Murder mystery games are a genre of party games. One of the players secretly plays a murderer, while other players must determine who among them is the criminal. Murder mystery games often involve actual 'murders' of guests throughout the game, or open with a 'death' and have the rest of the time devoted to investigation.

Party games are games that are played at social gatherings to facilitate interaction and provide entertainment and recreation. Categories include (explicit) icebreaker, parlour (indoor), picnic (outdoor), and large group games. Other types include pairing off (partnered) games, and parlour races. Different games will generate different atmospheres so the party game may merely be intended as an icebreakers, or the sole purpose for or structure of the party. As such, party games aim to include players of various skill levels and player-elimination is rare. Party games are intended to be played socially, and are designed to be easy for new players to learn.