Freeform v round-based murder mystery games
Freeform Games has been publishing freeform murder mystery parties since 2001 – but how do they compare to traditional round-based murder mysteries?
If you’ve only played round-based murder mystery games, like the boxed games you can buy in stores, you may be a bit puzzled about how a freeform murder mystery is different.
This page explains the difference.
Freeform murder mystery games
Essentially, freeform murder mysteries are continuous-play games. Unlike round-based murder mystery games, where play pauses for each course or scene, freeform games unfold continuously.
In a freeform murder mystery, players decide who to speak to, when to investigate and how to pursue their objectives throughout the evening. (That makes freeform murder mysteries particularly well suited to a buffet or finger food, as guests can mingle while they eat.)
Because several storylines are unfolding at once, no player will see everything that happens. Guests compare notes, trade information and gradually piece together what’s going on.
Comparing freeforms with round-based games
Our games are interactive and character-driven. They differ from round-based murder mysteries in several important ways:
- You play a character with motives, secrets, relationships and objectives – not a script
- You decide for yourself who to approach and what to say
- While there is a murder to solve, your character usually has other problems and objectives too
Here’s how the two styles compare:
| Freeform murder mystery | Round-based murder mystery |
| Players choose who to talk to | Group progresses through structured rounds |
| Conversations happen naturally | Information is revealed in stages |
| Players control much of the pace | Host/game controls the pace |
| Guests can pursue different storylines | Group follows a shared sequence |
| Particularly good for larger groups | Often well suited to smaller groups |
| Can accommodate a range of group sizes | Often designed for a specific number |
| Dedicated host keeps the game running | Host can often play a character |
| Lots of player freedom | More structured experience |
| Murder is one of several storylines | Murder is usually the main focus |
Which is best?
That’s entirely up to you!
We publish freeform murder mystery games and so obviously we think our games are best. But the murder is only one of several storylines in our games – and if you want to focus purely on the murder, our games might not be best for you.
A freeform is probably right for you if you want guests mingling, scheming, negotiating, investigating and pursuing their own goals.
A round-based game may suit you better if you want everyone concentrating on the same mystery, prefer a more structured evening, or want to combine the game with a formal sit-down dinner.
Find a freeform murder mystery for your group – browse our games for 6–30+ players.