How it works

A Blackboxed case starts in your browser and spills out from there. Here’s what happens once you open one.

Pick a case
Every case is a standalone story with its own website. Start with The Gold Portrait. It’s free.
Get your code
One code unlocks one computer, not one person. Gather everyone around the same screen and split the work.
Start the clock
Once it starts, it doesn’t stop. There’s no pause button, so set aside the full time before you begin. The Gold Portrait runs ninety minutes.
Stay alert
The case won’t stay politely inside your browser. Keep your phone ready and pay attention to everything, because anything can be a clue.
Make it count
Each code works once. When the clock runs out, the case closes, and there are no replays.

What you’ll need