With technology coming on leaps and bounds in terms of advancing entertainment, gaming has been one of the most popular means of spending time. And when the world closed down and physical interactions became limited, gaming became more than just an escape from reality — it became a means of forging new connections and reaching out to distanced friends. Indeed, behind our screens these days lies a community sharing their collective escapist experiences.
For some, this new reliance on gaming may seem limiting and intimidating, but worry not! If you have friends who are not into popular video games like Call of Duty and Overwatch, you can still connect with them! Read on as this article will list games you can try playing together .
Cards Against Humanity
Since its launch in 2011, this well-known card game has been popular among groups of friends wanting to bond and enjoy a few laughs. Now that social distancing is implemented, you can still play together using its online version.
The online rules are still the same as the original. One player has a card with a question to be answered, or a short sentence or phrase to be completed. The other players have cards with words that can answer the question or fill in the gaps. Each will take their turn, but only the funniest answer will win. But in the online version, you can customize your answers and even add images and GIFs. Just remember to only play this game with those who can get your sense of humor!
Poker
Another entertaining card game is poker, and luckily, online poker has already been around for years. For beginners, Texas Hold’em is probably the most popular variant of the game. Known affectionately as the “Cadillac of poker,” this game is fun, exciting, and easy to find both online and offline. Other variants, like Omaha poker, have slightly different rules, structures, and formats you and your friends can learn over time, too!
Whichever option you prefer, be sure to pick the one that caters to your skills and goals. Look for reputable online casinos so you can be assured of your winnings and deposits. Also, you can make it enjoyable by creating a private poker room for you and your friends on platforms like PokerStars and partypoker.
Overcooked! 2
A relatively new sequel to the game Overcooked!, this game allows you to simulate being a chef in the kitchen. With your team, you must cooperatively prepare and cook orders, serve dishes, and clean the kitchens of different restaurants.
Compared to the original game, this version has new levels, restaurant themes, chef costumes, recipes, and obstacles like fires and moving floors. This is the right game for those who want to collaborate with friends and family through realistic adventures, proving why it was hailed by the Game Critics Awards as the Best Family / Social Game in 2018.
Monopoly
Good news for fans of this classic board game, which often takes up whole afternoons and can almost ruin friendships: Monopoly is now available to be played virtually.
As with the original version, the object of this game is to be the richest player by buying and selling as much land and property as possible. The bright side about online Monopoly is that you do not have to tediously count and calculate your earnings — not to mention you can spend literally hours playing with your friends!
Among Us
Among Us is arguably the most popular multiplayer online game that emerged during the pandemic. Basically, it groups together up to ten players with the objective of finding the one impostor who is sabotaging their tasks and killing the rest of them. This simple game rose to popularity because of its interesting premise, which capitalizes on communication and cooperation versus sabotage and deception.
In fact, this game became so popular that its developers Innersloth decided to cancel the sequel, so they can better focus on improving the original’s gameplay and user experience. Moreover, they also launched the game in Nintendo Switch, and soon enough they will be releasing PS4 and PS5 versions.
Blackjack
For those who are not familiar with casino games, blackjack is arguably the easiest to pick up. The rules of blackjack are very simple, the player has to get as close to 21 as possible without going over or getting less than the banker. Online platforms for blackjack allow friends to play together and communicate over a chat, making it a very social game. It’s a great game for friends to get together and feel like they are at a casino on the French Riviera.
Ticket to Ride
Relive those days when we were able to ride public transportation without worrying too much. With Ticket to Ride, you can challenge up to four friends online to build train routes across the United States and Canada. You earn more points if you create extra-long and specific lines! You can also check out one of the many Ticket to Ride titles based in other countries or continents to add an element of travel and adventure. The best part is that this game allows players using PC, mobile, and web browser to play with each other simultaneously!
The recent years have caused more people to turn to games for entertainment, and is further proven by research from SuperData, which showed that 27% of U.S. residents used video games as a way to keep in touch with each other. This has helped people connect remotely despite local lockdowns and social distancing. And just because real-life gatherings and game nights are coming back, you can still enjoy each other’s company through these virtual gaming alternatives that will appeal to casual gamers and non-players. These options do not even require complex gaming setups, as just web browsers and mobile devices will do. So go ahead, call your friends, and ask them to hang out online!
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