How to Host a Virtual Game Night

Social distancing is so important to stop the spread of coronavirus. However, staying in doesn’t have to mean staying by yourself! A virtual game night is the perfect way to bring friends together. The best part? You don’t even need to leave the house. 

How can you plan a virtual game night, and what should you do first? We’ve got you covered. Take a look below. 

Think Logistics

The easiest (and most essential) part of game night is picking a date and time. After letting friends or family know about your game night plans, work together to choose a date and time, and narrow down the rules. Is this a couples game night? Girls’ night? Boys’ night? Kid friendly, or appropriate for adults only? Once you’ve made these decisions, you’re ready for the next steps. 

Choose a Theme and Snacks

Really turn game night into an occasion by choosing a theme and menu. For the experts at Global Poker, the snacks really make the event. For girls’ and guys’ nights, the theme could be the classics (think cosmos and ice cream, or beer and pizza), but don’t be afraid to experiment. It’s a great time to try out potential appetizers for Super Bowl 2021, or a side for a holiday later in the year. Don’t forget the drinks, too! Global Poker recommends suggesting both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. There’s plenty of scope to get creative.  

Connect

Between calls, texts and social media, there are plenty of ways to connect with friends and family. However, there’s nothing like a video chat to make you feel like your friends and family are really in the room. Video chat software will be key to your game night, so it’s important to choose wisely. Country Living suggests trying: 

• Houseparty: Houseparty is a great app for keeping in touch, and is perfect for a multi-player game night because it lets multiple people share screens whilst talking together. 
• Google Hangouts: Google Hangouts is another great option for staying connected. The app allows up to 10 people via video chat, and is fully operational across Android and Apple products. 
• Zoom: Zoom users can connect and share screens with up to 100 people at a time. However, on the app’s free version, you’ll be cut off after 40 minutes, so consider the paid version if a weekly game night is on the cards. 

Choose a Game

The game you choose can make or break your game night. Thrillest has a selection of downloadable and classic games to choose from, such as: 

• Charades
  A classic game for a reason, charades is perfect for a virtual games night. Agree on the list of suggestions beforehand (feel free to make it difficult, as you’ll all have the opportunity to see them before you play) and start guessing! No extra materials required. 
• Trivia Night

This is a great game to play when you’ve got a lot of people! Nominate one person to come up with trivia questions, and get started. Bustle has some fantastic options here, but don’t be afraid to get creative with inside jokes. 

• Pictionary
  Pictionary is the perfect game for virtual game night. Set up a drawing easel, and play the game just as you would if the other members of the team were in the room. The player has up to thirty seconds to sketch the clue.
• Virtual Scrabble
  There’s nothing like a game of Scrabble to get the blood flowing (especially after a few glasses of wine). Get the dictionary ready, download the ‘Scrabble Go’ app, and get ready to argue with your nearest and dearest. Scrabble Go is available on the App Store and via Google Play. 

The only thing left to do is have fun! Happy gaming!