What is a Murder Mystery corporate event?
A Murder Mystery corporate event is a narrative role-playing game in which participants form detective agencies and solve a fictional murder — by analysing case files, interrogating live actors playing suspects, and presenting their conclusions to the whole group at the end.
At the start, every team receives a case file: period-styled documents, crime scene photographs, press clippings from the era. That's the starting point of the investigation — but not the only source of information.
The centrepiece of the event is the suspect interrogations, performed by professional actors in authentic period costumes. Each character has their own backstory, alibi, and — naturally — something to hide. Teams ask questions, cross-reference conflicting testimonies, and collect clues that point toward the killer.
At the end, all teams come together and present their version of events. Who did it? What was the motive? Who got closest to the truth — and who was completely wrong? The reveal is always the moment that brings the room to life.
What sets this format apart: Murder Mystery is one of the very few team events where every participant is an active player from start to finish — there are no spectators, no passengers. Everyone has a role in the investigation. That guarantees engagement even in groups that are typically hard to involve in standard event activities.
Choose the setting for your investigation
We offer two complete scenarios with separate storylines, costumes, and actor characters. Both are based on original scripts written with careful attention to period detail.
SCENARIO 1: DETECTIVES ON THE TRAIL — 1930s
A classic whodunit in the style of Agatha Christie. Participants join a private detective agency and immediately land a top-tier case — a mysterious murder in a closed social circle. Actors play eccentric period characters: aristocrats, household staff, suspicious guests, and witnesses with a past.
Atmosphere: elegance, intrigue, black-and-white aesthetic of classic crime fiction. The ideal choice when you want a premium event experience — a gala dinner, a historic hotel, a corporate retreat with a sense of occasion.
SCENARIO 2: CASE 07 — 1970s Communist Poland
A comedic, humour-driven take on a militia investigation. Participants are drafted as auxiliary units of the People's Militia and conduct their inquiry under the supervision of an MO officer. Costumes, props, and the actors' language faithfully recreate the atmosphere of a 1970s Polish crime serial — with a knowing wink.
Atmosphere: nostalgia, absurdist humour, plenty of laughter. A great choice for groups that value a relaxed atmosphere and shared entertainment over full immersion. One of the most talked-about formats among participants of all generations — the Communist-era setting is surprisingly universal in its comedy.
Note for international groups: facilitators provide context so the humour lands regardless of background.
How does the event run?
- 1Introduction and team formation
The whole group is welcomed by the host — a lead detective or militia officer depending on the scenario. Participants learn the rules, are divided into investigation teams, and receive their case files.
- 2Case file analysis
Teams study the documents, photographs, and press clippings. They review the suspect list, initial statements, and the circumstances of the murder. This is the theory-building phase before the interrogations begin.
- 3Suspect interrogations
The core of the event. Each team takes turns interrogating the actors playing suspects. Questions, confrontations, alibi checks — every testimony adds to or complicates the picture. Actors are prepared to improvise, and additional clues can be unlocked by asking unexpected questions. We recommend this as part of a company retreat evening programme — it fits perfectly between dinner courses.
- 4Deliberation
Teams consolidate their findings and prepare their theory: who did it, how, and why.
- 5Presentations and the reveal
Each team presents their version of events to the whole group. After all presentations, the final solution is revealed — and the team that came closest is announced.
Murder Mystery — team building that doesn't feel like team building
Most corporate events have one thing in common: participants know they're doing team building. Murder Mystery works differently — it hooks people through narrative, not instruction. By the time anyone notices they're actively building relationships and practising communication, they're already in the middle of a murder investigation.
Engagement through story, not competition
The game doesn't require winning — it requires thinking. Participants unite around a shared puzzle rather than against other teams. This form of engagement works equally well for introverts and extroverts, for senior leadership and new joiners.
Two scenarios = two different experiences
The choice between a 1930s Agatha Christie atmosphere and a comedic Communist-era setting means the format can be precisely matched to the character of the group and the type of event. Company retreat with a premium feel → Detectives on the Trail. A relaxed Christmas party or summer picnic → Case 07.
