Plymouth's entire city centre transforms into live adventure game

A demanding boss, enough unsolved cases to fill an aircraft hangar, and now one of Plymouth’s leading professors has gone missing. Detective Inspector Ranney is not having a good day…

Do you feel like testing your powers of deduction? Fancy pitting your wits against Plymouth’s most ancient criminal fraternity? Could you solve a centuries old mystery and save the professor into the bargain?

Detective Inspector Ranney needs YOU!

This September the Plymouth City Centre Company and Plymouth Waterfront Partnership Business Improvement Districts have joined forces to present a truly immersive gaming experience for would-be detectives and adventurers. As part of their initiative to increase footfall they’ll be employing Plymouth’s streets as a literally life-size game board, Casefile: The Mystery of the Star-Eaters, invites players to take on the role of ‘consulting detective’ in a spine-tingling thriller that will test their wits to the very limits. This is gaming on a grand scale.

With the aim of giving players of all ages a great day out in the city centre, the two Business Improvement Districts have part-funded the event so that tickets are discounted with an exclusive offer code.

Players will be asked to follow clues, question witnesses and solve puzzles. The amateur sleuths will be taken on a journey of discovery around Plymouth’s landmarks as they investigate a mystery that would test even the great Mr Holmes. Players are even being encouraged to dress up with a competition where a full refund goes to the winning team.

Devised by graphic designer, Stephen Blackwell, the game is best enjoyed when played in teams of 2-6. While the main investigation takes approximately 2-3 hours, the event will be running continuously throughout the day so players can stop and start whenever they choose, even taking time out for lunch and shopping! And with free entry for the under 12s and a dedicated children’s mini-mystery game running concurrently, Casefile: The Mystery of the Star-Eaters makes for a day of unique entertainment for all of the family.

‘The aim was to genuinely replicate the feel of a real investigation,’ says Blackwell, ‘and the best way to do that was to make the most of real locations. Working with a number of businesses throughout the City Centre and parts of the Waterfront, we’ve been able to create an excitingly immersive experience for our players.

‘Last year’s launch of Pokemon Go showed that there is a real appetite among gamers for more than just staring at a computer screen; The Mystery of the Star-Eaters gets players using their body and brain in equal measures, and having a lot of fun along the way.’

Touring nationally, Casefile: The Mystery of the Star-Eaters, which has been featured by BBC Radio, the Metro and in VisitEngland’s influential blog, are transforming towns and cities up and down the country, landing in Plymouth on 30th September.

Holly Reynolds, Marketing and Events Manager of the City Centre Company said “Finding fun and different ways to spend the day with friends and family can be a challenge. That’s why we’re so pleased to bring this event to Plymouth and to be able to fund this discount code for residents. Casefile: The Mystery of the Star-Eaters makes a real change from mooching around the shops or sitting in the cinema, although there’s nothing to stop you from taking a break from sleuthing and enjoying the local amenities too.

‘I can’t wait to see Plymouth transformed into a life-sized “whodunit”, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for local actors and volunteers to get involved.’

Sarah Gibson, Waterfront Manager and Chief Executive of the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership added “We’re very excited to link with the City Centre Company to bring this fun event to the city. It’s one of many ways in which we’re unifying our approach across both BID areas to maximise the impact of our investments and attract even more people to our fantastic city.”

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Plymouth, allowing players to crack clues, unravel a web of intrigue, unearth ancient treasure and reveal the truth behind a thousand-year-old legend.

The game. Is. On.

Adult tickets cost £10 with the offer code PBID2OFF and accompanied under 12 year-olds are free.

To see the teaser trailer and buy an advance ticket visit: www.bit.do/casefileplymouth