We’ve put together some resources that might be helpful when writing a MysteryAct— ideas around structure, writing techniques, and ways to design scenes that make it easier for Game Masters to run and for players to enjoy. We hope this guide can offer some inspiration or support during your creative process. Of course, if you already have your own style or experience, feel free to do things your way—this is simply a small gesture of support from our side, and we’d love to see your work come to life and enjoyed by many!

Unlike traditional retail board games, a MysteryAct is not played repeatedly by the same players. Instead, it is:

As an author, you're not just writing a story. You're building a live experience that will be:

Each time your story is hosted, a brand-new group of players will step into the world you created—making every run unique, even if the script stays the same.

Yes—this is an offline, GM-hosted game, but some hosts choose to run it remotely on Discord or Zoom.
It's still a live, hosted session, not an online game with built-in interfaces.
Make sure to include clear GM instructions if you'd like your story to work well in this format.

In a typical in-person MysteryAct session, players gather around a table, each with their own Character Script, while a Game Master leads the experience using a dedicated handbook. As an author, these are the core elements you’ll usually prepare for a complete offline MysteryAct. Each script is structured into Acts, combining reading and interactive moments like discussions or mini-games. This format helps your story unfold naturally during in-person play.

Each Act(Reading + Activity = Act) could take between 30 to 90 minutes depending on the amount of content. Authors can have a rough gauge of the duration for one phase and then plan and design more phases accordingly. If an Act takes about 4 hours then it could have a structure like this:

In traditional settings, there could be between 5 to 12 players in an AnzirAct game but most AnzirActs are comfortably played by 6 to 7 players, while large team-based games can be enjoyed by 8 to 9 players. AnzirActs can of course be played by lesser players (2-4) but the economic returns from having lesser players will be unsustainable for GMs and store owners due to fixed overhead costs. Typical AnzirActs usually last between 4 - 5 hours and can last longer depending on the number of Acts.

Check out this Anzir Workshop: Character Development Video to learn how to design your very first AnzirAct character!

Each Act = Reading + Activity could take between 30 to 90 minutes depending on the amount of content in each module. Authors can have a rough gauge of the duration for one phase and then plan and design more phases accordingly. If an Act takes about 90 minutes. There could be 30 minutes of reading time and 60 minutes of activity time. An Act is flexible and can be designed in many variations!

In the first Reading Module of any AnzirAct script, there is usually an introduction of the character’s backstory such as their origin, relationship tree, skills, knowledge, objectives and secrets. Though these content can also show up in later modules.

Below is an example of a script that the player who is playing Shane will read to understand more about his character:

A hardened man in his mid-30s, Shane is a ruthless figure in the criminal underworld of Noham. His rise to power has been fueled by sheer brutality, cunning, and a deep-seated need for control. Born into poverty, Shane learned early on that only the strongest survive. He had no one to protect him, and the law of the streets became his guiding principle.

Shane started as an enforcer for a small-time gang, quickly rising through the ranks by eliminating anyone who stood in his way. He wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty, and his reputation for handling problems with a vicious efficiency spread quickly. As the years passed, Shane became a major player in Noham’s underworld, taking over territories and establishing a network of loyal followers who feared him as much as they respected him. He runs various illicit operations—gambling, smuggling, and underground fighting rings—where his influence reigns supreme.

After reading… Now here’s where things get interesting! We have Activity Modules which refers to the different types of activity that can be followed up after a Reading Module. There are several possible activities to assist in icebreaking by encouraging participation amongst the players, NPCs and GM.

The activity modules below are the more common-to-rare activities that are found in AnzirActs. Authors are also free to invent new types of activities for players to enjoy!

Mini-acts are used to encourage participation and facilitate players to immerse in roleplaying their characters. The mini-act is usually led by the GM and then each player will narrate their respective lines.

Public discussions are done in the presence of all players where information and details are shared publicly. Suspicious players may avoid speaking too much during public discussion, so watch out! Public discussion phases often help players to know more about each other’s timelines and to cross-check content. Players will introduce their characters in first person speech and share basic information from their scripts

These do not need to be provided and can just be improvised by each player, however you can give the players some tips of what to say if you wish.

This activity is usually found in team-based, rule-based games where players need to find their teammates (usually hidden) and ally before the final battle. During a private discussion, players can secretly share information (or lie) to other players, gaining more knowledge of what is going on (or being more confused). Private discussions usually take place outside of the room that the players are playing in.

