{"id":57,"date":"2023-05-25T10:56:31","date_gmt":"2023-05-25T10:56:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2023\/?p=57"},"modified":"2023-05-29T15:13:48","modified_gmt":"2023-05-29T15:13:48","slug":"rise-of-murder-mystery-rooms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2023\/rise-of-murder-mystery-rooms\/","title":{"rendered":"The Door to Wonderland – Murder Mystery: More than a game"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_header header_fullscreen=”on” admin_label=”\u5168\u89d2\u6807\u9898” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_video_mp4=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2023\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/15s-coversheet.mov” custom_margin=”-13px|||||” custom_padding=”||296px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2023\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/\u91cd\u7f6ebg.001-scaled.jpg” background_repeat=”repeat-y” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|100px||100px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”The start of story” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Alata||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”19px” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]A<\/span>s the princess of the Rainbow Nation in a small country in the Fantasy continent, Jessica lives a carefree life. Because of its remoteness, the country seldom comes into contact with other countries. Jessica is an introvert, so she has very few friends. One of them is Mary, who accompanies Jessica when her parents are busy with politics. Mary was Jessica’s most precious friend, but unfortunately, she has gone missing recently.<\/p>\n

Only four people could enter the castle and knew of Mary. Jessica\u2019s maid said they all had an appointment with Mary on the day she went missing.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”The start of story” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Alata|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#EDF000″ text_font_size=”19px” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\u00a0
You are one of them. Now, click the card and choose your role.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|100px||100px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2023\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/\u738b\u5b50-\u6b63\u9762-1.png” title_text=”\u738b\u5b50 \u80cc\u9762” url=”#prince” admin_label=”Prince” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|10px||10px|false|false” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” src__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2023\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/\u4f8d\u536b-\u6b63\u9762-1.png” title_text=”\u4f8d\u536b \u80cc\u9762” url=”#guardian” admin_label=”Guardian” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|10px||10px|false|false” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” src__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” src__hover=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2023\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/\u4f8d\u536b-\u80cc\u9762-1.png”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2023\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/\u4e3b\u6559-\u6b63\u9762-1.png” title_text=”\u4e3b\u6559 \u80cc\u9762” url=”#priest” admin_label=”Priest” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|10px||10px|false|false” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” src__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” src__hover=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2023\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/\u4e3b\u6559-\u80cc\u9762-1.png”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2023\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/\u6cd5\u5e08-\u6b63\u9762-1.png” title_text=”\u6cd5\u5e08 \u80cc\u9762” url=”#witch” admin_label=”Witch” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|10px||10px|false|false” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” src__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” src__hover=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2023\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/\u6cd5\u5e08-\u80cc\u9762-1.png”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1px|100px||100px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Alata|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#EDF000″ text_font_size=”23px” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”13px||23px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Here are everyone’s testimonies.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Alata||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”19px” background_layout=”dark” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

THE PRINCE<\/span>
I love spending time with Mary and buying her various clothes and accessories in yellow. No matter what happens, she always looks at me with a smile. She heals my heart. I’m sure Mary likes me, too! She loves my hugs. She never refuses my invitations, so why should I take her away?<\/p>\n

THE GUARDIAN<\/span>
I don’t like animals due to my allergies. Staying in the same space with them makes me feel uncomfortable. But if Jessica loves them, I will try to accept them even though I will get sick. I don’t even want to touch her because she is dangerous to me. Why would you suspect me?<\/p>\n

THE PRIEST<\/span>
Jessica is too much of an introvert and needs to grow up. She can’t always stay with Mary like a child. She needs to develop new hobbies and have real friends who can go out with her on horseback rides or picnics instead of always staying in her room. I understand how important Mary is to Jessica, and I know taking Mary away won’t solve any problems.<\/p>\n

