Party games collection that get everyone excited in a big group
A must-see for organizers who are thinking, “We should play some games” at company gatherings or any large banquet! In this article, we introduce games you can enjoy at banquet tables with big groups.
Even classic, long-loved games can turn into a blast when the drinks and the lineup change.
We also cover team-based games that get everyone fired up with friendly competition.
From staples like quizzes and bingo to sure-fire laughers like drawing and telephone-style games, we’ve gathered plenty—use them as a guide to make your banquet a hit!
- A fun, everyone-joins-in game that gets everyone excited!
- Simple mini-games that liven up a party
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- Team-based recreational activities for adults that are fun even with large groups
- Ideas for team-based games to enliven a party
- Simple yet exciting! Recommended games and activities for year-end parties
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- Punishment games that liven up drinking parties and banquets
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- A roundup of recommended table-versus-table games for wedding receptions and after-parties
- Games and activities everyone can enjoy together. A collection of fun play ideas.
Party Games That Get Big Groups Excited (11–20)
Russian roulette
Russian roulette, a classic at parties and drinking gatherings, can be fun with both small and large groups.
It’s easy to try because it can be adapted to various dishes—for example, putting mustard in just one of six takoyaki, or hiding a large amount of Tabasco under the cheese on only one slice of pizza.
However, be mindful and show restraint, as some ultra-spicy sauces these days are so strong that they could cause serious harm if they get in your eyes.
It’s a staple party game often seen on variety shows.
Finger Catch
No equipment needed! When it comes to easy games you can play with a big group, “Finger Catch” is the one.
Participants form a circle and extend their left hand, palm up, toward the person on their left.
Place your right index finger on top of the left hand extended by the person on your right.
When the leader says “Catch!”, quickly close your left hand while trying to pull your right index finger away so it doesn’t get caught.
It’s fine to fake out with “Ca, ca…” or say a different word like “Caster!” too.
It’s a fun game that tests your reflexes and decision-making.
Bamboo Shoot Gnocchi
Takenoko Nyokki is a game that gets harder the more people you have.
Participants sit in a circle and put their hands together as if saying grace.
When the game starts, players take turns, at their own timing, raising both hands above their heads and calling out “1 nyokki, 2 nyokki,” and so on.
If your call overlaps with someone else’s, you’re out, and if you’re the last one remaining, you’re also out.
You have to watch how the others play and aim for the perfect moment to make your move.
Picture shiritori
Picture shiritori is a version of shiritori played with drawings instead of words.
Prepare paper and pens, then take turns drawing pictures and keep the shiritori going while you guess what each drawing represents.
You can divide into teams and, with each drawing, try to guess what it is as you go—whichever team gets the most correct wins.
Or, whether you split into teams or not, you can simply enjoy seeing how long you can keep the chain going—make up the rules as you like! In picture shiritori, what matters more than artistic skill is drawing in a way that gets your idea across.
You might discover just how strong your communication skills are!
Earphone Loud Telephone Game
You often see this game on variety shows too, right? I think the classic “telephone game” format is fun for all ages.
Preparing the music device is easy nowadays since we have smartphones.
If you don’t have headphones, earphones will do just fine.
For older participants, pick prompts about trends among young people; for younger participants, choose prompts with a Showa-retro vibe—add a little twist in how you select the topics.
The limit might be around 20 characters that people can memorize at once.
Getting some bitter tea ready as a penalty could make it even more exciting!
Telepathy Gesture Game
It’s no exaggeration to say that gesture games have long been a pillar of Japanese variety shows, and they’re always a hit as party entertainment.
Here, instead of a typical communication-style gesture game, we’ll introduce a telepathy-style version that tests whether two people are on the same wavelength.
First, present a prompt.
If the two performers make the same gesture, it’s a correct answer.
For example, if the prompt is “baseball” and one person acts as a batter while the other acts as a pitcher, that’s a miss.
It’s even more fun if you set up a screen so they can’t see each other’s gestures!
Party Games That Get Everyone Hyped (21–30)
Kappa Plate Ball-Carrying Race
It’s also great to use paper plates at the party venue for an obstacle-course-style game! If you’ve got a large space, the excitement doubles.
Balance a paper plate on your head, hold it in place with your hands, and put a ping-pong ball on top.
The winner is the person who finishes with the most ping-pong balls still on their plate after clearing all the obstacles.
Simple obstacles made from tables and chairs are plenty.
Even just doing one lap around the venue along the walls works well.
You can customize the obstacles in many ways—like greeting the department head or playing rock-paper-scissors with a junior colleague.
Don’t forget to prepare classic sports day-style background music to play during the game!