to see if one of your players is expandable. It will be noted on the game description & the character list (again, the link is under the helpful links section).
After that, you've got more options... you can add on characters to the list that go with the theme of the party. Give them some simple game-related clues - but nothing that would alter the mystery. Or, if you don't feel like doing it yourself, we will do it for you at 25.00 USD per character with a 50.00 USD charge for the first character. It takes up to 10 business days to complete your character(s) - depending on the author's queue.
QUESTION: How long is a mystery party?
Virtual games run about 2 hours on average.
Catch a Killer case-file games can take between 3-8 hours.
The traditional, in-person (face-to-face) mystery parties are done in three rounds - appetizer hour, dinner (optional), and then dessert (optional). This typically takes about 1.5 - 3.0 hours and can take longer if the optional activities are played. The following is an example time line - although games will vary slightly:
EXAMPLE TIMELINE FOR A TRADITIONAL, IN-PERSON MYSTERY PARTY
7:00 PM: Guests arrive. Take guest photos and serve refreshments. Have the invited guest list available for the guests to view as they trickle into the party. Once everybody has arrived, snap a group photo!
7:10 PM: The host goes over the player instructions for the mystery game. It is optional to have each character stand up and introduce themselves to the group. You can play the game trailer video for an introduction.
7:20 PM: The round one clue cards are handed out, and the game begins. The guests mingle and discuss the clues on their clue cards. Motives will start to unfold during this round.
7:50 PM: An optional bonus game is played.
8:05 PM: An optional dinner is served. Snacks can be served throughout the party instead.
8:35 PM: The round two envelopes are handed out, and the guests mingle about with their pre-murder clues.
9:00 PM: The victim is revealed, and the investigation of the crime begins. The mystery investigation sheets are handed out, and the guests interrogate each other (using the post-murder clues). Each guest should interview every player in the game.
9:15 PM: The forensic report is revealed (some games may not have a report, so view your additional information sheet in your kit to determine if your game has one).
9:30 PM: The investigation sheets (guesses of whodunit) are turned in to the host. After the sheets are collected, the guests may take turns accusing who they believe did it.
9:45 PM: Dessert and coffee may be served at this time. The round three solutions are handed out to the guests. Each player presents their solution, and the murderer confesses at the end. Allow a few minutes for the guests to mingle at the end to discuss the mystery.
10:00 PM: Another optional bonus game may be played &/or host an optional awards ceremony!
To shorten the mystery party, omit the bonus games, don’t stop for dinner, omit the accusation round, and don’t host an awards ceremony. Also, you can shorten the game even further by only having the required players read their solutions (or even just the murderer). If you wish to extend the length of the party, add more bonus games!
QUESTION: Why do players only get a brief bio of their character before the game?
The amount of information given to your players will vary with the game difficulty. We have actively tested our format since 2006 and have found that the majority of guests will only look into the amount of information on the character list - at best. With our moderate difficulty games, which are the most popular, we have fine-tuned the amount of text to give before the party, and the best type of information to give before the party (full character list, pre-game site, and pre-game tasks).
What was more fun in school - quiet reading alone or more kinesthetic style (tactile, physical learning) activities? Majority of people (not all) will enjoy and react better to activities that are more engaging and diverse, such as looking at a website, video, and interacting with others with the pre-game tasks. Now, this isn't a classroom and your players aren't students in a classroom (well, they could be) - but we're just using this example to put this in perspective.
Unlike other game developers, in addition to giving the full character list with brief bios, we also have a pre-game site for your guests and pre-game tasks that are to be done before the day of the party. A variable portion of players (not all in most cases) will review the pre-game site and perform their pre-game tasks, since it is interactive. We have found it is more important for them to be briefed on the full list of potential characters, as well as their own, and the story premise, as well. Just showing up to the party with a detailed history of one character still leaves your player in the dark. And, we can guarantee that not everyone will show up on the same playing field. When you give too much information, such as in a detailed booklet, we all have busy lives - it seems daunting, and all of your guests are less likely to take the time to review it.
That's why the pre-game site has the game trailer and synopsis. Believe us, there's plenty to do beforehand with our moderate level games, and you would rather your guests to want for more, as opposed to feeling like you've given them homework.
