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Alice is Missing

Alice is Missing

Alice is Missing is a silent role-playing game about the disappearance of Alice Briarwood, a high school junior in the small town of Silent Falls. The game is played live and without verbal communication. Players inhabit their character for the entirety of the 90-minute play session, and instead of speaking, send text messages back and forth to the other characters in a group chat, as well as individually, as though they aren’t in the same place together.

Originally created by Spenser Starke

Details

3-5 Players

Themes

Modern
Mystery

Release Date

2020

Alice is Missing Reviews (6)

See what other Game Masters and players are saying about Alice is Missing

Katie avatar

Katie

New review

Alice is Missing is a unique, self-contained experience. The core gameplay is in two major sections: setup & worldbuilding, then a timed 90-minute period of only communicating via text messages, followed by a short epilogue & debrief. My group finished our first (in-person) game in a little over 3 hours. The game does not have a traditional game master, but more of a facilitator - you'll have more success playing with a table full of creative people who like to drive the story by jumping into the narrative head-first! The rulebook makes being a facilitator very straightforward, including walking the group through some really helpful conversations and safety tools so that everyone is on the same page regarding topic and themes! The biggest downside is that I would consider the game to have limited replayability. While any ttrpg is replayable if you are imaginative enough, and you'll create a unique vibe with every group, there are only a handful of major events (that are supplied by the game mechanics) and ending states. That being said, even partaking in a limited number of great games from this system is worth it!

Paul avatar

Paul

New review

Ran 1 sessions

There are two major parts to a game of Alice is Missing: world building in the first half and improvisational mystery. The world building is a great opportunity for "Yes and" without limit. Is the nightclub a legit party spot, den of crime, or meeting place for real vampires? If you are playing both parts in a single session, prepare for strong emotional resonance. Player safety guidelines ahead of the game and aftercare are essential.

Julia LaFond avatar

Julia LaFond

New review

Ran 1 sessions

Alice is Missing is a game with a deceptively simple premise. Play often begins slow at first, but as clues mount, cards are drawn, and the timer ticks down, players come together to craft narratives that are heartfelt, heart-pounding, and sometimes heart-wrenching. Though the PixelTable rollout for virtual games wasn't without bugs, this game is a compelling experience that any fans of mystery, suspense, and thrillers should play at least once.

Luke The GM avatar

Luke The GM

New review

Ran 2 sessions

Alice is Missing is such an interesting and unique game. There are no dice rolls, no skills, and no combat encounters. This game is 100% roleplaying and improv at it's finest. BUT it may not be for everyone. The role of Game Master in ALICE IS MISSING is to help facilitate the world-building experience (the first 60-90 minutes before the game) and breathe life into the environment. Without this critical world-building experience, Alice isn't really missing anything and the players may not feel any need or desire to find her. Players that struggle with improvisational roleplaying, theater of the mind games, or heavy writing may struggle with this game as well since there is no battle map involved. If you've got a great GM and an enthusiastic group of storytellers then ALICE IS MISSING is a fantastic game choice.

Morningbird avatar

Morningbird

Ran 2 sessions

I love how immersive this game is. It is quick to set up and play through. It starts slow and builds and leaves you affected. There is always lots of aftercare conversation after Alice is Missing as it is an emotional roller coaster. It does rely on all the players to be creative and assertive and it can take time for some folks to feel comfortable in this format. Everyone starts with some simple roleplay goals and are given prompt cards periodically through the game. It is up to each person to push the narrative forward using them. The facilitator just sort of gets things started and then is basically just another role-player till the end. It can take some adjustment for folks used to games with more structure or being guided by a gamemaster. Also, it is well worth playing the same scenario again. It is different every time.

GM MorganJ avatar

GM MorganJ

Ran 12 sessions

Alice Is Missing is a fantastic game designed to be played in a single session. I’ve run it dozens of times and keep loving it. All the players work together to create an eerie town and its inhabitants, one of whom (though you’ve established motives for everyone!) ends up being responsible for having kidnapped your friend. Every game unfolds differently with random prompts prodding each character (also uniquely created for each game!) in different directions. That narrative part lasts exactly C 90 minutes, which is set to a very atmospheric, thematic soundtrack that exquisitely amps up and pulls back as the different prompts drive the characters to action.

How to Play Alice is Missing

Alice is Missing is a silent roleplaying game, taking place entirely through text. Experience the hauntingly beautiful, text-based RPG in this 90-minute journey of emotional depth and silent suspense.

Alice is Missing Dungeon Masters

Artist

3 years on StartPlaying

1201 games hosted

Average response time: Under 1 hour

Response rate: 100%

LGBTQ+
Teacher/Educator
Multi-lingual

3 years on StartPlaying

471 games hosted

Veteran
Disabled
Teacher/Educator

3 years on StartPlaying

946 games hosted

Average response time: 1 hour

Response rate: 100%

3 years on StartPlaying

228 games hosted

Average response time: Under 1 hour

Response rate: 100%

Streamer
Podcaster
Cosplayer
Women/Femme Identifying

4 years on StartPlaying

38 games hosted

Women/Femme Identifying
Multi-lingual

4 years on StartPlaying

1350 games hosted

Average response time: 1 hour

Response rate: 100%

Streamer
Podcaster
LGBTQ+
Queer
Neurodivergent
Cosplayer
Teacher/Educator
Voice Actor
Women/Femme Identifying
Game Designer

3 years on StartPlaying

236 games hosted

Average response time: Under 1 hour

Response rate: 100%

LGBTQ+
Queer
Disabled
Neurodivergent
Published Writer

2 years on StartPlaying

184 games hosted

Frequently asked questions about Alice is Missing

Explore Alice is Missing Characters

Charlie Barnes image

Charlie Barnes

The One Who Moved Away

Dakota Travis image

Dakota Travis

The Best Friend

Evan Holwell image

Evan Holwell

The One With the Crush

Jack Briarwood image

Jack Briarwood

The Older Brother

Julia North image

Julia North

The Secret Girlfriend

Virtual table tops for Alice is Missing (VTTs)

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Buy the book!

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