Jubensha, the murder mystery game China is obsessed with, in English
Jubensha (剧本杀, "script murder") is a murder-mystery role-play game where every player gets a character with a private script and secrets. In China people play it in dedicated venues with a game master. TogetherPlay brings it home: the big screen is the game master, and everyone reads their script on their phone. Free, 4 to 6 characters, 60 to 90 minutes.
How a game works
- Pick a story. A QR code appears on the big screen; everyone scans it and gets a character.
- Read your script. Your phone shows your character's story, secrets and goals. Nobody else can see them.
- Search for clues. Each round, search two locations. Clues arrive on your phone, and you decide whether to share them.
- Talk. Question each other. Someone is lying. Searching and talking happen over two rounds.
- Vote for the culprit and their motive, and the narrator reveals the truth.
Seven original stories
Good for first-timers
- The Golden Spatula Showdown (comedy, about 60 min): one trophy, one bottle of chilli, zero dignity.
- The Letter Under the Camphor Tree (heartfelt, about 75 min): ten years, one buried tin, and the letter someone couldn't wait to read.
- The Harbour Star (classic detective, about 75 min): the storm took the telephone, someone took the sapphire. But was it ever really there?
For experienced players
- Snowbound at Eagle's Beak (hardcore logic, about 90 min): the door was bolted from the inside, and the truth was buried ten years deep.
- Curtain Call at Midnight (horror, about 90 min): he paid for the ghost. He never paid for what it whispered.
- Poison Under the Moon Palace (period drama, about 75 min): one full moon, one poisoned cup, one missing seal.
- Thin Air Over Jupiter (sci-fi, about 75 min): the air is running out, and the saboteur is still aboard.
Every story is original and available in English, 中文, Español and Français.
Jubensha vs a classic murder mystery party
A murder mystery party is usually lighter and works for bigger groups. Jubensha goes deeper: longer private scripts, personal secrets and missions, and you have to explain the motive, not just name the killer. Have more than 6 people? Play Murder Mystery Night, where extra players join as detectives, or werewolf for up to 20.
Questions
- What does jubensha mean?
- Jubensha (剧本杀) means "script murder" in Chinese. It is a role-play murder mystery where each player reads a private script for their character.
- Is it free?
- Yes. All seven stories are free during the current promotion period.
- How many players do you need?
- 4 to 6, one character each.
- Do we need a game master?
- No. The website reads the opening, hands out clues, collects votes and reveals the ending, so everyone gets to play.
- Is it good for beginners?
- Yes. Start with The Golden Spatula Showdown or The Harbour Star, which have easier clues.