Need new creative ways to pass the time while social distancing? If you've already used Netflix Party to watch the top 10 shows with friends, done a bunch of puzzles, and made a dent in your reading list—it may be time to get a virtual game night going.
An engaging and (mostly) free activity, taking the traditional game night online can be a great way to relieve coronavirus anxiety, have a few laughs, and get your competitive adrenaline going. Thanks to video apps like Zoom and Houseparty, you can throw together a fun-filled evening easily, and see the look of despair on your family's faces when you school them in trivia. Here's how to host a virtual game night that will distract your loved ones.
First, send an invitation.
Even though you're not meeting in person, setting a time, date and sending out a quick invite (via text or email) will give everybody something to look forward to. Plus, determining the guest list—whether it's mom and the extended family, or your book club gals—will help determine what type of online games to play.
Then, pick your app.
Houseparty: All the cool cats and kittens are using Houseparty to video chat with their friends. Available across desktop and mobile, the app allows up to eight people to video chat at a time. So if you're planning a virtual game night with friends from your favorite group text, this app is a prime choice. Plus, it even comes with it's own games (more below)!
Zoom: The new default video chatting software of choice for many people working from home, Zoom allows you to connect with up to 100 people for 40 minutes for free, but you'll need a monthly subscription to continue after that.
Google Hangout: This popular video chat option from Google will allow up to 10 people to join at once, and works across desktop and mobile.
Skype: The OG of video chat, Skype may be the mode of virtual communication your parents and older relatives already use. You can download it for free on desktop or mobile, it has an easy interface, allows screen sharing, and up to 50 people can join in.
FaceTime: Are you an Apple family or do you text via iMessage with your friend group? Then you probably already know how FaceTime works. The Group FaceTime option lets you add up to 32 people, and works across iPhone, iPad, and Macs.
Here are some of our favorite online games.
JackBox
Available across a whole host of platforms (desktop, Apple TV, Fire TV, Steam, Playstation, Nintendo Switch and more), JackBox games are a social distancing savior perfect for virtual game nights. Once you purchase a game (or a pack of 6 games for $20.99) you can play with up to 10 friends in front of a virtual audience of up to 10,000. With personality test games like Role Models, comedy contests like Joke Boat, and unique word games like Dictionarium—there's endless fun to be had, online.
QuizUp
Miss going to trivia night at your local bar? Recreate the feeling with QuizUp, a virtual trivia app where you can play against your friends in real time. With different categories, thousands of topics, and the ability to win boasting rights, download the app and hop on a video chat to show off everything you know.
PlayingCards
Looking for a more simple, no frills game to play? The Playing Cards website lets you "create a room" where you can invite friends to play boards games and cards games like checkers, go fish, crazy eights, and any other card game using a standard 52-card deck. All movements are synchronized, and if you add in a video chat, it's basically like playing in person.
Words With Friends
Do your parents love words games like Scrabble? Entice them to join your virtual game night. With competitive modes, lightening duels, and one-on-one game play, Words With Friends makes staying in touch with loved ones a fun brain exercise.
Cards Against Humanity: Family Edition
Although initially slated for a fall release, the Cards Against Humanity makers decided to move up the timeline and make a free, printable family-friendly version of the famous card game available for bored families everywhere. So print the downloadable PDF out, and schedule that Skype/Zoom/Google Hangout with your family for a PG virtual game night. And don't worry, you can still play the raunchy NSFW version as well via Playing Cards.
Ticket To Ride
Feeling wanderlust while stuck at home? Or have you always wanted to go on a scenic train ride? This is a way to do it virtually—with friends and family in tow. It costs $7 to download for each person who wants to play, but the ability to build a virtual train ride across America is a fun way to pass the time and scratch that itch to travel. Pair the online adventure with a FaceTime call or Google Hangout, and virtual game night will quickly become a weekly occurrence.
Famously played on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Heads Up is a game where one person races against the clock to guess a hidden word based on clues their friends give. Originally a stand-alone app, you can now play the game in the Houseparty app for free with up to eight friends. Judging by how much fun Ellen and her guests have on the show, it's bound to bring hours of laughter.
Scattergories
You might recognize this classic board game, but did you know you the game is available to play virtually via app for free? Challenge your family to a night of the top-selling word game while hanging out on Zoom or FaceTime.
And, of course, don't forget the snacks and libations.
This is general life advice, but also equally important for a virtual game night. While you won't have to prepare an elaborate party platter or dig through your garden bounty, because no one's coming over, don't miss out on the simple pleasures of assembling a spread of your favorite snacks.
That could mean something as simple as a cup of your favorite tea, whipping up some "healthy" junk food, and pouring a glass of wine. Or it could be more involved, like making delectably cheesy snacks.
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