Smoking Gun

Set in the quirky and mysterious Gelp Wellness Resort, Smoking Gun is a tabletop deduction game inspired by classic mystery stories and social play. Players take on the role of junior detectives in the 1980s who are racing to build the best case — not just solve the murder first.

Instead of memorizing complicated rules, players make meaningful choices, tell imaginative stories, and use logic, bluffing, and negotiation to outsmart their rivals.

Perfect for:

• Families and kids (designed for 12+)
• Mystery lovers
• Board gamers who enjoy social deduction
• Storytellers and creative players
• Fans of the 1980s Pop Culture and Music
• Game nights that want replayability and fun interactions

Players: 1–4 | Playtime: ~30–60 minutes | Difficulty: Easy to learn — expert-level depth

Why You’ll Love Playing

Story & Deduction

Each game tells a new mystery. You’ll gather clues, question suspects, and build a narrative case — using both your logic and your imagination.

Bluffing & Social Play

You don’t have to tell the full truth every time. Bluff and misdirect rivals to keep them guessing — and earn credibility points along the way.

Strategic Choices

Players choose how to explore locations, when to reveal clues, and when to barter or trade — every action affects your case and the group’s story.

Replay That Feels Fresh Every Time

With over 38,000 possible mystery combinations — no two games are the same. You’ll discover new twists, suspects, and stories each time you play.

How the Game Works — Easy to Understand

Investigate - Find clues. Match two to verify real evidence.

Explore Gelp Manor - Move through 6 rooms to uncover clues about the weapon, motive, and time of death.

Examine Suspects - Compare forensic evidence to identify the murderer.

Collect Physical Evidence - Grab proof that matches your verified clues to boost your credibility.

Listen & Learn Pay attention when others update the case. If their story doesn’t quite add up, your notes might reveal what’s really true. Sometimes the best clues come from careful listening.

Bluff & Apply Pressure Not every update is as solid as it sounds. Watch closely. Ask yourself: are they confident — or covering a gap?

Telling Your Case — Fun Story Moments

Players make Case Updates where they: - Share their case theory (who, where, why, how) - Tell part of the story using their cards - Earn credibility points for both deduction and creativity - Add a fun 1980s reference for bonus points (like music, fashion, or pop culture.

This encourages imaginative play — and makes each game feel like a mini detective novel.

Solo & Multiplayer Options

Multiplayer (2–4)

Challenge friends or family to see who builds the most convincing case. Bluff, barter, and build alliances — or break them!

Solo Play

If you’re playing alone, a rival Lead Detective NPC advances the case automatically, pressuring you to solve the mystery before they do — great for practice or solo challenge.

Classic 80s Vibes

These colorful suspects and personalities bring the world to life: - Dr. Greg — Herbalist and resort founder - Jane Fondu — Fitness celebrity - Madonnia — Pop star escaping paparazzi - Printz — Enigmatic music icon - Tina Turnin — Legendary performer - Tom Cruz — Action hero-turned-guest

Every character has intrigue — and any one of them could be the culprit.

Your storytelling will come to life with iconic 80s prompts like: - VCR Cassette Tapes - Evidence of blackmail - Polariod Photos - A compromising flash from the past - Stock Certificate - Where greed meets a dead end - Lettuce Patch Doll - Did this Collectible cause the crime?

Weaving in these retro artifacts brings nostalgic laughter and high-stakes intrigue to every round.

Winning the Game

You earn Credibility Points for: - Playing Case cards - Revealing verified evidence - Using Physical Evidence thoughtfully - Adding compelling storytelling flair

The player with the highest credibility wins — and gets bragging rights as the best junior detective at the resort

ION AWARD 2026 Independent Judges' Praise:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The best mystery game and the easiest to play"

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Fantastic product... right in the hot zone! Both strategy and mass appeal"

⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I love the competitive play... and the misdirect storytelling"

Smoking Gun on Social Media

The Joy of Being Wrong (publicly)

Smoking Gun on Board Game Geeks

Can't gather 2-4 players? No problem.

Think you’re alone? Not a chance.

The Lead Detective is on your heels — pushing the case forward and racing to lock in their version before you prove yours.

Each round they:

• Advance the investigation
• Pressure your evidence
• Force you to deliver the Smoking Gun fast

The same deduction as the multi-player version with just one extra card.

Choose Rookie or Experienced modes.

Perfect practice before game night.

Everything’s in the box!