Live actors are the heart of the format
What separates Murder Mystery from board game kits and DIY sets is live actors who improvise in real time. Every interrogation is different because participants ask different questions. That unpredictability is what makes the format replayable — and what generates the most memorable moments.
When does Murder Mystery work best?
As an evening programme on a company retreat
Murder Mystery is one of the most frequently chosen formats for the first evening of a corporate offsite. It works perfectly alongside or in place of a formal dinner — the game runs at tables, with participants eating and investigating simultaneously. The 1930s scenario is built precisely for this setup.
For a company Christmas party or gala event
The Communist-era scenario works especially well as an evening programme for holiday parties and gala dinners — strong on humour, light on seriousness, and talked about for years afterwards.
For mixed groups across seniority levels
Murder Mystery levels the playing field. The CEO and the newest team member are in the same detective agency with identical information. The storyline creates a natural reason to talk that has nothing to do with the corporate hierarchy.
When your group scales to 500 people
Most theatrical or interactive formats lose quality at scale. Murder Mystery scales through the number of actors and parallel interrogation sessions — 500 people can be part of the same experience at the same time, without anyone feeling like a spectator.
For groups that have "done everything before"
Experienced event participants often say Murder Mystery is one of the few activities that genuinely surprised them. The combination of live actors, original storyline, and real unpredictability creates something that can't be replicated by a workshop or an outdoor game.
Frequently asked questions — Murder Mystery
How is a Murder Mystery corporate event different from an escape room?
How is a Murder Mystery corporate event different from an escape room?
Escape rooms typically work for small groups (up to 6–8 people) and are based on solving logical puzzles within a physical space. Murder Mystery scales to hundreds of participants and is built around narrative and live actor interaction rather than mechanical puzzles. Unlike boxed murder mystery kits, there is no fixed script for the interrogations — actors improvise based on what participants ask, making every session genuinely different.
How many people can take part?
How many people can take part?
We run Murder Mystery for groups of 12 to 500 people. For smaller groups (up to 50), each team interrogates actors individually, which creates maximum immersion. For larger groups, we organise parallel interrogation sessions so that every participant has direct contact with the actors rather than watching from a distance.
Do participants need to know the format in advance or be fans of crime fiction?
Do participants need to know the format in advance or be fans of crime fiction?
No. The rules are simple and explained at the start. The format works equally well for devoted Agatha Christie readers and people who have never played any kind of detective game. Curiosity and a willingness to ask questions are the only requirements — everything else is taught as you go.
Which scenario should we choose — 1930s or Communist-era Poland?
Which scenario should we choose — 1930s or Communist-era Poland?
It depends on the character of your group and the type of event. Detectives on the Trail is the right choice when you want a premium, elegant experience — it suits a gala dinner, a historic hotel, or a retreat with a higher-end feel. Case 07 is the right choice when the priority is laughter and a relaxed atmosphere — it works particularly well for Christmas parties, summer picnics, and events where people come primarily to have fun.
Can the storyline be customised for our company or industry?
Can the storyline be customised for our company or industry?
Yes. We create bespoke scenarios tailored to the company's theme, industry, or a specific event — for example, a murder during an industry conference, an intrigue set in the fictional early days of the company, or a plot tied to a company anniversary. This is the option for clients who want something truly unique and unrepeatable.
How much does Murder Mystery cost for our team?
How much does Murder Mystery cost for our team?
The base price for 30 people is 8,900 PLN, with 160 PLN per additional participant. Pricing may vary depending on the number of actors, location, and scope of the event. We provide individual quotes after a short brief — no commitment required.
Do you handle full event logistics, not just the activity?
Do you handle full event logistics, not just the activity?
Yes — that's our standard model. We can deliver the Murder Mystery scenario at a venue you've already booked, or we can propose a full package: hotel, transport, catering, and Murder Mystery as the evening programme. One partner, one invoice, one project manager responsible for everything.