With that explained, our higher difficulty rated games do usually have more lengthy bios on the Your Mystery Party site, and the link is given on the free invite. For example, the Last Will and Testament game has a web page for each player and more videos to watch before the game. Players can also access the web pages for the other characters. The games with the higher rating level are for groups who are really into the game and will dedicate more time upfront. We highly suggest not hosting one of these higher level games unless you have the right group, or they would be lost the night of your party. Also, the virtual games do have more extensive bios, given the format of the game.
QUESTION: How long do I have to download my game after I purchase it?
You have an entire year to download your game after purchase. Because these are single-use purchases, a year for party-planning is great. If not, and your party is delayed, be sure to download your game within the one-year time period. Games are revised on a routine basis to keep up with the times (and sometimes, retired). Therefore, associated materials (i.e. expansion packs, Your Mystery Party guest site) may not jive with a main game if you wait five years between purchasing a game and its expansion pack - or - if retired, these materials may not be available in the future. However, you still have a year to download the game and save to your hard drive. If you had a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic (March - September 2020)- let us know by September 1, 2020 and we will grant you an extension on your game license.
QUESTION: Am I allowed to copy all or a portion of the game and/or use it again?
No, you are only purchasing a single-use game. The Buyer/User/Licensee on record is the only host registered to host the game. The game is not transferable to another end user. Worldwide copyright laws protect mymysteryparty.com printed materials. No part of these electronic or printed documents may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, emailing, recording, scanning, emailing, texting, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written consent from mymysteryparty.com. The Licensee is entitled to utilize these electronic and/or printed materials for one use only at one event for non-profit, that is, unless you purchase multiple usage rights via a commercial license. We do have commercial licenses available that will give you rights to host the party for profit. There are separate licenses for virtual and in-person games. You are also not authorized to use our graphics without permission. Please contact us at support@mymysteryparty.com if you would like to use our graphics for any reason (i.e. party invites, cake tops, etc).
QUESTION: There's a layout of the fictional event space with my game. Should I try to match my home to this diagram?
No! Please don't do that. We need to keep all aspects of the mystery, including the event space (castle, mansion, Character A's house, etc.) in story land. Once you try to recreate things involving the mystery - you'll blur the lines and then, your players will start asking what's supposed to be in the story, such as: The candlestick on your mantle? Is that part of the game?
Don't try to recreate any diagram, any chronological time line (don't have Character B leave the room before the murder because his post-murder clue says he did, etc.), any staging of where characters were, etc. Keep everything in the story, and your game will proceed smoothly.
Plus: we'd never, ever ask or expect you to do anything outside of the host instructions.
QUESTION: How do I know when to start each round for the mystery?
The rounds typically take about 20-45 minutes for the players to mingle and sort through their clues. You, as the host, should be able to tell when the guests are done mingling with their clues. Then, announce the round has ended and give the next round of clues. The biggest problem that new hosts will encounter is rushing the game. DON'T RUSH! Take your time, relax and enjoy the mystery as it unfolds. Do not stop fun.
QUESTION: I only need 1-2 more players, why do I have to purchase the whole expansion pack?
Mystery parties are notorious for a growing guest list - especially once the word gets out. It can be frustrating when you end up needing only 1-2 characters to be added to your game. However, we only have what is published and available for purchase on our site. We cannot simply edit an expansion pack file to customize how many players you need - that takes time, and would need some rewriting and a review by the editor. For that reason, we are unable to sell individual characters to add on to your game. The good news is that you may play any combination of players from the available expansion packs.
QUESTION: What is the difference between the instant download version and the party ready pack?
Click here to see all the differences between instant downloads and party ready packs.
QUESTION: So why choose a My Mystery Party 'party pack' instead of a mass-distributed game?
Quality: our mysteries are of the highest quality. We have an award-winning mystery game and YA book author who has written over 100 successful games (and published 10+ YA novels). Our author has vast experience with party planning and hosting and published 'The Official Party Host Handbook' and 'The Halloween Party Host Handbook.' For those reasons, we have the best murder mystery game author who knows how to throw a party and keep your guests intrigued and entertained. Also, our author was a university science professor and has taught forensic science - which is what makes our games more authentic. There's a reason why we're contacted by TV producers and other media professionals.
