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Connecting with friends and family is so important. Not only can it help your mental wellbeing but has been proven to improve your physical health too. However, getting together in person isn’t always easy.

Whether it’s busy lives getting in the way or actual geographical distance, connecting online can be a good way to bridge the gap. And what better way to do it than with a virtual games night? Here are some tips for running one.

Find a date that works for everyone

Step one is to schedule a date that works for everyone involved. Whether you’re feeling some Saturday night fun or a mid-week gathering, getting something in the diary ensures everyone knows when and where to be, albeit virtually.

Then, you can look forward to a great night and plan accordingly.

Choose the right platform

A successful games night relies on a reliable platform to host the event. During the pandemic, we saw the meteoric rise of certain video meeting apps. But there are plenty to consider for a games night now. Microsoft Teams, Houseparty, Zoom, Discord, Facetime or parties on game consoles may be worth considering.

Remember, everyone will need access, so you may want to choose something more accessible if you’ve got less tech-savvy friends or family playing.

Test the setup in advance

No one wants technical issues to ruin a games night. That’s why it’s best to test the systems and setup in advance to ensure you can crack on with the evening’s proceedings when the time comes.

Try setting up the call or games lobby with others to see if everyone has a secure connection and whether the platform can do what you need it to.

Select the right games

A games night is nothing without the right choice of games. Whether you’re deep diving into one or playing a variety, choosing the best options to keep everyone engaged and entertained is key.

Fun favourites such as bingo are universal and easy to set up, while party games can bring out the laughter in everyone involved. You may want to run a quick poll before the night to see what everyone wants to play.

Enhance the night with drinks and snacks

Just because you aren’t all together in the same room doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy food and drink. Why not pick a theme and ask everyone to bring drinks and food to match it? This can be a fun way to make it feel like a shared experience, even if it’s largely virtual. Have fun!