Common Problems with Murder Mystery Games (And How we Solve Them)

Murder mystery games are an exciting way to bring people together for a night of intrigue, deception, and fun. However, if you’ve ever hosted or participated in one, you may have encountered some common frustrations that can uin the entire experience. From confusing setups to disengaged players, these issues can turn what should be an unforgettable night into a logistical headache.

I can remember taking a call a few years ago now where one customer explained that the set up for the murder mystery involved two houses – and as people were killed in the first house, they transitioned to the second.  The rules were so complicated people were trying to get murdered so they could relax in the “house of the dead” and the entire party fell flat.  I can also rememebr taking another call where a customer explained they had to play a corpse all night which they found rather boring.  And another where they explained they were the “host” but that the rules were so complex they gave the entire evening up midway through.

At Red Herring Games, we’ve spent years perfecting the art of murder mystery entertainment. We  identified very early on the most frequent problems people face with murder mystery games -and, more importantly, we’ made sure our games solved them. Here’s how.

1. Difficult Setup & Confusing Instructions

The Problem:

Many murder mystery games come with complex instructions, making it stressful for the host to set up and get started. The materials are poorly organized and unclear, which leads to delays, frustration, and often the game never fully gets off the ground.

How we Fix It:

We design our games with clear, step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. Our materials are structured in a way that ensures first-time hosts can run the game smoothly. They’re designed to ensure even the most “wet behind the ears” murder mystery player can enjoy themselves, but also have enough story and complexity that the regular players also have fun trying to solve the case.

If you ever have a question We’re just a phone call or email away—no automated bots (well, we have one just in case we can help quickly pointing you towards some blogs or FAQs  but after that it defaults to a human), no need for endless FAQ searches, readh out and find the real people ready to help.  We’re just a phone call away.  (And possibly the only company that actually LISTS their phone number… have you noticed that?)

2. Overly Complicated Rules

The Problem:

Some murder mystery games try to be too clever for their own good, adding excessive mechanics that slow down the fun. If players spend more time deciphering the rules than enjoying the mystery, then the inevitable happens… it turns into a game of monopoly and you all give up in exasperation!! The murder mystery experience stalls and dies…

How we Fix It:

We strike a balance with structure and flexibility. Our games are designed to be intuitive, with easy-to-understand rules that keep everyone focussed on the fun.

3. Lack of Engagement for Players

The Problem:

Spare part players!  In many flexible murder mysteries there are “optional guests”.  These guests are designed to make it easier for you to pick a party and then assign characters if you haven’t got fixed numbers.  But on the night those characters lack meaningful roles, leaving the guests playing those roles bored while a select few take all the action.

How we Fix It:

We ensure that every character matters. Each player has a distinct role, with unique objectives, secrets, and twists to keep them engaged throughout the night. Our stories are crafted to involve everyone, so no one feels like an extra in the background.  This is why our games have fixed sizes.  If you have flexing numbers we help you by exchanging games for you so you get the right size party for your group.

4. Generic or Predictable Plots

The Problem:

Some mass-produced murder mystery games follow predictable, uninspired storylines. If players can guess the ending too easily or the characters feel bland, the immersive experience falls apart.

How Red Herring Games Fixes It:

Our games are written by professional authors who specialize in crafting gripping, immersive plots. We ensure our stories are filled with unexpected twists, deep character development, and dynamic interactions that keep players guessing until the very end. Plus, we pay our authors fairly (30% of every sale, excluding print costs)—unlike other companies that offer only a fraction of that. This means our writers are motivated to create top-tier, engaging content every time.

5. No Support If Something Goes Wrong

The Problem:

If you run into an issue with another murder mystery game, you’re often on your own.  Many companies don’t offer real customer support, leaving hosts scrambling to fix problems themselves.  Quite often there’s no dedicated help line and emails go unanswered for weeks at a time.

How we Fix It:

We’re not just a faceless company—we’re real people who are passionate about what we do. If you need help, you can call or email us, and you’ll get a response from a knowledgeable team member. We stand by our products with a money-back guarantee because we’re confident in the quality of our games.

6. Lack of Customization Options

The Problem:

Most murder mystery games are one-size-fits-all, with no room for personalization. If you need to tweak character details, adjust the setting, or tailor the game to your event, you’re often out of luck.

How we Fix It:

We offer customization options to make your murder mystery game unique. Whether you need small adjustments or a completely bespoke game, we work with you to create an experience that perfectly fits your event. No two Red Herring Games experiences need to be the same.  Not only do we have a variety of plots but we can amend each one to suit your needs.

Conclusion

Not all murder mystery games are created equal. Many companies cut corners to keep costs low, leading to frustrating, lackluster experiences. At Red Herring Games, we do things differently:

• Easy setup and clear instructions
• Balanced rules that don’t overcomplicate things
• Engaging roles for every player
• Professionally written, unpredictable storylines
• Real customer support with a human touch
• Customization options for a tailored experience

We’re committed to providing high-quality, memorable murder mystery games that leave players excited for more.

if you’re ready to host the perfect mystery night**.  Then check out our collection and experience the Red Herring Games difference today.**