The decision to host a game night is usually easy to make. If the schedule of a group of friends matches for one night, all that remains is to choose a house where to meet. From there, things tend to get a little complicated, especially depending on how many people come and whether they intend to eat or not.
Logistics like space, seating, food and drink is just the start. Behind all this, there is the most difficult decision concerning the activities to be implemented. Unlike chilling drinks and bringing out extra chairs, deciding which games to focus on is usually a hot topic. Much of the discussion today is about going old school with board games or trying out a digital title.
If you’re looking for some ideas on how to take your game night to the next level, consider incorporating one of the activities listed below. Depending on your configuration and the number of people coming, you will be able to find the ideal solution.
casino games
Virtual casinos are a great option for game night for several reasons. First of all, everyone associates the casino with fun. Second, table and card games pose unique challenges that many groups find rewarding as individual or group play and exciting. Third, the casinos are easily accessible from just about any mobile device.
Let’s focus on the game of online blackjack as an example. The rules and objectives of the game are simple for everyone to learn, but also complex enough to challenge participants. On each side, the guests will have to decide on a course of action.
Additionally, most casino sites now offer live dealer games, which means you and your guests can play blackjack with a real dealer that is streamed live directly to your device. In other words, it brings part of the casino into your home.
Karaoke
Much like the casino, karaoke is an activity that usually conjures up excitement and maybe some hilarious memories. Unsurprisingly, karaoke is a fantastic (and often overlooked) addition to any game night. Remember that the only items required are a microphone and a speaker.
While some people go beyond karaoke machines and long lists of downloaded lyrics, all you need is access to YouTube (or a similar platform) to access songs with timed lyrics. Pair that with a microphone and you have the freedom to karaoke just about any song.
spelling bees
A simple way to liven up a game night is to borrow some ideas from other types of parties… or competitions. A trending activity in 2023 is the adult spelling bee. Feel free to switch between serious competition and something a little more fun depending on your guests. While you’re absolutely welcome to challenge the revelers to spell onomatopoeia in front of the group, feel free to add a few misleading words.
For example, many English-speaking adults struggle to spell simple Caribbean words correctly, to recognize (even better) poor spelling. Watching friends fail to spell a single word usually results in a few more laughs than watching someone nail the word Philippines. However, if you’re interested in challenging guests with a more standardized bee, consider creating rewards for champions.
Thematic options
A question for game night revolves around the theme. When there’s no clear purpose behind a gathering, like watching the Super Bowl or celebrating a birthday, most people will keep things casual. However, if you’re going all out with game night, consider a theme.
Some people might choose to line up the whole group. For example, it might be cooking a three-course meal and asking guests to dress up to surprise them with a murder mystery theme.
Another idea would be to ask guests to dress in a flapper style from a historical period, pairing this dress code with live casino games for a 1920s theme. A karaoke theme, on the other hand, can involve guests dressing up as favorite pop stars.