Buying Guide

Scripted vs Freeform

Not sure which format suits your group? Here's everything you need to know before you buy.

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Predominantly Scripted
Characters are given scripts to read or follow throughout the game. The host guides proceedings and players deliver their lines at the appropriate moments. There is often a introductory script and then scripted questions for other players and scripted answers for you when you are questioned by other players. Most games include small sections, where you can ask players more questions and they will answer the best they can, based on what they know so far.
  • Great for groups who prefer clear direction
  • No acting experience required
  • Easier for shy players to participate
  • More structured — less chance of going off-script
  • Perfect for first-timers
🎭
Largely Freeform
Characters are given a personality profile with detailed background information. They need to read this before the games starts to become familiar with their character and their previous actions. Players are given scripted introductions and questions for other players and have some pointers towards answers, but are encouraged to embelish and improvise their own dialogue throughout the evening, based on their character information.
  • More immersive and natural feeling
  • Characters feel more real and spontaneous
  • Great for confident, outgoing groups
  • More replayable — the games can feel quite different depending upon who is playing the characters
  • Suits groups who enjoy roleplaying

Which Format Is Right for Your Group?

The honest answer is that both formats are enormous fun — the difference is in how the fun unfolds. Scripted games feel more like a theatrical production; freeform games feel more like an evening of improvisation with a mystery threaded through it.

If your group has never played a murder mystery before, a scripted game is usually the safer choice. Players know exactly what to say and when, which means less pressure - players discover more about their own character as well as the other characters as the game unfolds. This format requires less preperation from the players, as they only have a paragraph to read before they can dive into the actual game. The mystery still unfolds naturally and the solution still comes as a surprise.

If your group is confident, outgoing and enjoys a bit of roleplay, freeform games allow players to invent their own dialogue, no two games ever play out quite the same way — even if the plot is the same.

💡 Tip: Scripted games are great for those that prefer more structure to their game and for beginners. Freeform games work especially well when guests are happy to read about their character pre-game and are confident to create their own answers in response to questionning from others.

Can I Tell Which Format a Game Uses?

Yes — every game on Murder Mystery Host clearly shows its play style on the game detail page. Look for Predominantly Scripted or Largely Freeform in the game information section.

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