Experts from psychologists to doctors all agree – spending quality time with friends isn’t just fun, it’s really good for you.
Feeling part of the gang is a great boost for anyone’s mental and physical wellbeing.
That’s why finding a good selection of group games to play is such a useful idea. What could be more socially appealing that having a choice of games up your sleeve to entertain your friends?
Today there is a huge range of games available for groups to play. Multi-player entertainment can include everything from classic board games to traditional card games played across a table in your kitchen. You may prefer games based in the timeless sands of ancient Egypt or a simple entertainment without any props at all, like charades.
We chatted around the office here to make an informal poll of everyone’s favourite group games. From the security men downstairs to the cleaners on the top floor, we compiled a long list.
And the results surprised us. Here are the fun group games we all chose:
Table of Contents
1. Board Games
From Monopoly to Risk, these classics turned out to be top of almost everyone’s wish list. Physical games with cards, dice and counters have been a staple for group entertainment at home for decades.
The most popular ones still include the classics, like Monopoly, Scrabble, Cluedo and Risk.
2. Card Games
People have been playing all sorts of games with numbered cards for centuries. A deck of cards is so versatile.
Keep one in a draw and it can unleash a whole variety of games to play with various group sizes and types.
Try poker, rummy and whist with grown-ups; snap, hearts or cheat with youngsters; and patience if it’s just you!
Additionally, enjoying card games online with friends is a wonderful alternative way to engage in friendly competition, regardless of distance. Spades, for example, is a fantastic example of an engaging card game, providing thrilling moments and strategic gameplay where you can play with your friends in person or online.
3. Trivia Games
It all started with the Trivial Pursuit board game and now there are all sorts of ways of testing knowledge and sparking friendly competition.
Look online or buy sets of questions for trivia games in many different themes, like general knowledge, pop culture or sport. Or simply have fun making up your own questions.
4. Casino Games
Many people enjoy playing casino games since the transition online due to the easy access and convenience of online gaming. One of the most popular online casino games are slot games.
Friends can get together in the comfort of their home and head online to a site such as Winks Slots to access some of the best slots titles, including Starburst, Eye of Horus and Joker’s Jewels.
5. Party Games
It’s not just for Christmas you know… Classic party games can be played any time and in larger groups. Generally they are a recipe for laughter and silliness.
The favourite around our office was clearly charades.
For a change though, instead of acting, try a DIY version of pictionary where players draw pictures on scraps of paper to convey the word or phrase they’re thinking of.
6. Video Game Tournaments
If you have gaming consoles or PCs, you can organize video game tournaments among your friends. Our straw poll found that the best games for this are Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, FIFA or Overwatch.
Also think about the latest trend in social interaction games, with online titles like Mafia/Werewolf and Among Us. These games involve hidden roles, deception and deduction, where players try to figure out who among them is a traitor or impostor.
7. Murder Mystery games
Today you can download the structure for a murder mystery session or buy boxed sets with all the details. The best bit is when your friends have to work together to solve the fictional murder.
Whatever you choose, these interactive games provide a seriously immersive experience.
8. Minute To Win It Games
Inspired by the mad-cap TV show found on streaming platforms nowadays like Netflix, these games involve completing fun and often silly challenges within a minute. Hilarious examples include stacking (unbreakable) cups or popping a lot of balloons.
9. Treasure Hunts
It’s easy to create a treasure hunt around your home or backyard. You simply have to hide clues and objects for your friends to find.
There are pre-made scavenger hunt kits available but we all thought we could do a better job ourselves!
10. DIY Escape Rooms
I won’t reveal the unlikely member of staff here who suggested this one. But it’s apparently easy to create your own escape room experience.
You need to design puzzles, riddles and challenges for your friends to solve within a time limit in order to be allowed out of the room.
It can be great fun we’re told and, if you get stuck, you can find inspiration and ideas online.
11. Karaoke or Talent Show
This idea got it love-it or hate-it response. Some really like the chance to let it all hang out – others cringed at the thought.
So before you set up a karaoke machine or online platforms to have a singing competition maybe it’s best to check with your guests.
Final Thought
Beware with all these games that anyone who is too competitive runs the risk of alienating all your friends.
Whatever you try to play with your friends, remember it’s just about having fun – not about winning at all costs.
