The Ultimate Guide to Hosting The Collector’s Stories – Create a Night No One Will Forget

What This Guide Covers

• How to prepare before game night
• How to set the mood for an immersive experience
• How to smoothly guide your guests through the experience
• Tips for handling different personalities & energy levels
• How to wrap up the night in a meaningful way

Step 1: Prepping for the Experience

What You Need to Do Before Game Night

• Read the instructions ahead of time – No need to memorize them, but having a basic understanding of the flow will help you feel confident. There aren’t many—just read all the blue cards and the first few orange cards.
• Invite the right people – This experience works best with 1 to 5 guests to keep it intimate and engaging. Let them know this isn’t just a casual game night—it’s something unique.
• Send the teaser audio – This part is critical to building anticipation.
• The first QR code (on the blue instruction card) should be sent with your invite.
• The second QR code is sent on the day of the event to create intrigue.
• Make sure everyone brings their own headphones (charged!) – The immersive audio is key to the experience.

Host’s Mindset:
"You’re not just planning a game night—you’re setting the stage for something unforgettable. If your friends are thinking, ‘WTF is this?’—you’re doing it right. Just tell them: all will be revealed."

Step 2: Setting the Mood for an Immersive Night

How to Create the Perfect Atmosphere

• Choose a cozy setup – The lounge is ideal. Set up pillows and blankets so guests feel comfortable. Arrange seating in a small circle so everyone can see each other.
• Dim the lights – This is key. A darker room signals that this is something different, making people less self-conscious and more open.
• Put food & drinks in the centre – A sharing platter naturally makes people feel at ease. If you drink, wine or cocktails can help loosen people up—but balance is key.

Pro Tip:
"Start the game after dinner or drinks—people are naturally more relaxed and open once they’ve settled in."

Step 3: Introducing the Game to Your Guests

How to Get Everyone Excited & Ready

Once everyone is seated and comfortable, introduce the experience.

What to Say as a Host:
"Alright, so tonight isn’t your typical game night. This is an experience. It’s designed to spark real conversations—ones you might not normally have. There’s no winning or losing. Just be present, be curious, and let the night unfold."

Explain the Game Flow

1. Scan the QR code & listen to the immersive audio.
2. Follow the instructions as I read them.
3. Some moments are just for listening. Others involve answering thought-provoking questions.
4. No one is forced to share—speak if you want, listen if you prefer.

Encourage a "No Judgment Zone"

• It’s okay to go deep.
• It’s okay to stay quiet and just listen.
• Everyone shares as much—or as little—as they feel comfortable.

Pro Tip:
Know the people will take the headphones on and off through the experience, which gives the night the feel of movement, as you have personal moments and then group moments.

"As the host, set the tone. Answer the first question yourself—it helps everyone feel comfortable opening up."

Step 4: Playing the Game – Keeping the Flow Smooth

How to Keep the Energy Right & Guide the Experience

• Let the audio set the tone – The immersive storytelling pulls people in—just let it do the work.
• Guide the group naturally – Follow the pace of the conversation, not just the cards.
• Don’t force participation – If someone hesitates, simply ask:
  "Would you like to share, or should we move on?"

 

Handling Different Personalities

• For outgoing guests: Let them engage freely—but make sure they don’t dominate the conversation.
• For quieter guests: Give them space to observe. Sometimes, silence means reflection.
• If people joke too much: Humor is great—but remind them: "This game is about going deeper, not just making it through."

Pro Tip:
"Think of this as a 3AM conversation—but without being drunk. It’s introspective, it’s fun, and the immersive stories make it feel cinematic."

Step 5: Closing the Experience & Wrapping Up the Night

How to End on a Meaningful Note

• Final Reflection – When the last stage is complete, take a moment to let it sink in. Ask:
  "What surprised you about this experience?"
  "Did anything come up that you weren’t expecting?"
• Thank Everyone –
  "This was something different. And I appreciate you all for being open to it."
• Encourage the Conversation to Continue –
  "Some of you might still be thinking about what just happened. Let it sink in. The best conversations keep unfolding long after the night is over."

Pro Tip:
"You don’t have to finish the experience in one night. If deep conversations take over, roll with it. You can always play again."

Bonus: Quick-Reference Host Checklist

• Read the blue & first orange cards before game night.
• Set up a cozy, dimly lit space.
• Ensure everyone brings headphones & charges their devices.
• Provide food, drinks, & a relaxed atmosphere.
• Introduce the game & set the "no judgment" tone.
• Let the immersive audio & storytelling do the heavy lifting.
• Keep the flow natural—don’t rush or force participation.
• Wrap up with reflection & gratitude.

 

Final Thoughts

"Hosting The Collector’s Stories isn’t about performing. The immersive audio does the work—you just create the space for connection. Let the experience unfold naturally, and trust that the best conversations happen when people feel safe enough to open up."

 

If you have any more questions that I can help you with, just reach out at info@audiogames.shop. Enjoy the shadowside.