GAME NIGHT GUIDE

Fun games to play on a video call

How to turn a quiet video call into a proper game night, wherever everyone lives.

Video calls with family and friends can quickly turn into a few people talking while everyone else watches. A game gives the call a shape: everyone has something to do, everyone gets a turn, and there is something to talk about afterwards. The trick is choosing games that work when people are in different houses with different devices and a slight delay on the line.

How to set it up

The simplest setup is two screens per person: the video call on a laptop, tablet or TV, and the game on their phone. On FamGames, the host creates a room and reads the short room code out on the call; everyone joins from their own phone. Because the game runs on each phone, nobody needs to share their screen, and the delay on the video call doesn't affect the game.

If someone only has one device, they can keep the video call open and switch to the game in another browser tab. It's a little fiddlier, so give them the most talk-based role in the game.

Games that work well remotely

Imposter

Imposter is excellent over video because the game itself is a conversation. Everyone says their one-word clue out loud on the call, then the group discusses and votes on their phones. Seeing everyone's face in a grid makes spotting the nervous Imposter even more fun.

Hot Seat

Remote family calls are often with people you know well but don't see often — exactly what Hot Seat is built for. Answers about each other's childhood, habits and favourite things lead naturally into catching up.

Mind Dial

In Mind Dial, the clue-giver types one clue and everyone turns their own dial. It's quiet enough to work on a call with a bad connection, and the explanations afterwards (“why on earth is soup a seven?”) carry the conversation.

Guess the Drawing

Guess the Drawing streams the drawing directly to every phone, so there's no need to hold a piece of paper up to a webcam. It's the best choice when young children are on the call.

Would You Rather?

Would You Rather? is the easiest game for big family calls with relatives who aren't comfortable with apps: two options, one tap, and then a conversation about the result.

Tips for a smoother call

Send the room code in the chat as well as saying it. Codes are easy to mishear.
Mute while thinking, unmute to talk. Background noise is the biggest killer of video-call games.
Choose one person to run the call. They pick games, read out codes and keep things moving.
Plan for time zones. A 30–45 minute game session is plenty when someone is joining early in the morning or late at night.
Do a test round. Play one short practice round so everyone confirms they can join before scores count.

Making it a habit

Many families find a regular slot works best — the same evening every week or every month. Rotate who hosts and who picks the games, and keep a running leaderboard in your family group chat. Over time the game becomes the excuse, and the call becomes the thing everyone looks forward to.

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Published by FamGames · Last updated 2026-10-21