Murder in 1985 | A Virtual Murder Mystery
This is a lighthearted 1980's murder mystery theme for 6-10 players (with an expansion pack, purchased separately, that adds another 6 players plus a spectator file to include up to 100+ non-suspect players), ages 13 and up. This is formatted for virtual (video chat) play. This can be played with only 4-5 players. This game should take 2 hours to play. The game can be played in two ways - at home with a group or via a video-chat service of your choice.
This is the instant download version of the game - no waiting, no shipping, and no printing is needed. Download and play! This murder mystery game was formatted to play on Zoom or other video chat - you send each player a PDF file before the game and meet up virtually to play!
Helpful Links:
- Host character list
- Free, printable invitation
- Murder Mystery Prop Emporium
- 6 character, Expansion pack - Purchased separately
- Free pre-game site for players
Mystery Synopsis:
It is 1985, and after losing market share to sweeter competitors, Koko-Cola has revised its classic formulation and named the new beverage Best Cola. The CEO, Martin McFly, is hosting a huge bash to celebrate the release and has invited the Who’s Who of the entertainment industry to attend the party. With so many Yes Men fluttering around Mr. McFly, he’s blinded to the reality that he is one of the most dreadful men in the world. He’s stolen ideas, broken hearts, slashed egos, and even kidnapped the beloved pets of foes when it suited him.
Alas, you are one of the ‘80s icons that received an exclusive invitation to this event. Mr. McFly has wronged you in the past but needs your fame to help launch Best Cola. It should be interesting how this all plays out. This is where your story begins.
Included:
- Host instruction file - including bonus games to play virtually, player instructions, and a timeline sheet (abbreviated instructions) for your event.
- 10 character packets (PDF files) to send to your players in advance of the party. They include instructions, a character bio, and three rounds of game play (optional pre-game, round one materials, round two materials).
- Solution keys for the game and game challenge (and optional bonus games) - host can play along without spoiling the game.
- Editable text field player contact sheet for pre-game
- Three videos of a detective's call on speaker phone to play to start the game, start round two, and give the solution
- Free invitation (optional to use)
- Free pre-game website (optional, but suggested)
If you wish to host this (or any other) game for profit, in public, &/or as a benefit for a business/brand/organization - you will need a commercial license - click here.
- Minimum Age:
- 12 and up due to difficulty.
- Difficulty rating:
- Moderate, 6/10
- Gender of character roles:
- Flexible.
- Number of players in the main game:
- 6-10 in the main game (you can play with only 4-5). You'll receive an optional character list for the host that narrows to 4 required.
- Expansion/Expandable team players:
- Expansion pack #1 has 6, gender flexible characters - all optional. With the expansion pack, you'll receive a spectator file to cover up to 100+ players in the game.
- Date of publication:
- September 2020
Reviews
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easy so far, anticipate smooth sailing
inexpensive and well organized, great instructions
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Great Time!
I was worried about how this would work over Zoom. I think it was just as fun! The directions were very simple to follow and nice that the host could play along as well. Definitely going to do this again.
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First time "Guest"
As a first timer i had no idea what to expect going in. Along with many others who were a part of my Murder Mystery ( 10 of us who have never done anything like this) 10/10 said they had a good time!! A few bumps along the way only due to lack of reading on the hosts end it went off tremendously !! We cannot wait to do it again
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Really good fun and 100 times better than the weekly quiz!
We started texting each other as our characters the night before which really helped. By the time we started playing everyone, even the few reluctant ones, were really engaging!
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Really good!
We played this game with 8 people online due to the lockdown in the UK, and it was super fun. We all got dressed up using the guidance provided and we all enjoyed the different elements of the game such as the videos, forensic analysis information and handwriting identification. These different elements gave the game depth and the storyline works well throughout. Looking forward to the next one already! Thank you :)
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Great night of socially distant fun!
This was so much fun! It helps when your players really get into character. The instructions are clear and the plot unfolds really well.
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Great characters!
I threw this party as a virtual birthday for friends, and it was great. The characters are hilarious mash-ups of famous people from the 80s, so the costumes were extra fun to put together. The instructions for the host were clear, and it was easy to distribute materials without spoiling the game for myself.
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Great fun in quarantine
We played the 80’s murder mystery with a group of 8 and had a blast. This is a great way to still connect with friends in a fun way!
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so much fun!
My friends and I had so much fun digging in to this murder mystery. We loved how flexible it was by providing so many options and extra parts that could extend the game if needed. Everyone got so into their character and had a really great time. A perfect distraction from the outside world right now.