known associates
the briefing
how to play known associates
How to play
Known Associates is a browser-based social deduction party game. One player becomes The Focus. Everyone else writes responses about them. Then The Focus tries to guess who wrote what, the group votes on the best answers, and points are awarded.
Part intuition, part deception, and part knowing your friends a little too well.
Simple in theory. Dangerous in practice.
Part intuition, part deception, and part knowing your friends a little too well.
Simple in theory. Dangerous in practice.
Round sequence
4+ players recommended
1. Start a lobby
The Focus steps away while the rest of the group gets set.
2. The Focus is chosen
The Focus steps away while the rest of the group gets set.
3. The Case File
The group draws a Case File and reads it together.
4. Write anonymously
Each player writes their answer about The Focus.
5. Guess and vote
Once everyone is done, collect the responses and shuffle them.
6. Reveal and scoreboard
Bring The Focus back into the room.
7. Next round
The responses are read aloud one at a time.
Where the Tension Lies
What makes it work
Known Associates works because every round creates a specific mix: honesty, sabotage, bluffing, memory, suspicion, and the occasional defensive laugh from someone who got a little too accurately read.
The best rounds usually include one answer that gets an immediate laugh, one that lands a little too hard, one terrible lie, and one accusation that suddenly feels very convincing.
Not every answer should be trusted. All of them should be remembered.
The best rounds usually include one answer that gets an immediate laugh, one that lands a little too hard, one terrible lie, and one accusation that suddenly feels very convincing.
Not every answer should be trusted. All of them should be remembered.
Who Should Play
Known Associates is for groups that like sharp humor, reading the room, and saying the kind of thing that gets funnier once everyone knows who wrote it. It works over a group call, in a Discord, or in a room full of people who probably know each other a little too well.
If your group can take a joke, bluff without feeling guilty, and keep the night moving after being called out — you’ll be fine. Probably.
If your group can take a joke, bluff without feeling guilty, and keep the night moving after being called out — you’ll be fine. Probably.
Current Format
Known Associates is playable now in your browser — free, no account required, no download. Development is ongoing and more is coming. Play the current build at knownassociates.io.
Development is ongoing, and the long-term goal is to continue refining the game and eventually launch a physical card game in the future.
Development is ongoing, and the long-term goal is to continue refining the game and eventually launch a physical card game in the future.
