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 spoken words. In person, you gather with phones on silent and text in a group chat along with private chats. Online, you follow the same approach using a shared messaging platform. The facilitator begins a 90-minute soundtrack and timed prompts. When the prompts occur, you share 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 pressure, and occasionally crime. You 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 eliminate topics like violence or substance abuse, focusing instead on friendship and hope. Safety tools remain in place during play, 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 keeps the texting threads manageable and the mystery engaging. 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 participate meaningfully.

Bring a charged phone or laptop that you are comfortable texting from. You will use a familiar messaging app, set to silent or vibrate. No dice, miniatures, or maps are necessary. 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 needed. Expect a brief onboarding session, followed by about 90 minutes of gameplay and a gentle debrief.

It operates seamlessly online. Your facilitator arranges the group chat and individual threads, shares a synchronized soundtrack, and manages all timers. You can use popular tools like Discord or similar platforms, with microphones muted throughout. The format truly excels in a remote setting because texting is a natural fit. For a brief overview of how online sessions are structured and the platforms we utilize, check out online play.

It is short, collaborative, and grounded. There are no dice, no combat turns, and no voice acting. You portray teens and adults in a contemporary town, interacting solely through texts. Clues arrive on a timer rather than from dungeon rooms. The tension stems from choices, relationships, and what you reveal, not from tactical rules. It is easy to learn and centred on emotion. If you enjoy mysteries, teen dramas, or true-crime podcasts, this satisfies that craving in a single sitting.