Bonus activities: we include bonus activities and the other boxed games do not - they are usually a straight mystery party for 6-8 guests that will heavily rely upon your guests for improvisations.
Number of players: our games vary by number of players, but you won't find a mass-distributed game that can cover over 300 players - or even 20 players like most of our games can. Most mass-distributed games contain 6-8 players and don't have as much flexibility with gender and optional characters. On average, our games will include more players. Most of our newer games will have mostly gender flexible players and optional ones so your game isn't ruined when the murderer or victim doesn't show.
Booklets vs. clue cards in rounds: in mass-distributed games, the 6-8 characters are typically given a booklet with all of their clues and solution upfront. Do you trust that your players won't thumb to the back page and take a sneak peek? Viewing the solution could be a mistake and game over if that happens. We give the clues in rounds to build excitement and intrigue. The guests won't know everything about the game and their character at the start of the game! The murderer doesn't know they are the murderer and the victim doesn't know what's coming at the start of the game! When the guests are handed a new envelope for the round, it is exciting!
Clean material: our games don't contain foul language, sexual innuendos, drug references, or other highly-inappropriate content. If a game has references to alcohol (i.e. our wine tasting game or 1920's themes), it will say so in the 'product details' section of the game page. If a game has horror content (i.e. demons, cults, etc.), there will also be a warning.
QUESTION: Are your murder mystery parties scripted or clue based?
Traditional, in person games: we've got the greatest combination of both! Ours are a hybrid and we take the best of both worlds. The guests are not left out in the cold with just a character description in a booklet and not knowing what to do next - and on the flip side, it's not a script like you're reading a play during a rehearsal either - who wants to do that? Boring! Confusing! Our games are highly interactive but 'directed,' as each character gets a new clue card for each round with developing character information and clues/tasks for each character to perform, things to know, things to ask others, etc. Also, we give information for each character to conceal if they want to so they know how to react to others. If it is necessary to come out in the story line, it will in future clue cards! In real life you would know more about your character than others would. We also don't allow our victims to know they are the victim until it's time and the murderer doesn't know they did it until the end. With the booklet/scripted games, players get that information all at once - including the crime that happened! Do you want to rely upon your guests to keep the secret that they are the guilty party for the entire game? You'd be risking the evening with one of your guests having the answer!
Also, with purely scripted games, the victim isn't in the game - so how much mystery and intrigue can build up during the mystery party? Not as much as our highly interactive, evolving format. So, give our hybrid mystery parties a try - we're confident you'll be back for your next party...and your next...and your next....
Virtual games: the virtual games are a bit more scripted with some clues to share to allow for improvisations. The format was extensively tested and scripts became necessary when people are on a video chat staring at each other:)
QUESTION: I want to set you up as a vendor and need a 1099.
Since we will not do over $600 in business with you during a calendar year, but more importantly - we are not a freelancer / service provider, and you are purchasing retail merchandise from an online retail store - we are not required to provide a 1099.
QUESTION: I want to purchase with a purchase order.
Unfortunately, we are not set up to accept purchase orders.
QUESTION: I am tax exempt, how do I purchase a game without sales tax?
If you live in the state of Texas and have a Texas Sales Tax ID - put this number and your business name in the comments section of the shopping cart and we will refund your tax - but please email us and tell us you've done this, as we won't automatically know. Unfortunately, our system isn't set up to do this cleanly, and you'll have an invoice showing tax charged, but with a line of a refund of the exact amount with a note that the tax was refunded. Hopefully this will suffice for your internal auditors.
If you reside outside of Texas, the shopping cart will remove the tax once it accepts your address. You will not be charged tax on your final amount in the shopping cart outside of Texas.
QUESTION: Can I personalize my game? Do you provide editable files?
All of MyMysteryParty.com materials are under Copyright and protected by international copyright laws. For this reason, we cannot provide editable files. Even if this wasn't the case, we have specialty fonts that you will most likely not have, and we are unable to transfer any of our graphics to another user due to our agreements. The Terms and Conditions (www.mymysteryparty.com/info) of your game license also forbid any alteration of our games or transfer of game materials, as well.
