Guides

Everything we've written about hosting: murder mystery parties, Halloween games, social deduction, and the planning that makes a night work. Written by a working game designer, playtested at real tables.

All guides

The Best Social Deduction Games by Group Size

The best social deduction games by group size, from two players up to a full table, picked by a game designer who has run them at conventions for years.

Halloween Party Games for Adults

A game designer's Halloween party games for adults: Snap Apple, Snap Dragon, Dread, Crypt Kickers, and Fortunes, with setup, fire safety, and run times.

What to Expect at a Murder Mystery Party

What to expect at a murder mystery party, from a game designer, host, and guest: how characters work, how much prep, and whether you have to act.

Why I Use Artifacts in Games

An artifact game gives players something tangible and on-theme to interact with. Here's what artifact games are, why they work, and where to find them.

Family Reunion Games That Actually Get People Talking

Family reunion games from a working game designer: icebreakers, a hilarious price-guessing game, genealogy trivia, outdoor picks, and free printable options.

Halloween Party Games for Kids, Teens, and Adults

Halloween party games from a working game designer: Snap Apple, Snap Dragon, fortune telling, a tarot game for teens, and outdoor games for big crowds.

How to Write a Murder Mystery Party

Start with the setting, then write the culprit. A game designer walks through writing your own murder mystery party, using the one he's playtesting next week.

How to Plan a Murder Mystery Party (Games, Planning, Recs)

A game designer's guide to planning a murder mystery party, from small friend groups to full LARPs. Themes, player counts, safety cues, and games that work.