Players can also play a mini-game among each other which functions as an ice-breaking activity and/or to gain resources.

If the first Act has a murder mystery or incident, players can go through an investigation activity where they ‘find clues’ to solve the mystery. In an investigation activity, players will be asked to leave the room and approach the GM for clues. These clues can be be hidden or shared with the others depending on the nature of the AnzirAct. An investigation activity is usually uncommon as it is not as an effective icebreaking activity as the others.

In rare cases, where the first act has a murder mystery or incident, players will need to vote for someone who they think is the perpetrator (could be among the players themselves or even the GM!). Usually at this stage, the perpetrator could still remain a mystery after voting them to continue with plot twists.

There could be other activities that an author can brainstorm and be creative about. There are endless possibilities on how to design an activity after the reading phase!

A GM Manual provides all of the information that can assist the GM in guiding players through an AnzirAct. The GM Manual needs to be very precise in explaining what to do during each Act so that the GM will be able to act as your proxy to lead players through an immersive adventure. Try not to ‘hide’ any crucial information or it will be difficult for the GM to answer questions by the players or host the AnzirAct properly.

Details such as what recommended BGM to play during the Act, when to turn off lights, when to distribute scripts and clues and many others. Narration lines, tips and GM-only content should be marked clearly - usually with different font colours - so that GM reading the manual will be able to read through the content smoothly.

A well-detailed GM manual helps the GM run the game smoothly, which in turn enhances the players' experience and builds their trust. This ultimately leads to better sales of the mysteryact.

🎧 Additionally, you can consider converting your script into a podcast-style audio walkthrough using AI tools. This allows GMs to listen and prepare for the MysteryAct on the go, making it easier and faster to get familiar with the story and key moments before hosting.

Just like:

🎥 If possible, you can also record a short explainer video—like this example—to help GMs better understand and run your MysteryAct with confidence.
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On the Anzir platform, each MysteryAct typically includes the following types of materials:

For multimedia—especially background music—it's important to note that uploading files is not required. In most cases, you can simply instruct the GM to play a specific track from a music platform (like Spotify or YouTube) at the appropriate time. This offers greater flexibility and avoids unnecessary technical work for both the author and the GM.

GMs have full visibility and control over all materials on the platform, and they are responsible for distributing content to players as needed. When writing your GM Manual, be sure to clearly specify when and how each type of material should be used, especially for props (which may be limited in quantity) and multimedia cues.

A clear and detailed GM Manual not only helps ensure a smooth game flow but also enhances the overall experience for players—ultimately leading to stronger engagement and more successful MysteryActs.

Unlike traditional board games, most MysteryActs are designed to be non-replayable. The core experience lies in storytelling and discovery, and once players know the secrets, the mystery cannot be repeated the same way. This makes MysteryAct a service-based experience, not a retail product.

Early AnzirActs often featured murder mysteries as a central mechanic, but over time, newer MysteryActs have developed more advanced systems—such as factions, secret objectives, role abilities, or social deception layers—to create a richer and more varied gameplay.

Themes are completely up to the author’s imagination.
Just like writing a novel or directing a movie, you are free to choose any setting or concept—sci-fi dystopia, Victorian fantasy, high school romance, political drama, horror, mythology—you name it. There are no restrictions on genre. What matters is how deeply players can feel and explore the world you've built.
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While not required, authors may suggest costume ideas to Game Masters or venues. Even small costume elements—like hats, coats, pins, or glasses—can help players feel more like their characters. More immersive venues might even prepare full outfits like suits, dresses, cloaks, or uniforms. Well-designed costumes also encourage players to take photos and share on social media.

Background music plays a crucial role in building immersion.
We highly encourage authors to include specific music suggestions in the GM Manual. You don’t need to upload the actual files—instead, simply reference tracks or genres from platforms like Spotify or YouTube.

For example:

You can also recommend sound effects such as gunshots, doors opening, or voice recordings to accompany key moments. These cues help players visualize scenes and stay emotionally engaged.

Lighting is a powerful atmospheric tool in MysteryAct sessions. Authors can suggest lighting tones for different scenes—for example:

Venues often use LEDs, fairy lights, battery candles, or even stage spotlights. You can include lighting tips in your GM Manual to help the host guide the experience more effectively.

