Off The Record
A ‘traitorous’ game where players act as artists or leakers in a record label, debating and voting to find the source of leaks.
Event Info
Off The Record is an immersive social-deduction game set inside The Groupie karaoke rooms, where participants dive into the drama of a fictional record label. Players take on the roles of recording artists or secret leakers as they navigate rounds of accusation, debate, and voting to unmask those leaking confidential tracks before a major release.
Event Details
Uniquely, this event is hosted in The Groupie (private karaoke rooms) which is transformed to become ‘Off the Record Music Studio’, the headquarters of a fictional record label. The Hostess assumes the role of the company’s manager and chief executive, guiding players through the unfolding story. The game is designed for groups of up to 20 people, encouraging direct role-play and interaction within an intimate setting.
At the start of the game, each participant is assigned the identity of a recording artist signed to Off the Record Music Studios. The central mystery is that confidential information about an upcoming song release has been leaked to the press, and the group must work out who is responsible. Some players are secretly given the role of leakers, while the rest of the room must question, observe, and compare details to identify who may be working against the label.
The game unfolds through a series of timed discussion rounds, accusations, and group votes. Players move around the room, speak to one another in character, and look for inconsistencies or clues in what others say. At the end of each round, the group votes to remove a suspected leaker from the game, while the hidden leakers are given opportunities to misdirect suspicion and sabotage other players, sabotaged players must leave the game but are sent to one of The Groupie rooms for inclusive beverages included canned cocktails. The format is social and conversational rather than stage-led, so sailors should expect to actively mingle, ask questions, and take part throughout.
What to Expect
- Participants assume the identities of recording artists or secret leakers within the label.
- Each round features a track being “leaked,” prompting discussion and strategic voting to remove suspected leakers from the label.
- Players must mingle, question one another, and interpret clues to identify who is sabotaging the group.
- Leakers have secret opportunities to undermine other participants without revealing themselves.
- The overall format resembles popular TV social-deduction shows such as The Traitors.
- Specific twists and outcomes are intentionally undisclosed to preserve the experience.
Highlights Include
- An immersive transformation of The Groupie karaoke rooms into a record label’s headquarters.
- Direct role-play in a smaller, interactive group setting.
- A dynamic social game involving debate, suspicion, and voting rounds.
- The presence of a Hostess acting as the company’s manager, enhancing the narrative.
- Opportunities for secret sabotage by select players adding complexity to the game.
How to Attend
To participate in Off The Record, you must book the event in the Virgin Voyages Sailor App. Early booking is recommended as space is limited as the venue accommodates a smaller group size. For additional information on booking and securing your spot, refer to the Booking Events & First Come First Serve Events guide.
Overview
Created and produced by Georgie Hastie Creative, Off The Record is one of Virgin Voyages’ more distinctive Happenings events, combining social deduction, light role-play, and strategic gameplay in a small-group setting. The format asks players to navigate suspicion, form temporary alliances, and work out who is trying to undermine the fictional record label from within. Its success depends heavily on participation, so it may not suit sailors who prefer to observe from the sidelines. For those willing to get involved, however, it stands out as one of the most original and story-led events currently offered across the fleet.
During our sailing, Off The Record was included in the voyage fare. Guests removed from the game were offered free canned cocktails, which may indicate that the event could become chargeable in future. We will update this guide if pricing or participation details change.
