Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Cipher: Every Word Counts?

Cipher: Every Word Counts is a social deduction and communication strategy game where players must locate their hidden teammate by subtly signaling a shared codeword, without revealing it to opposing teams or saboteurs.

2. How many players can participate ?

Cipher is designed for 6 to 13 players.

6–8 players: Tighter deduction, faster rounds
9–11 players: Balanced social chaos and deduction
12–13 players: Maximum tension, misinformation, and narrative depth

3. How long does a game last?

Average playtime is between 45-75 minutes per game. This includes all phases: 4 Intelligence gathering phases and final scoring phase

4. What is the objective of the game?

Your objectives are to:

Identify your secret teammate
Discover opposing teams
Protect your codeword
Uncover opponents’ codewords

Points are awarded through a delayed scoring system, rewarding both accurate deduction and successful secrecy.

5. What makes Cipher different from other social deduction games?

Cipher emphasizes:

Subtle conversational signaling over overt deception
Delayed scoring mechanics that reward long-term inference
Multiple simultaneous teams (not just majority vs minority)
Narrative emergence driven by human interpretation

6. Is lying required?

In short, no. Many successful players rarely lie outright.

7. What are undercover identities?

Each player receives a Victorian-era (thematic) undercover occupation to conceal one’s true alliance.

These identities:

Provide conversational cover
Guide thematic dialogue
Introduce narrative texture
Prevent players from speaking too directly

8. What is the delayed scoring mechanic?

Rather than scoring immediately after discoveries, Cipher scores at the end of the game.

9. Is Cipher replayable?

Extremely.

Replayability is driven by:

Rotating codewords
Variable player personalities
Occupational identity combinations
Emergent conversational narratives
Expansion Mechanics

10. What age group is Cipher appropriate for?

Recommended for ages 14+

Younger players may participate if comfortable with:

Abstract reasoning
Social deduction
Sustained conversation gameplay

11. Is Cipher good for parties or events?

Yes. It is particularly good for:

Game Nights/Dinner Parties
University Groups
Café or Lounge Gatherings
Corporate Social Events

Cipher thrives in socially engaged environments.

12. How difficult is it to learn?

Cipher game mechanics are easy to learn, but entails moderate difficulty to master deduction depth. Most groups grasp gameplay within one round.

13. What comes in the box?

Base Game contents include:

150 Curated Codeword cards
Envelopes
45 Identity Cards
13 Lanyards
Organizational Tray
Scoring sheets
Rulebook

(Exact contents may vary slightly by print edition.)

14. Is the game language dependent?

Cipher relies on conversational fluency, so all players should share a common language for optimal play.

Localized editions may be produced in the future.

15. When will my pre-order ship?

Pre-order fulfillment timelines depend on:

Manufacturing completion
Freight transit
Customs clearance
Domestic fulfillment staging

Customers will receive email updates at each major milestone.

16. Can I cancel or refund my pre-order?

Yes. Subject to the terms outlined in our Refund Policy.

Refund eligibility may change once manufacturing has begun.

17. Will there be limited or special editions?

Select print runs may include:

Embossed Boxes
Founder Editions
Advocate Rewards
Expansion Bundles

Availability will be announced prior to release.

18. How can I become an advocate or host?

If you’re passionate about bringing Cipher to new groups, you may apply to join our advocate network.

Advocates may receive:

Early Prototypes
Recognition Rewards
Limited Edition Materials

19. Is Cipher suitable for competitive players?

Yes.

Cipher supports both casual narrative play and high-level competitive deduction.

Veteran groups often track win rates, deduction accuracy, and signaling efficiency.

20. How do I stay updated on releases?

You can stay informed by:

Joining the updates email list: here
Following official social channels
Monitoring the website for announcements

21. Who created Cipher: Every Word Counts?

Cipher was developed by an independent studio of three brothers dedicated to advancing social deduction game design through conversational mechanics and emergent narrative systems.

22. I still have questions, how can I contact you?

For all inquiries (Gameplay questions, Event hosting, Retail partnerships, Press or Media)

Please use the Contact page on the website. We aim to respond within 48 hours.