Hanging out with our pals can be brilliant, as you catch up, reminisce and share laughs. However, family commitments or long distances between you all can make it harder to get a date in the diary, and a survey from 2023 showed that almost half of Brits want to spend more quality time with their closest friends.
An excellent solution is to organise a games night online, as it can increase everyone’s chances of being able to attend. All you need to do is arrange a date and plan the event.
Choose the right platform
The right hosting platform can ensure everything goes smoothly, keeping technical difficulties to a minimum. Popular options like Zoom and Skype provide easy-to-use interfaces to help even the least tech-savvy guests join the call.
If you can’t decide between the two, each offers benefits of their own which may appeal to you. Zoom allows you to create breakout rooms for smaller groups if you have a larger crowd. Meanwhile, Skype’s simple setup is perfect for those who prefer a no-fuss approach.
Set a theme
A theme can elevate the atmosphere and make the event feel even more special. They add a creative element and can spark fun conversations and photos.
Retro is a wonderful idea and can transport your guests back to the 80s or 90s, encouraging them to dress up in era-appropriate outfits. Alternatively, a movie theme could see people dressing as their favourite characters.
Pick what to play
Variety is key here, as you’ll want to cater to different tastes. Consider everyone’s preferences and choose a mix to keep things interesting.
Online trivia is usually a hit, providing a competitive edge while testing knowledge on anything from pop culture to history. Virtual charades is another crowd-pleaser, adding plenty of laughs and encouraging participants to get creative.
If you want something more structured, bingo apps are a great choice and can be easily adapted to include themed rounds.
Prepare for prizes
What’s a games night without a little friendly competition? To up the stakes, consider offering small prizes to the winners. They can add extra excitement and encourage everyone to bring their A-game for some light-hearted rivalry.
These don’t have to be extravagant either. Gift cards for popular retailers or free subscriptions to streaming services are easy to send out and much appreciated.
Final Thoughts
A well-organised night can be a fun and inclusive way to reconnect with friends, no matter where they are. Just ensure you know how to boost your Wi-Fi signal, to reduce any downtime.