There’s nothing better than hosting virtual game nights with friends, especially when all of you are homebodies. You don’t always have to step out to meet your friends. You can all be connected and engage in activities together by playing games online. If you are confused about what games to play with your friends, you can discuss them with each other. Alternatively, you can do a quick online search to find out the best game to play online or the currently trending games. 

If you have hosted virtual game nights before, you must already know the drill. You need to download and install the game you wish to play. Then, you have to send an invitation link to all your friends. Your friends need to accept the invitation and install the game on their devices. After that, all of you need to decide on a convenient time for everyone so you can hit play and have a gala time. 

While this sounds too simple, there are a few things you must remember before hitting play during virtual game nights with your friends. Some of them are explained below. 

Ensure your Wi-Fi is working fine and there’s no disturbance

If there’s one thing that can ruin virtual game nights with friends, it is an unstable Wi-Fi connection. It is prudent that you ensure you have recharged your Wi-Fi, or it is working perfectly fine. You must do all the checks necessary to ensure your device is getting connected to the network and there’s no disturbance in your area. You would not want to be out of the game while your friends wonder where you went. 

Virtual game nights cannot be a success if your Internet isn’t working correctly. So, if you see any disturbances, you can think of connecting to a different Wi-Fi network, or you can speak to your Internet Service Provider to get the issue fixed before your game night starts. 

Get all your favorite snacks and beverages 

Even though you are hosting a virtual game night, it should feel like a party. Once the game starts, you would not want to leave your couch or chosen place to fetch a soda or a snack. So, it is essential to have all your favorite snacks and beverages near you to have a fantastic time with your friends without taking a break. 

You can even discuss what snacks or drinks would be applicable for the virtual game night. So, all of you will be having the same things. Even though you are all behind a screen, it would feel like you are in the same room. 

Practice the game several times before sending an invitation link to your friends 

If you have a competitive spirit, it would be best to play free practice games and sharpen your skills. The free games will teach you all the rules and nuances of the games you have chosen for virtual game night. You can learn all the strategies and tactics that will give you an upper hand over your friends. So, the game night will be the perfect opportunity to show off your ability and skills. As you beat your friends or score the highest, you will stand a chance to be lauded and praised by your friends. 

Also, they don’t have to know you have practiced the game before. You can have your friends keep guessing how good you are at the game. Let the secret behind your skills stay hidden until the next virtual game night when you decide to play Truth or Dare. 

Select a time when you won’t be disturbed and remove all distractions 

Virtual game nights are fun if everyone is involved, and there’s no fear of anyone being concerned or called out. So, you need to decide with your friends on a time and day suitable for everyone. Do not be tempted to make any other plans when you have committed to the virtual game night. 

If you stay with your roommates or family, it would be best to find a quiet corner where you can concentrate solely on the game. You can also lock yourself in your room for the duration of the game night. 

Additionally, it would be best to turn off all the notifications and alerts on your phone. If you keep getting messages and emails when you are in the middle of a game, it might be distracting and result in you losing the game. You must switch off all the alerts to solely focus on the game and concentrate on beating your friends. Your friends should do the same so that the virtual game night can be a huge success. 

The bottom line 

Virtual game nights have grown in popularity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though the social restriction norms are lax, people prefer to stay home and communicate virtually with their friends. If you and your friends are avoiding public places and prefer the comfort of your homes, hosting virtual game nights is a great idea. 

After you have decided on the game to play, you must keep in mind those mentioned above to make the night fun and distraction-free. You can even share these tips with your friends so everyone is on the same page. 

Now, get ready to send invitation links to your friends. All the best!