London, England – Sleuthing is the name of the game as the hit television show “The Traitors” returns for its second season, sparking a surge in interest in domestic detection games. Traditional board games centered on accumulating power and wealth, like Monopoly and Risk, are being overshadowed as the sleuthing instinct takes over. The BBC has capitalized on this trend by launching an online version of “The Traitors,” following the release of spin-off card and board games based on the reality game show.
With peak viewership of 3.1 million for the first episode of season two, “The Traitors” has become a mainstream crown jewel for the BBC. The show’s popularity rivals even that of the darts final, indicating a significant fanbase. The suspense and intrigue of the series lies in the contestants’ quest to determine who are the deceivers among them and who can be trusted, all while competing for a £120,000 prize.
To further engage audiences, the BBC has introduced an online predictor game that allows viewers to participate in the “round table” discussions featured in the show. Audiences can test their ability to think like a traitor and engage in the mind games and manipulations experienced by the contestants. The online game provides a platform for viewers to indulge their desire to uncover the truth-tellers and expose the phonies, all from the comfort of their own homes.
The success of “The Traitors” has spawned a range of officially licensed merchandise, including cloaks, mugs, and T-shirts. Additionally, the show’s format has been adapted into online games, such as “Among Us,” and has gained international popularity with over 25 adaptations across different countries.
Recognizing the growing prominence of online games, the BBC’s decision to launch an online version of “The Traitors” proves to be a strategic move. The format’s resemblance to popular online games and low-tech party games adds to its appeal. Players of the online game must make choices about the identity of murder victims and those banished before the next episode, accumulating points based on correct guesses. They can also earn points by predicting the contestants who will make it to the endgame and answering bonus questions. Players can compete in smaller groups with friends and track their rankings on a leaderboard.
Alongside the new season, “The Traitors” is accompanied by an analysis-focused spin-off show called “Uncloaked,” hosted by comedian Ed Gamble. The spin-off provides further insight and discussion on the events of the main show.
“The Traitors” continues to captivate audiences with its intriguing premise and suspenseful gameplay. As the popularity of domestic detection games rises, traditional board games are taking a backseat. With its online version and merchandise, “The Traitors” shows no signs of slowing down as it keeps viewers hooked on its gripping narratives and strategic challenges.