In today's digitally-driven world, hosting a virtual game night is a fantastic way to connect with friends, no matter where they are. With the right games and a little planning, these virtual gatherings can be just as fun – if not more – than traditional game nights. Whether you're a seasoned online gamer or new to the concept, this guide will help you host an unforgettable
virtual game night.
Why Host a Virtual Game Night?
Stay Connected: In times when meeting in person isn't possible, a virtual game night keeps friendships strong.
Safe & Convenient: Enjoy a fun night from the comfort of your home.
Explore New Games: Discover a plethora of online games, from classics to new hits.
Inclusive: Friends from across the globe can join without the need for travel.
Setting Up for Success
Select a Platform: Choose a reliable video conferencing platform like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet., Facebook Live and more.
Test Your Tech: Ensure everyone's internet connection is stable and that all participants are familiar with the platform's features.
Schedule in Advance: Set a date and time that works for everyone. Consider time zones if playing with friends from different areas.
Send Invitations: Create and send digital invitations with all the necessary details - it adds to the excitement!
Hosting Tips
Be the Guide: As the host, lead the event. Explain rules, keep track of turns, and make sure everyone is engaged. I suggest playing a trial run with a friend to make sure you are familiar with the rules and any tweaks that need to happen to accommodate it being a virtual game.
Break the Ice: Start with an icebreaker game to loosen up the group, especially if it includes people who haven't met before. One of my favorite Ice Breaker games is Two Truths and a Lie: Each participant states two truths and one lie about themselves. The rest of the group tries to guess which statement is the lie. This game is great for getting to know interesting facts about each other.
Keep It Lively: Use background music and themed virtual backgrounds to create an atmosphere.
Plan Breaks: Schedule short breaks for longer game nights to keep everyone refreshed.
Making It Memorable
Themed Nights: Choose a theme for the night (e.g., retro, sci-fi) and encourage everyone to dress up or use themed virtual backgrounds.
Prizes: Add a competitive edge by offering prizes for winners. Digital gift cards or online subscriptions are great options.
Capture the Moment: Take screenshots or short clips to remember the fun or if everyone agrees, you can record the entire game!
Choosing the Right Games
The key to a successful game night is selecting the right games. Consider the preferences and tech-savviness of your group. Here are a few of our favorite online games:
Virtual Scattergories: Players race against the clock to come up with unique words that fit specific categories, each starting with a designated letter. You can play the traditional way or you can use a theme, like Scattergories, Through The Decades or music or anything you like.
Virtual BINGO: Using virtual BINGO cards, A caller randomly selects numbers. Players mark these on their cards until someone forms a specific pattern and yells "BINGO!"
Virtual Scavenger Hunt: Host announces items or tasks. Players race to complete them. Players find items or complete tasks at their location and show them on camera.
Virtual Guess Who: Players ask yes/no questions to guess the person another player has. Use themes like Celebrity Edition or Famous Art to shake things up a bit.
Trivia Games: Test your knowledge in various subjects and compete with your friends.
Online Board Games Like Pictionary: Classic board games are now available online, offering the same excitement digitally.
The Newlywed Game: Couples answer questions about each other to see how well they know their partner. The more matches in answers, the better the couple knows each other.
Virtual Family/Friend Feud: Teams compete to name the most popular responses to survey questions. The game is all about guessing what the "survey says."
Virtual Escape Room: Solve puzzles in a team to "escape" the virtual room.
Virtual Jeopardy: Players compete to earn points by answering questions in a quiz format, phrased in the form of a question.
*** For details on how to host these virtual games, please visit Game Nights Galore
Closing the Night
End the game night by thanking everyone for participating. . This is also a great time to set up the next game night and ask for host volunteers. You can have a quick round of sharing the best moments of the night or what everyone enjoyed the most. This feedback can be invaluable for planning your next virtual game night.
Encouraging Others to Host
Share your experience on social media or within your friend circle. Encourage others to host their game nights by offering tips and ideas from your own. The more people embrace this concept, the more innovative and exciting these virtual gatherings will become.
Hosting a virtual game night is a wonderful way to connect and have fun with friends. It's about embracing new ways of socializing and making memories, even if we're apart. So, gather your friends, choose your games, and get ready for an evening filled with laughter and good times! Did you know that Game Nights Galore hosts virtual events?! Check out our website and click on events and check out the ones that interest you, or use our events as a guide on what you can host in your area! Any questions or get stuck on a problem, reach out to us. We love helping people PARTY!
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