One frequent question I get asked is is about the number of players for specific games.

Concerns often arise about last-minute cancellations or unexpected additions that may affect the group size.

Let’s explore the player count for a murder mystery game and I’ll provide some tips for managing unforeseen changes.

Remember to Check the Details Before Making a Purchase

Prior to selecting a game, it is crucial to examine the specifics. Have a general sense of the number of guests for your event and then select a game that fits that group size, allowing for some leeway.

Different Group Sizes and Their Meaning

Most of my murder mystery games has a character count of 10 – 20 characters.

All my murder mystery games has a set of “Primary Characters” that are essential to make the game and the storyline work this is the smaller number.

Then there are always some “Secondary Characters” that can be added or left out of the game to fit your guest list. The Secondary Characters have their own Character Guides, complete with bios and motives and so on. A secondary character will not know that they are a secondary character, but they are never the killer or a murder victim.

For example in a game where there are “10 – 20 Players” this means:
10 players are the minimum – This is the primary characters
11-20 are extra characters what you can add as you wish

If you want to invite 25 guests to a party you certainly can! 5 of the guests just won’t have a specific character to play, but they can still come in costume, mingle and guess who the killer is at the end of the game.

If there is only only more guest than characters (eg. 21 at the party) you can either give up your character as the host and be more on the sidelines (in costume!) or you can instruct them to be an neutral detective that’s trying to solve the murder, and therefore don’t have a character bio, motive and so on.

What if a primary character cancels?

If one of the primary characters is unable to attend, there are several alternatives to consider. You can invite another person, adjust roles and give a secondary character a primary character instead, or take on the role yourself if it’s not crucial.

In situations where these options are not viable, you can print out the missing character’s “Character Guide” and presented it along with the evidence to show what they would have contributed.