Murder at the Museum – An Interactive Multilinear Audio Detective Story
Have you watched Netflix’s ‘Black Mirror – Bandersnatch’ episode? If you did, you have experienced choose-your-own-adventure-type storytelling. My game “Murder at the Museum” (Mord im Museum) takes the concept one step further: It isn’t choosing ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on your remote control, but choosing your path wisely during your museum visit at Stadtmuseum Aarau, where the game is currently being exhibited (EXTENDED UNTIL FEBRUARY 10th, 2018!)
At the reception, players pick up their detective kit. An iPad which they wear around their neck, as well as headphones. Upon starting the game, they learn that an accident has happened the previous night: A chandelier fell and shattered in the lobby. A scenographical installation shows the site of the accident. But something is wrong: The markings on the floor look like what one would expect from a murder. The story kicks off here, and players are sent off to find the murderer in this mysterious crime.
Equipped with an iPad and headphones which narrate the story, players start their journey through Stadtmuseum Aaarau. They talk to suspects and gather evidence. They learn of mysterious intrigues and competition between exhibition objects. And there are choices to make: Should you first talk to the newspapers or to the swan? Both seem to know more, but one of them is a liar. Who might be guilty? Do you have enough proof to accuse them?
We aimed at making play as immersive as possible: The story progresses automatically as soon as you approach a point of interest. Suspects call out to players before they see them. They receive phone calls or overhear secret conversations. This level of immersion is achieved using bluetooth low energy beacons and our own storytelling system. After a short introductory section, the game opens up into a small open-world scenario. Players may follow the directions they are given or choose to ignore them and explore at leisure. This differentiates this location-based game from Bandersnatch and many other multilinear stories which limit your choices. ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, ‘Blue’ or ‘Red’. Murder in the Museum allows players to wander off the path, and for example walk back to the site of the crime if they believe they have missed something important.
Murder at the Museum was developed as a collaboration between Engagement Migros, Zurich University of the Arts, Stadtmuseum Aarau and waku waku Gameful Experiences, my own micro-studio. It is not the only game that came out of this collaboration. The second game, “Art Lover”, by Sonja Böckler, is a flirting simulator, in which players can try to charm exhibition objects. “Hammer to Fall”, by René Bauer, lets you destroy exhibition objects using a real hammer!
All games are on display in Aarau until January 30th (EXTENDED UNTIL FEBRUARY 10th), 2018 during the opening hours of the museum. You are also cordially invited to join the wine and cheese on January 24th from 6.30-9pm.
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