7 Virtual Games to Keep Your Friendship In Shape!

Zoom continues to be one of the most used apps during the pandemic because it keeps us in touch with our coworkers, friends, and family. It’s great for your mental health to set aside a few hours per week to socialize, but when the conversation dies down, that doesn’t mean you have to end the call! These 7 virtual games will inject some fun during your next virtual hangout.

1. Scattergories

Scattergories is a classic game made by Hasbro that asks 2-6 players to score points by uniquely naming objects within a category with a letter clue and a time-limit. Scattergories is easy to play without the board game because you can create your own categories and use your own pen and paper. An online version of Scattergories called Categories is available to play online. Simply create a game and send the link to your friends to join without sharing the screen.

2. Murder Mystery

Murder mystery games were all the rage before the pandemic hit, but it’s difficult to solve mysteries when you can be in the same room. However, you can create a virtual murder mystery party that scratches the same itch. There are plenty of turnkey murder mystery games available that don’t require hours of planning; just jump right in! The virtual format lets your friends be sneaky, which can usually make solving the murder more challenging and rewarding.

3. Online Bingo

Bingo is a popular game for its simplicity and rush of excitement when you’re close to winning or finally win. Websites like Bingo Maker can let you join another host’s bingo night or host a game just for your friends. If you want to host, you’ll have to make your own bingo cards, so if you’re going to pop-in to play a few rounds, joining a game is the perfect option. To make things interesting, you could put prizes on the line like Amazon or Starbucks gift cards for the winner.

4. Jackbox Games

The Jackbox Party Packs available on their website hold over 35 unique games for an often low price. Only one person has to purchase one of the Jackbox Party Packs to play. The host can start the game and then give their friends a code to enter on their phone or web browser. The host doesn’t have to share the game feed, but it will add to the experience. All games included in the pack are super fun and quick to pick-up and play.

5. Guess Who?

Guess Who? is one of those gems from our childhood that holds many memories, which is why so many home builds exist for popular television shows or movies. In the original Guess Who?, which is arguably the most balanced, you’re assigned a character that your opponent needs to guess by asking descriptive questions. Not all questions have to be answered with “yes” or “no,” unless you’re going by traditional rules. Don’t share your screen to make the gameplay fair.

6. Quiz Up

Similar to Trivial Pursuit, QuizUp is a game that presents you with a category like sports, video games, or Disney and asks you a series of questions related to that subject. You can play with strangers worldwide or create a room with your best friends. You don’t need Zoom to play against each other, but having your faces in view can make QuizUp more fun. Plus, how will you brag about your correct answers if you don’t have your friends in the audience?

7. Word Scatter

Word Scatter is similar to Boogle in that it makes you find as many words as possible from a selection of 25 letters. You can only match letters that are beside each other, and you lose points for spelling non-words. Games just last 2 minutes, making Word Scatter a great way to pass the time if you have a few moments to spare between longer games. Work Scatter is a single-player or multiplayer game; just give your friend the link at the top of the game board.

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