Unmasking the Truth: A Game of Lies and Influence
Built on decades of psychological research and the science of misinformation, this immersive murder mystery game challenges players not only to solve the mystery but to understand the scientific principles that govern how we are influenced and misled. Players must navigate a web of lies, uncover the truth, and discover how their beliefs and decisions are shaped by those around them.
The Psychology of Persuasion: Who Can You Trust?
At a high school reunion dinner party, tensions rise as the rich host, Solomon Asch, is mysteriously murdered. Players must interact with a cast of quirky Gen Z-inspired characters, piecing together clues while trying to separate truth from deception. The game’s narrative is shaped by real-world insights into how trust is built - and broken - in social settings.
Storytelling Meets Science
Blending an engaging narrative with psychological science, Solomon’s Secret challenges players to question their beliefs while uncovering the science of social influence. Through compelling character interactions and evolving storylines, players must evaluate the credibility of information and identify manipulation tactics. The game provides a captivating way to learn how misinformation spreads and how to critically assess what we hear and believe.
Uncover Tactics of Deception
More than just a murder mystery, Solomon’s Secret explores how social influence can be used to manipulate. To solve the mystery, players must uncover deceptive character traits and identify manipulation tactics rooted in the science of misinformation. The game immerses players in a world where they must constantly question what they see and hear, using their understanding of influence to navigate the twists and turns of the narrative.
A Game of Credibility
In Solomon’s Secret, character credibility evolves dynamically based on player interactions. Each choice affects how trustworthy other characters appear, creating a layered experience where players must collect evidence, challenge falsehoods, and assess the shifting trustworthiness of their peers.
Surviving the Crowd
Finding the killer is only half the battle—to escape alive, players need the group on their side. Players must carefully sway the opinions of their peers while avoiding personal suspicion. Every interaction matters as players form alliances, challenge others, and attempt to stay one step ahead. Mastering social group dynamics is key to survival, and the evolving credibility of characters ensures that the balance of trust is always shifting.
Storytelling Symposium
The concept for Solomon’s Secret originated during a storytelling fellowship at the University of the Arts London and was showcased at the Storytelling Symposium in London, hosted by the University’s Storytelling Institute.
Team
Solomon’s Secret is being developed through a collaboration between Cecilie S. Traberg, a psychologist and PhD candidate at Cambridge University, and Mothworks, a game studio known for its innovative storytelling and design.
Join the Journey
As the project progresses, Solomon’s Secret is seeking collaborators who share a passion for storytelling and educational gaming. If you are interested in being part of this exciting journey and contributing to the development of this project, please get in touch via the form below or at