Alice Is Missing

Even though Alice Is Missing has no traditional GM, a professional Game Master acts as a facilitator. Before play, they welcome you, explain tone and consent tools, and assign characters. They set up the group and private chats, keep the official timer and soundtrack on track, and introduce clue prompts at the right moments. During play, they handle rules questions in text, help shy players find their voice, and watch for safety. After the reveal, they guide a short debrief so everyone can land gently. For a sense of approaches, see GM playstyles.

Everyone communicates through messages rather than speech. In person, you sit together with your phones on silent, texting in a group chat as well as private chats. Online, you do the same using a shared messaging platform. The facilitator starts a 90-minute soundtrack along with timed prompts. When the prompts arrive, you reveal clues via texts and images. Table talk is not allowed, but you can step out or pause if necessary. The format feels natural within minutes, and the Game Master manages all the technology so you can concentrate on the story.

The premise revolves around a missing teenager, allowing for themes such as grief, secrets, small-town pressures, and occasionally crime. You have the freedom to decide how intense the experience becomes. Prior to play, your facilitator conducts a content check and establishes clear lines and veils. You can choose to soften or omit topics like violence or substance abuse, focusing instead on friendship and hope. Safety tools remain in place throughout the game, providing straightforward methods to pause or redirect. It is intended for mature audiences who are comfortable exploring emotional themes together.

Alice Is Missing is designed for 3 to 5 players. This range ensures that the texting threads remain manageable and the mystery stays focused. With 6 players, the experience can diminish, so a professional Game Master will recommend alternatives. The two best options are to split into two sessions, either consecutively or on different days, or to run two tables simultaneously that explore the same town. Both methods maintain the game's clarity while allowing everyone to engage meaningfully.

Bring a charged phone or laptop that you are comfortable using for texting. You will use a familiar messaging app, set to silent or vibrate. No dice, miniatures, or maps are required. The Game Master will provide the soundtrack, character sheets, and prompt cards, and will create both group and private chats. In person, they will supply the audio in the room. Online, they will share a synced audio link. No app purchases are necessary. Expect a brief onboarding session, followed by around 90 minutes of gameplay and a gentle debrief afterwards.

It operates seamlessly online. Your facilitator sets up the group chat and individual threads, shares a synced soundtrack, and manages all timers. You can use common tools like Discord or similar, with microphones muted throughout. The format truly excels remotely as texting is a natural fit. For a brief overview of how online sessions are organised and the platforms we use, see online play.

It is brief, collaborative, and realistic. There are no dice, no combat turns, and no voice acting. You take on the roles of teenagers and adults in a contemporary town, interacting solely through text messages. Clues are delivered on a timer rather than from dungeon rooms. The tension arises from choices, relationships, and what you choose to reveal, rather than from tactical rules. It is straightforward to learn and centres on emotion. If you enjoy mysteries, teen dramas, or true-crime podcasts, this will satisfy that craving in a single session.