This study delves into the changes in participation of Indian audiences in board game playing and is aimed at improving player experience in murder mystery board games (MMBGs), as well as studying their cognitive impacts. Despite the popularity of MMBGs, it is important to evaluate them in the Indian context since traditional Indian board games have mass appeal. Keeping the growing Indian market in mind, this study is conducted to enable the making of engaging games relevant to the Indian users. This is achieved through a pilot study to understand the preference and identify components that result in player engagement while examining the cognitive effects of such factors. Pilot study of online surveys and focus group discussions along with existing material reviews are held to get a grasp of what would be engaging for the audience. After reviewing 50 responses through the online survey, the principal findings of this paper showcase that Indian youth aged 15–29 are highly motivated by social interaction and experience. They also look forward to a moderate challenge inspired by true events, which help make MMBGs relevant and immersive. In addition to this, the research highlights the critical thinking, social cognition, problem-solving and reasoning skills that are triggered by the strategies used in board games. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the Indian board game market and provides actionable insights for game designers to help boost the industry.