8 Mystery Game Store Success Stories [2024]
Engaging their intellect and curiosity, who doesn't love a good mystery? By establishing a mystery game store, you'll cater to this innate fascination. The business proposition is simple: provide various tactile puzzle games, brain-churning intrigue games, and immersive mystery-based board games in one dedicated shop.
While online gaming has its allure, there's an undeniably compelling appeal associated with tangible games: the physicality of puzzle pieces, the anticipation when spinning a wheel, and the thrill of playing against others face-to-face.
Your store will bring individuals together, aspiring to create a buzzing community of mystery enthusiasts. It can serve as a hub for game nights, puzzle solving events, and intriguing product launches. As the proprietor of this venture, you'll possess the ability to stimulate minds, promote in-person connectivity and provoke thrilling wonder in each customer. Consider stepping into the enchanting world of mysteries and become a pioneer of this unique retail experience.
Here are some real life success stories of starting a mystery game store:
1. Hunt A Killer ($60M/year)
Ryan Hogan, co-founder and CEO of Hunt A Killer, came up with the idea for his subscription-based mystery game business after experiencing success and failure in the live event industry. Recognizing the popularity of escape rooms and interactive theater, he pivoted from live events to a subscription box model, immersing members in interactive stories and shipping thousands of episodes each week. With a diverse approach to customer acquisition and a unique sales funnel, Hunt A Killer has seen massive growth in the immersive entertainment space.
How much they make: $60M/year
How much did it cost to start: $2.5K
Current team size: 62
Hunt A Killer is a subscription-based entertainment company that delivers monthly immersive, interactive story experiences and has grown from 146 subscribers in October 2016 to shipping one million episodes in August 2019, with acquisition costs ranging from $50-60 and gross margins at/or above 60%.
2. Crimibox ($1.02M/year)
Jimmy, the founder of Crimibox, came up with the idea for his business while working in criminal investigations for the Federal Police in Belgium. Seeing that most cases are now solved at the detective's desk instead of out in the field, he decided to create fictional murder cases for people to solve using a police file and online media. With over 4,000 Crimiboxes sold and a monthly revenue of more than $8,000, the business has reached aspiring detectives who love escaping from escape rooms.
How much they make: $1.02M/year
Current team size: 5
Belgian-based Crimibox has sold over 4,000 crime-solving games with monthly revenue of $8,000 and a retention rate above 38%, featuring real-life police files, an accompanying app, and a host of fictional suspects.
So... can you actually make money with a mystery game store?
Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.
But how?
- Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
- Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
- Take action, because now you have the roadmap.
Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:
5. CA Lottery
Welcome to the California Lottery website. It’s your ticket to full access! See jackpots, winning numbers, next draws, new games, and more.
Where they're located: Stockton, California, USA
Website traffic: 6.02M/month
So... can you actually make money with a mystery game store?
Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.
But how?
- Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
- Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
- Take action, because now you have the roadmap.
Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:
7. Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network is the best place to play free games and watch full episodes of all your favorite kids TV shows with apps and online videos!
Where they're located: Newark, New Jersey, USA
Website traffic: 840K/month
8. Hunt A Killer
Use your detective skills to solve the fastest growing murder mystery subscription box.
How much they make: $60M/year
Where they're located: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
How much did it cost to start: $2.5K
Current team size: 62
Website traffic: 450K/month
Hunt A Killer is a subscription-based entertainment company that delivers monthly immersive, interactive story experiences and has grown from 146 subscribers in October 2016 to shipping one million episodes in August 2019, with acquisition costs ranging from $50-60 and gross margins at/or above 60%.
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
