Virtual murder mystery team building activities are online games and virtual team building games that simulate solving a murder mystery case, completed in teams remotely over video conferencing.
They help build teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills in a fun and engaging way.
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Here is a guide on using virtual murder mystery team building activities to build teamwork in the workplace.
Background on Virtual Murder Mystery Team Building
Virtual murder mystery team building activities have grown in popularity, especially since remote work has become more common.
They allow distributed teams to bond and collaborate in a unique way online. Participants take on character roles and work together to uncover clues and solve the mystery.
Maximizing Virtual Murder Mystery Activities
There are several ways to maximize the impact of virtual murder mystery team building:
- Pick a compelling theme – Select a theme that will interest your team like a haunted house, western saloon, cruise ship, etc. This helps immerse participants.
- Assign roles ahead of time – Give people time to prepare for their character role and costume if desired. We hear this from customers that have ordered our full set of courses.
- Use video – Encourage people to keep their cameras on to help interactions feel more real and engaging.
- Set expectations – Make sure people understand the activity is meant to be fun and light-hearted.
- Debrief after – Discuss what went well and what could improve. Capture feedback.
When to Use Virtual Murder Mysteries
Virtual murder mystery activities are great for:
- Onboarding new hires to help them connect with team members.
- As a fun change of pace from regular meetings.
- Team building for distributed teams who don’t interact frequently.
- Boosting morale and social connections among remote employees.
The Value of Virtual Murder Mysteries
Virtual murder mystery team building provides many benefits:
- Improves communication – Participants practice active listening, questioning, and conflict resolution.
- Develops problem-solving skills – The team must analyze clues and decide on a suspect together.
- Encourages collaboration – Everyone must work together, share information, and compromise.
- Strengthens relationships – The informal activity helps team members get to know each other better.
- Enhances engagement – Participants are more focused when taking part in an immersive activity.
Features and Benefits
Key features of virtual murder mystery team building:
- Immersive storylines and detailed character profiles.
- Video and audio enabled for virtual interaction.
- Fun props and costume ideas.
- Facilitator guides to help manage the experience.
- Debrief materials and feedback surveys.
Benefits:
- Interactive and engaging format.
- Strengthens communication, problem-solving, and collaboration.
- Allows distributed teams to bond and connect.
- Provides a change of pace from regular meetings.
- Fosters creativity and thinking outside the box.
5 Tips for Using Virtual Murder Mysteries
- Test the video platform ahead of time to prevent technical issues.
- Encourage everyone to fully take on their character role.
- Appoint 1-2 people to help facilitate and move the experience along.
- Remind participants it’s just for fun and not to take outcomes too seriously.
- Schedule a debrief meeting after to gather feedback.
5 Example Virtual Murder Mystery Activities
Haunted House – A murder mystery set in a creepy mansion. $20 per person.
Western Saloon – Take place in the Wild West with cowboys, saloon girls, sheriffs. $15 per person.
Murder on the Disco Express – Groovy 1970s themed murder on a train. $25 per person.
Murder at the Class Reunion – Someone gets killed at a high school reunion. $18 per person.
Murder on the Cruise Ship – Solve a murder during a tropical cruise. $22 per person.
How to Use 5 Virtual Murder Mystery Activities
Haunted House
Overview: Take place in a spooky mansion with ghosts, butlers, maids, and other creepy characters. Must figure out who murdered the lord of the manor.
Cost: $20 per person.
Resources Needed: Video conferencing platform, costumes and props encouraged but optional
Best For: Halloween team building or just for fun anytime.
How To:
- Purchase access codes for each participant.
- Assign character roles ahead of time.
- Log in at scheduled time and have facilitator launch the experience.
- Participants interact in character and analyze clues.
- Reveal the murderer and motives at the conclusion.
Western Saloon
Overview: Wild West themed murder mystery with cowboys, saloon girls, sheriffs, bandits. Solve murder of the town sheriff.
Cost: $15 per person
Resources Needed: Video conferencing, western costumes and props.
Best For: Distributed teams, new hires, icebreaker.
How To:
- Get access code and share character backgrounds.
- Log in to video platform at scheduled time.
- Kick off experience and have participants act in character.
- Analyze clues and interrogate suspects.
- Come together as a team to decide on guilty suspect.
Murder on the Disco Express
Overview: 1970s disco murder mystery on a train. Funky costumes, music, and characters.
Cost: $25 per person
Resources Needed: Video conferencing, 70s costumes and music.
Best For: Disco lovers, employees who’ve worked together a while.
How To:
- Obtain access code and assign characters.
- Decorate office or wear costumes to get into 70s mood.
- Log in to program at scheduled time.
- Work through clues while chatting in character.
- See if team can guess the correct murderer.
Murder at the Class Reunion
Overview: Murder mystery set at a high school reunion. Fun way to mingle and catch up.
Cost: $18 per person
Resources Needed: Video call platform
Best For: Remote teams, new hires, icebreaker
How To:
- Get access code and distribute character sheets.
- Log in to video call and have people introduce in character.
- Facilitator shares clues and murder scenario.
- Participants analyze evidence and share theories.
- Reconnect as a team to identify murderer.
Murder on the Cruise Ship
Overview: Tropical cruise ship murder mystery. Relaxing way to bond and build teamwork.
Cost: $22 per person
Resources Needed: Video chat, cruisewear costumes/props and instructional videos.
Best For: Fully remote teams, company offsite, employee morale
How To:
- Get access code and assign characters.
- Log in to video chat dressed for a cruise if desired.
- Facilitator provides background and kicks off activity.
- Work through clues and interrogate suspects.
- Reconvene and present theories on murderer.
Conclusion
In summary, virtual murder mystery team building activities and virtual escape rooms provide a fun and engaging way for virtual teams to interact, solve problems, and strengthen relationships.
With compelling themes, great facilitation, an icebreaker game and an emphasis on fun, they can be a creative way to build teamwork across distributed teams.
With 30+ years of training experience, I founded Oak Innovation (oakinnovation.com) in 1995. I help busy training professionals and business managers deliver better training courses in less time by giving them instant access to editable training course material. I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from University College Cork. I hold qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. Clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.