Most MysteryActs are played in physical spaces like tabletop rooms at mystery or board game venues. The setup of the space has a big impact on immersion. A well-designed space with appropriate lighting, props, and layout can immediately pull players into the world.

As an author, you can suggest how the space might feel—e.g., a dark interrogation room, a neon-lit cyberpunk lounge, a regal palace dining hall, or a chaotic warzone. You don’t need to design the space itself, but offering direction can help GMs and venues interpret your story more faithfully.

While images and visuals can help with marketing and atmosphere, they are not the core of a MysteryAct. The heart of the experience is still in the story, characters, and narrative flow.

That said, authors may choose to use AI tools (e.g. Midjourney) to generate character portraits, setting illustrations, or cover images. These can add polish and mood, but always remember: words come first.

If you’re looking for inspiration, we highly recommend watching a full game session of Spring in Pripyat – a complete MysteryAct that brings players deep into a hauntingly beautiful story set in a post-disaster exclusion zone. You can find the video on YouTube here.
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This MysteryAct is a great example of how to balance narrative depth, immersive roleplay, and GM facilitation. While the story involves a central mystery, it’s not strictly a murder case—proving that powerful storytelling doesn’t always need a crime to be captivating.

You can also find the full script of Spring in Pripyat on the Anzir App, which may help you understand how Acts are structured, how reading transitions into activity, and how emotion and world-building come to life at the table.

Use this as a reference, not a rule—every MysteryAct is different, and we encourage you to write your own way.

MysteryAct shares many similarities with narrative RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons (DnD) and Call of Cthulhu (CoC)—but also offers a distinct experience.

Rather than being competitors, these formats enrich the role-playing ecosystem. Whether you're here for streamlined storytelling or open-ended exploration, there's something for everyone.

MysteryAct was inspired by the classic "Whodunit" genre, but has evolved far beyond.

Think of Murder Mystery as a logic puzzle—MysteryAct is a full emotional journey.

Together, they show how interactive storytelling can evolve—from deduction to drama.

Absolutely!
At Anzir, we welcome all kinds of creative risks. Your MysteryAct doesn't have to follow traditional murder mystery formats. Feel free to experiment with genre, structure, pacing, mechanics, narrative tone, or even player roles. Whether it's a sci-fi courtroom drama, a surreal love story, or a mythological political satire—we're excited to see what you create.

Not at all.
While many traditional MysteryActs include murder plots, the genre is evolving rapidly. Your story can focus on romance, survival, philosophy, espionage, social issues, or even comedy. What matters is that there’s mystery, discovery, and emotional engagement.

Nope, it’s optional.
While you can include visuals like cover art, character portraits, or scene sketches (and many authors use AI tools for this), the core of a good MysteryAct is still the story and structure. Strong writing, pacing, and character development will always matter more than visuals.

No.
You can simply suggest music or sound types for each scene or Act, and Game Masters will play them from streaming platforms like Spotify or YouTube. Just make sure your GM Manual clearly notes when and what kind of audio should be used.

That’s why the GM Manual is so important.
As long as you provide clear instructions, timing suggestions, and GM-only notes, even a complex story can be run smoothly. We’ve also included a GM manual writing guide to help you get started.

There’s no strict rule, but most games are designed to last 4–5 hours, played in one session. If your game is longer, consider adding a break or intermission. If it’s shorter, you can still make it powerful with sharp pacing and meaningful content.

Yes!
Collaborative writing is welcome. Just make sure there’s a clear structure for responsibilities, and that one person manages the final submission and communication.

Yes, as long as it fits the format.
You’re welcome to adapt novels, short stories, or old tabletop modules into interactive MysteryActs—just make sure each character script and scene is tailored for immersive, in-person play.

Currently, our core platform supports English-language MysteryActs.
However, we’re actively exploring support for multilingual content. If you have a translated version or want help localizing, feel free to reach out!

At the heart of every great MysteryAct is a writer bold enough to imagine something new.

Whether you're crafting your very first script or building your tenth world, we hope this guide gave you a helpful starting point—or at least the gentle nudge you needed to keep going. Your stories, characters, twists, and emotions have the power to bring people together, spark conversations, and create unforgettable moments.

Anzir is just a platform—but you are the one who brings it to life.

We can’t wait to see what you’ll create!