THE WITCH<\/span>
My lovely Jessica deserves all the good things; having Mary is not enough for her. Linda is a sweet girl. I just want her to be with Jessica along with Mary. If they get along well, I can introduce more friends like her to Jessica. I didn’t take anything with me when I left that day. Don’t doubt me. My teleportation magic can only teleport humans.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Alata|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#EDF000″ text_font_size=”23px” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”13px||23px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Everyone is telling the truth, but the suspect is playing a trick.<\/span> Please go through the webpage carefully and find out who took Mary and why. Clues are given during your reading.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another mission for you, please find out Mary’s real identity.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_video_mp4=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2023\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/IMG_1788.mov” custom_margin=”-10px||-13px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subtitle” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Aboreto|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”85px” text_orientation=”center” text_text_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]KEY<\/strong>
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section 2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2023\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/\u91cd\u7f6ebg.001-scaled.jpg” background_size=”contain” background_repeat=”repeat-y” min_height=”10213.4px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Little subtitle” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Aboreto|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”30px” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” text_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]“TRPG (Tabletop Role Playing Game)”<\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”331.4px” custom_padding=”|100px|0px|100px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2023\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/\u9e2d\u53d47cm.png” title_text=”\u9e2d\u53d47cm” admin_label=”Joshua” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”44px|20px|0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_testimonial quote_icon_color=”#efad04″ quote_icon_background_color=”#E02B20″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”Amaranth|700|||||||” body_text_align=”left” body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” body_font_size=”23px” body_line_height=”1.15em” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_layout=”dark” min_height=”336px” custom_margin=”-34px||||false|false” custom_padding=”68px|||20px|false|false” text_shadow_style=”preset4″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\u201cTextual content is not the whole thing of the game. The expressions and communication between the host and players are more significant to the experience. This is one of the reasons why I don\u2019t recommend online murder mystery games.\u201d
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u2014\u2014Chuyou Zhao, Joshua<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-31px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”1px|100px||100px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Alata||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”19px” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]A<\/span>ccording to Zhao, the murder mystery game originates from the Western party live role-playing activity \u201cmurder mystery\u201d. In brief, it is a role-playing deduction game in which several participants play different roles in the same story. The story is called \u201cthe script,\u201d and each character would have an individual profile. One of them secretly plays the part of the murderer, while the others must deduce clues, gather evidence, discuss the case, and ultimately find the murderer.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|100px||100px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2023\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Murder-Mystery-Game.png” title_text=”Murder Mystery Game” show_bottom_space=”off” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-57px||-94px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Attribution” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Alata||on||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”19px” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”12px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]Classification of the murder mystery game.<\/em>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|100px||100px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2023\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/game-1.jpeg” title_text=”game-`1″ show_bottom_space=”off” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” width=”90%” custom_margin=”|43px||||” custom_padding=”1px|0px|||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Attribution” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Alata||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”19px” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”|-272px|||false|false” custom_padding=”|297px||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The cover sheet of the game Look Left Northan.<\/em><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”TRPG” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Alata||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”19px” background_layout=”dark” width=”100%” min_height=”115px” custom_margin=”|||60px||” custom_padding=”34px|50px||6px|false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

A round table, seven chairs and a host. In \u201cNo Room Left Inside\u201d, a group of players were finding out the secrets of a 19th-century Hong Kong street. This Hong Kong-based murder mystery production, Look Left Nathan, is one of the Raven Detective\u2019s most recent hits.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|100px|9px|100px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Alata||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”19px” background_layout=”dark” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The Raven Detective opened its first branch in Sai Ying Pun after its first store in Prince Edward. It is a shop specialising in tabletop role-playing games (TRPG). Joshua Zhao, 35, the owner of these two bars, also worked in a company’s IT department. Because of his passion for murder mystery games, he opened these two bars and became a part-time owner.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>The games take place in a room with a round table, where players sort out information among themselves and write on a board based on the posted clue cards<\/strong>,<\/b>\u201d Zhao said. \u201c<\/span>It\u2019s just like a\u00a0 meeting. This is the TRPG<\/strong>.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Zhao is a passionate fan of detective scripts. This genre makes up the majority of the scripts in his bar. The bar caters to Hong Kong drifters, referring to young, educated mainlanders living in Hong Kong with a certain income level and enjoyment of deductive scripts.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|100px||100px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2023\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Rooms-in-Raven-Detective-from-Raven-Detectives-official-website-approved-by-Joshua-Zhao1.png” title_text=”Rooms in Raven Detective, from Raven Detective\u2019s official website, approved by Joshua Zhao(1)” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Attribution” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Alata||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.15em” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”|-337px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]Round tables for gaming in Raven Detective. Source: Joshua Zhao.<\/em>
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2023\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Rooms-in-Raven-Detective-from-Raven-Detectives-official-website-approved-by-Joshua-Zhao2.png” title_text=”Rooms in Raven Detective, from Raven Detective\u2019s official website, approved by Joshua Zhao(2)” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”3px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”9px|100px|19px|100px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Alata||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”19px” background_layout=”dark” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]\u201cOur target group also includes students, such as current postgraduate students. They have more spare money than junior and senior high school students,\u201d said Zhao. \u201cPlaying murder mystery games is not considered low spending in Hong Kong.\u201d<\/p>\n

Around 180 game scripts in Zhao\u2019s bar can be categorised into boxed, city-limited, and exclusive scripts based on geographical restrictions. Boxed scripts are the easiest to buy. They can be purchased from many outlets, including Taobao. The shops must present a proposal in order to gain the rights of these city-limited and exclusive scripts. These scripts will only be licensed to a limited number of shops in the same city or area. Therefore, a lengthy vetting process is required before the shop can ensure a contract.<\/p>\n

