There are ample platforms out there to host an online game party. But some skills are required to host them successfully.

We’ve seen it all: long wait times, lack of focus, and laggy connections can be surefire ways to incite boredom and regret. Therefore it is crucial that you follow at least three steps to ensure that your next online game party is a success.

Be Prepared

Organising an online game party is not very different from organising a real party. So be prepared for your party to be a success. This means making sure you have all of your links, music, and materials ready by the starting time.

Make sure you demo and practise on any software you’re going to use like Tabletop Simulator, twitch, zoom, or jackbox.tv. There is nothing worse than logging on and waiting for the host to find the right link or deal with technical difficulties.

Allow for technical difficulties. Remind everyone in advance to check their setup and make sure they have the required components. You can be certain that the first 5 – 10 minutes of the party will be taken up with people late, trying to connect, or unable to join.

Keep it Moving

If you have online games for people to play, or you’re hosting your very own trivia night or DND campaign, then make sure you keep the pace up and don’t let the energy drop. The easiest way to ensure this is to be prepared and practise your hosting in advance. If you do this then you can deal with any technical or practical issues on the fly.

Keep it simple

Don’t try to overcomplicate it. People still love the simple games. In times of isolation, or separation, these games connect us more than ever. Choose one or two games for the group to play and have the virtual party run for no longer than an hour. 

If it is going to go over an hour, let your guests take a break, or make room and time for everyone to refresh their drinks. 

Preparation is key when hosting an online game party successfully, practise the tech, keep it moving, and don’t overcomplicate. Doing this will make sure your guests are taken care of, are having fun, and feeling connected.

Bonus Content!

Below are some great resources for hosting your own game nights

• PC Mag list a bunch of different online playing styles here. The instructions will help you feel confident in setting up the tech properly.
• A great article by Oprahmag lists a step by step process to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.
• A list complied by Atlassian of the best virtual activities.
• In their article here, Thrillist list some great online game party apps.
• Our Remote Team Building game is the best piece of software out there for hosting an online game party