Ideas to mix up your next game night

Getting friends or family together to share in the joy of play is one of life’s great pleasures. Spending time with loved ones face to face is an important driver of happiness so, if you’re worried that your game night might be getting a little stale, don’t give up on it.

Instead of playing the same old games over and over again, consider shaking things up with some new activities.

 

 

Try virtual reality gaming

 

Virtual reality (VR) gaming continues to innovate. Whether you’re competing to post the best scores in the music rhythm challenge of Beat Saber or working together to pilot a starship in Star Trek: Bridge Crew. VR gaming offers a particularly immersive way to share thrills and laughs. VR Headsets are making immersive online gaming experiences more accessible than ever.

 

Explore new board games

 

The world of board games has gone from strength to strength in the 21^st century – if you’ve only been playing Monopoly or Sorry!, you haven’t even begun to scratch the surface of the creativity and fun that’s out there. From riotously funny word games like Just One to innovative themes like Wingspan’s celebration of the world of birds, there are games to delight every kind of player.

If you’d prefer to anchor yourself in the familiar while still trying something new, you can even find mashups of classic games like Monopoly Scrabble and a combination of Cluedo and Guess Who.

 

Themed game nights

 

If you already enjoy a variety of games, the next step might be to go all-in on creating a theme for the night. Pick out two or three games that have something in common – perhaps they’re all set in space, or share a murder-mystery aesthetic like the devious party game Blood on the Clocktower – and lean into it with decorations, snacks and even outfits! Focusing on atmosphere, and getting your guests to buy into it, will help make your game night feel like more of an occasion.

 

Incorporate digital games and apps

 

There’s a host of options to keep everyone entertained that need little more than your phones, and they’re great choices for people who might be put off by board games. You can find all manner of quiz apps to test everyone’s knowledge, while you could consider incorporating a bingo app into your evening to bring the rowdy fun of a night out to your living room.

Parlour games like Heads Up are reliable hits that will get everyone laughing in no time, while the wildly successful Jackbox Party Pack series can accommodate variable numbers with ease.

 

 

Please note this is a contributed post.