In Zhao\u2019s bar, the price for boxed scripts is around HK$2,000 each, while a city-limited script and an exclusive script cost HK$3,688 and HK$4000, respectively. Each game takes three hours or more to complete.<\/p>\n

“Pricing in my bar has barely changed since 2019,” said Zhao. A player can play the games at around 10% of the script\u2019s cost. \u201cAdditional fees are needed on some occasions,\u201d Zhao added. \u201cIf the script is too complex and takes a long time to play, or if the job requirements for the game host are overloaded, the price will be HK$40-60 higher,\u201d he said. The most expensive game in the bar is HK$600 per player, and the script takes 15 hours to complete.<\/p>\n

Compared to the development of murder mystery games in mainland China, the industry in Hong Kong is in its infancy. According to Zhao, there are around 50 Cantonese-speaking murder mystery bars in Hong Kong, while there are only 10 Mandarin-speaking ones. In mainland China, as of July 2022, there are already more than 1,000 murder mystery bars in Shanghai, according to <\/span>data from iiMedia<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

As one of the first entrants in the murder mystery market in Hong Kong, it has become apparent to Zhao that murder mystery is becoming increasingly popular in the city. “Despite the epidemic’s impact, the murder mystery industry still shows a growing trend in Hong Kong.”<\/p>\n

Indoor entertainment activities in Hong Kong, including movie-watching and karaoke, are relatively homogenous and expensive due to the high cost of rent and equipment. A three-hour 3D IMAX Avatar movie costs about HK$300 on opening day, which is comparable to a four-hour to five-hour murder mystery game. In comparison, the murder mystery game is a more cost-effective entertainment activity.<\/p>\n

“Recently, murder mystery games have more interesting scripts, and their reputation has gradually improved,” says Zhao. “All your friends are playing, and you’ll also want to experience the activity\u2019s excitement. That\u2019s why more players and shops exist, even with the pandemic.”[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|100px||100px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/mluQebndI5I” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text admin_label=”Attribution” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Alata||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.15em” background_layout=”dark” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]Joshua Zhao’s opinions toward the murder mystery game.<\/em>
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”68px|100px||100px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2023\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/\u65e5\u5b507cm.png” title_text=”\u65e5\u5b507cm” admin_label=”Rizi” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|20px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_testimonial quote_icon_color=”#efad04″ quote_icon_background_color=”#E02B20″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”Amaranth|700|||||||” body_text_align=”left” body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” body_font_size=”23px” body_line_height=”1.8em” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_layout=”dark” min_height=”336px” custom_margin=”-34px||||false|false” custom_padding=”68px||0px|20px|false|false” text_shadow_style=”preset4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\u201cThe DM needs to make every player happy and get their money’s worth; that’s all that matters.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014Yunzhi Wang, Rizi<\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-125px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”|100px||100px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Alata||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”19px” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”-37px|||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]T<\/span>he murder mystery game host is also known as the DM or the Dungeon Master, a term coined from the board game Dungeon & Dragons. With the popularity of murder mystery games, DM has become a universal label for any game host.<\/p>\n

The DM, a virtual character in the story, acts as the referee and umpire. They are in charge of introducing the backstory, guiding the players, and handing out the evidence at various points to keep the game going. Finally, they are also the ones to reveal the truth.<\/p>\n

As a part-time DM, Zhiyun Wang, 24, a postgraduate at the University of Hong Kong, has hosted over 100 games. “I think the most important thing about being a DM is the service,” said Wang pleasantly. \u201cIn other words, a DM should make the players feel happy.”<\/p>\n

Wang has encountered different people while hosting games. \u201cWhen it comes to difficult levels, the most important thing is to guide the players and not to make it difficult on purpose,\u201d said Wang. \u201cIn short, our duty is to make the player think of having fun and satisfaction after coming over to play the game.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother vital ability for a DM is to judge time well and read people to engage them.”<\/p>\n