We are a small business and cannot provide the service of customizing games or accessories (free invite, free guest site, nametags, etc.), as any change to our game requires a full edit of the materials, as to not have inconsistencies. Even the slightest change, such as a character name, can make game-wide changes necessary and render all free accessories useless to you (game trailer video, free invite, free guest site). Your experience at your party is of utmost importance to us.
QUESTION: Will the expandable team players have character names and bios and feel included in the game?
The expandable team players enable you to expand the game beyond the unique character roles that are published with any game - as opposed to these extra guests not having a role and being bystanders. These roles are a safety net for you to at least include people beyond the unique roles in a secondary role. The expandable team players have the same materials, such as game cards, name tags, investigation sheets. However, they will not be assigned names, as once a player has a name, the other players will consider them suspects. Therefore, allow them to use their birth-names during the game.
The team players play the game just like everyone else with the difference being they do not have a unique story line. The clues on their cards involve the story of their assigned team leader. They all have the same cards, as you will be given a file to make copies for each player on the team.
Will they feel slighted if you give them this role? Not necessarily. Just don't give these roles to the most outgoing folks in your group (unless they are last minute RSVPs).
We've all been in a classroom. Does everyone in the class raise their hand when the teacher asks a question? Not unless the teacher is giving away candy or grades. The ones who raise their hands routinely should be given the required player roles. The ones who will raise their hand eventually if nobody else does - give optional players to these girls and guys.
A large portion of the class will never want to raise their hand, and if the teacher calls upon them, they have a panic attack. These are the ideal folks to place in these secondary roles, and they will thank you for it. They still play along - just like everyone else - but they don't have the added pressure of carrying a unique story. Not everyone in a given group will want the limelight, so don't go into it feeling bad about assigning these roles. If your'e still adamant about assigning everyone in your big group a role - choose a large group game, such as Harrison House or Stratford Castle. But we will caution - too many storylines start to cause a bit of chaos. Most of the more challenging games wouldn't work if too many storylines were included, so you won't find more than 30 max in any of the more difficult games.
QUESTION: Can I give the game to my friend to host next?
No, you cannot. That would be in breach of our agreement with you per the Terms and Conditions. The license you purchase is non-transferable and good for a single-use game. Your friend will need to purchase a different license if they wish to host. If you are caught attempting to allow a friend access to your account, per the Terms, your license will be voided and this act could affect future licenses for games with My Mystery Party.
QUESTION: Where is the link for the free guest pre-game site and free invitation?
Each game will have a link under 'helpful links' of the game's page for both the free invitation and the guest pre-game site. Both are accessible and available to you prior to purchase.
QUESTION: What is the difference between a face-to-face (in-person) game and a virtual game?
Click here for a handy chart that explains the differences. QUESTION: Will the murderer know they are guilty from the start?
No, they will not. In our games, we keep everyone on an even playing field. We want everyone to have fun and be able to investigate and guess whodunit. We also don't want anyone to have the power to ruin your game - intentionally or by accident.
As far as their post-murder clues go - a murderer would not tell the truth during an investigation. Their clue cards will have round two (post-murder) clues that will be their 'lies' to tell the others while they are being interrogated. They are not told on their card that these are lies, as that would be telling them they are the murderer and giving them an advantage to solve the crime, which is not an even playing field. The gues (player) instructions that you go over with the group before the game covers this - that the player can guess themselves if the evidence points toward them.
After the players have guessed whodunit (after round two), the murderer will find out they are the guilty party in round three, the solution round, when everyone else does.
QUESTION: Do I have to use all optional players from the main game before I use expansion pack players?
Nope! You may use them in any combination from the main game and expansion packs.
QUESTION: Do you ever have sales or give discount codes?
We have a loyalty program on Facebook.com/mymysteryparty or on Google. Post a photo and testimonial and then contact us with the link to that post and we will issue you a coupon code for your next game!
QUESTION: Can I have my download printed at a UPS Store or Staples?
Yes, you can. If they give you trouble over copyright, they are doing their job - no worries. Contact us via email for a copyright release. Most will accept an email from us saying it is okay to print, others are going to be more strict and request a signed document -which we will be happy to do for you. No worries! Just note - by the time you purchase the downloadable game version and get it printed, you're almost the same time investment and money as having our staff prepare it for you. Consider a party pack!