Top games to make the perfect fun night at home

Family game nights can be an excellent alternative to spending the evening in front of the television. With modern technology, it is no longer even necessary to get everyone in one place to enjoy a fun-filled night in. Video chat allows friends and relatives to connect and there are lots of games that can be played together in this way. There are also myriad online platforms and tools that facilitate team games that everyone can join in on from the comfort of their own homes. From classic board games to edgier affairs, no game is off limits if everyone has access to an internet connection.

Cards Against Humanity

The popular adults-only card game Cards Against Humanity will have party members in stitches as each player attempts to choose the wittiest, rudest or most downright ridiculous answer based on the cards they hold in their hand. Not a game for the faint-hearted, Cards Against Humanity delivers plenty of laughs. If each player has their own set of cards, it can be played simply over video chat. There is also a digital version of the game available that allows teams to play together without having to own a copy of the game.

Pictionary

Pictionary is a classic game that lends itself well to video chat, whether using the physical version of the board game or simply a white board and marker pen. The less talented members of the team are at drawing, the funnier this game gets. If creating your own version, pre-prepare a selection of fun words on small pieces of paper before starting. Pictionary is a game for all ages and all team sizes.

Ticket to Ride

The classic board game Ticket to Ride is now available as a digital online version, which players can download from a variety of app stores. The railway strategy adventure game offers a new experience each time you play, with opportunities for developing new strategies and tactics every time. The basic premise is that you must build a train one carriage at a time to be the first to reach your destinations as set out on the cards you are dealt. An easy to understand tutorial is available for new players.

Twenty Questions

Playing Twenty Questions over video chat will require a little organisation beforehand, as each player will need to have a selection of cards featuring names of celebrities, places and objects. This is a game that even young children can enjoy, so long as the cards feature things they will have heard of. The idea is simple, in that each player blindly chooses a card and holds it up to their foreheads, facing outwards so the other players can see what is written there. They then have a maximum of twenty questions they can ask other players, each of which must require only a yes or no answer, attempting to work out who or what they are. This game works best if players do not know what is written on all the cards beforehand, so if playing virtually it can be a good idea to have someone else write the cards out.

Game of Phones

Game of Phones is a card game that requires players to use their smartphones to complete various tasks as found on the challenge cards within a 60 second time limit. Players take it in turns to be the judge and decide whose answer or result is the cleverest, funniest or most interesting. One point is awarded to the winner of each round and the first player to reach ten points wins.

With so many games that can be played online or over video chat, setting up a family games night has never been easier. Virtual games nights are a great way of connecting when being physically together is not an option.

The editorial unit