Wang is an outgoing and optimistic person. He familiarises himself with every character\u2019s script before the game starts. \u201cBeing fearless and cheerful is not enough for us. We need to hypnotise ourselves and try to play the role, which requires us to escape our personalities,\u201d Wang said. \u201cTo be honest, I like this. It\u2019s quite interesting.\u201d[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”19px|80px||80px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Attribution” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Alata||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”19px” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”|-272px|||false|false” custom_padding=”|297px||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Click and slide to see more photos of a tabletop role-playing game(TRPG) bar<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”13727,13730,13729,13728,13726,13725″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][et_pb_text admin_label=”Attribution” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Alata||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”19px” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”|-272px|||false|false” custom_padding=”|297px||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The inner look of a tabletop role-playing games(TRPG) bar.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Little subtitle” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Aboreto|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”30px” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” text_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]“LARP (Live-action Role-playing Game)”<\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”26px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”|100px||100px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2023\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/\u997c\u5e727cm.png” title_text=”\u997c\u5e727cm” admin_label=”Lin” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”|20px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_testimonial quote_icon_color=”#efad04″ quote_icon_background_color=”#E02B20″ admin_label=”Quote” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”Amaranth|700|||||||” body_text_align=”left” body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” body_font_size=”23px” body_line_height=”1.8em” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_layout=”dark” min_height=”336px” custom_margin=”-34px||||false|false” custom_padding=”68px||0px|20px|false|false” text_shadow_style=”preset4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\u201cThe love for mystery games unites my staff and me to open this bar. We are all part-time, and I can\u2019t pay them much salary. Therefore, our financial connections are not strong enough. I am considering managing this team better while presenting a quality game.\u201d<\/strong>
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u2014\u2014Nan Lin, Cookie<\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-125px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”|100px||100px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Alata||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”19px” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”||33px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]W<\/span>ith the murder mystery game industry growing and the number of players increasing, the games have diversified in presentation. They have evolved into many forms during this process, including introducing Live-action Role-playing Games. The LARP bars add to the player’s immersion by setting up the scene and providing props and costumes related to the game’s plot.<\/p>\n

Medieval-style tables, chairs, and cutlery are hidden in a red haze, giving a glimpse of the shapes of the sumptuous dishes. Next to the table, a girl in a black Lolita dress is painted on the drawing board, making the layered environment mysterious. However, when you approach the table, you realise that all this splendour has decayed. Delicate wine glasses are now playgrounds for climbing centipedes. The fruits and cream cakes have become a party room for rats and cockroaches. The ghastly white masks rest on the table, waiting for the next guest to join this bizarre masquerade party.<\/p>\n

This is what Duoduo looks like, an introductory murder mystery LARP bar in Sunset Theatre. The owner, Cookie Lin, works at a bank, but after work, he and his staff would become roles in the stories.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Attribution” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Alata||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”19px” background_layout=”dark” min_height=”50.5px” custom_margin=”0px|0px||-20px|false|false” custom_padding=”|0px|0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Click and slide to see more photos of a live-action role-playing game(LARP) bar<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”13746,13749,13750,13744,13741,13745,13747,13748,13742,13743″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” pagination_text_color=”#000000″ custom_margin=”-19px|-20px||-20px|false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][et_pb_text admin_label=”Attribution” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Alata||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”19px” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”|-272px||-20px|false|false” custom_padding=”|297px||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The inner look of a live-action role-playing game(LARP) bar.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Alata||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”19px” background_layout=”dark” min_height=”353.8px” custom_margin=”45px||-166px||false|false” custom_padding=”||15px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]Mr Lin\u2019s first LARP bar was opened during the pandemic. Unlike other affected industries, his bar had a steady flow of customers. \u201cOn the contrary, my customers have decreased after the clearance due to the retaliatory trips made by some of them,\u201d Lin said with a smile.<\/p>\n

Doing business in Hong Kong, it is challenging for Lin to decorate a single room for a particular script because of the high rent. As the owner of two LARP bars: Sunset Theatre and Moonrise Cinema, Lin has a secret \u201cweapon\u201d to solve this problem, which is his own original idea.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|100px||100px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2023\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Made-by-Yuan-Dirui.png” title_text=”Made by Yuan Dirui” show_bottom_space=”off” admin_label=”Black box” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Attribution” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Alata||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.15em” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”-16px|-337px|||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]Concept of the black box theatre.<\/em>
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Amaranth|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”24px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” background_layout=”dark” width=”97.2%” custom_margin=”49px|||-2px|false|false” custom_padding=”||1px|59px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\u201cBlack box is a concept from a kind of drama. It is a way of setting a scene in a play. It features an all-black environment in which a simple set gives the players a strong sense of the places they are in.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|100px||100px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Alata||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”19px” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”||48px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]To improve the players\u2019 immersive experience, Lin incorporated many small details in the room’s layout. Words that can only be seen under ultraviolet light, essential mission props hidden in the corner, electronic candles emit a ghostly light in the dark, etc. <\/p>\n

The DMs in Lin\u2019s bar would wear different costumes and perform as the game character. Their behaviour and speaking differed according to the game scenes to make the players more immersive. \u201cDue to the details\u2019 set-up, some rooms can only serve a specific game,\u201d said Lin. \u201cChanging the set is not easy, leading to the limited number of games that can be chosen in the bar.\u201d[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-15px||-1107px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]