Scandinavian Mafia
“Mafia” is a club-based, team, psychological, turn‑based role‑playing game with a detective storyline, modeling the struggle between an informed organized minority and an uninformed majority.
On our website, we describe a version of the game that we call “Scandinavian Mafia”.
Key Principles:
- Rationality
Every rule has a purpose. No formalities for the sake of formalities. Everything in the game serves logic and atmosphere. - Equality and respect
The game is focused on player comfort and enjoyment. The host is an arbiter, an authority, and a director. Any rudeness or disrespect is prohibited. - Progressiveness
The game evolves. We are not afraid to introduce new elements that make the game more engaging. - Freedom and self‑expression
Everything that is not explicitly forbidden by the rules is allowed. No artificial time or action restrictions. The most unconventional approaches are encouraged. - Majority principle
In ambiguous situations, collective decision‑making applies. The game belongs to the players. - Responsibility, honesty, and trust
Freedom in the game is possible only with mutual trust and adequate behavior. Each participant is responsible for their words, decisions, and consequences.In the game, we easily do without masks, complex negotiation systems, or voting mechanics. We simply do not peek (because it’s pointless) and do not encourage arguments based on what a player supposedly heard or sensed.
Roles and Characters
Mafia
Mafia Don
Witness
Detective
Civilian
Journalist
Maniac
Doctor
Game Features
- Nothing unnecessary
No “nominating” candidates. No gestured conversations or regulated phrases. We play purely with logic and acting skills. Players simply vote according to their choice and strategy. - Clear, well‑designed roles
The Doctor saves, the Detective eliminates the mafia, the Journalist uncovers the truth, and the Mafia Don makes decisions. The game is balanced and offers interesting gameplay opportunities. - No strict limitations
Almost none. A player speaks as long as others find it interesting. There are no penalty or punishment systems. The game is moderated by the host, who stops disorderly behavior. But there are no rigid boundaries. - Passive roles
Several or all civilians, as well as some mafia members, have a role that requires no additional activity but can be cleverly used in strategy. The role activates only once, in a specific game situation, usually when a player is killed. This is done to add variety and engagement. Using passive roles does not prolong the game and allows dynamic play with large groups. - Simple, intuitive rules
You can play without any preparation — it’s enough to understand the idea of the game and the roles. You learn the game as you go. The host explains what each player should do in a given situation. - Large number of players
Up to 20 people can play. - Use of narrative and thematic elements
The game can be set in fictional locations or circumstances to help players get to know each other and “open up”.