Special Feature: Games You Can Play Online [Board Games & Party Games]
These days, with more time spent at home, you’re probably finding more chances to chat with friends who live far away over online video calls.
And you might be thinking, “Since we’re getting together online anyway, let’s have some fun and play games!”
This article is here to make that wish come true!
We’re about to introduce a bunch of board games and party games you can play online.
From simple activities you can do as long as your camera is on to games that use dedicated websites, we’ve got a wide range covered.
Be sure to read to the end and find the ones that suit you best!
- Games you can play with just conversation. Classic and popular activities you can enjoy without any props!
- [Online] Recreation Games to Liven Up Your Zoom Sessions
- Perfect for killing time! A roundup of games for three people to enjoy
- [At-Home Time] A roundup of board games you can play online
- Fun two-player games recommended that you can play using conversation only
- Brain-teasing game roundup
- Games to liven up remote drinking parties. You can play even when you're far apart!
- Games you can play over the phone: fun activities to liven up calls with friends or a partner
- Games and activities everyone can enjoy together. A collection of fun play ideas.
- Fun activities for junior high school students. Recreation games.
- [For Elementary School Students] A Collection of Games and Activities You Can Enjoy on Zoom
- Perfect for killing time! Fun games you can easily play on LINE
- [At-Home Time] Games Couples Can Enjoy Together
Online Play Special: Board Games & Party Games (11–20)
Perfect match game
Some of you might be looking for a game that can help get conversations going.
In that case, the “Pitari Game” is recommended.
In this game, you ask questions like “How much do the clothes you’re wearing cost?” and aim for a total of 10,000 yen.
There’s no winning or losing—the goal is to spark conversation topics.
Using this game, you can even ask questions you normally wouldn’t.
If you have a large group, increase the target amount to make the game last longer.
Online Origami
Online origami is an innovative game that combines traditional origami with the online world.
First, the questioner decides what to fold and gives instructions to the respondent on how to fold it.
The respondent then tries to follow the instructions as closely as possible to do the origami.
It may sound simple, but it’s also a great game for developing communication skills.
It’s especially fun if you choose respondents who have little to no experience with origami.
You can also make it a team competition and race to see who can finish first.
Online Sparklers (Senko Hanabi)
In recent years, we’ve been spending more time at home.
Many people probably find that even if they want to do fireworks with friends, they can’t.
For those people, we highly recommend Online Sparkler Fireworks.
It’s a game you play by installing an app.
The rules are simple: play with sparklers, and when a teammate’s spark goes out, share your flame with them.
The graphics are beautiful, so it feels like you’re lighting real sparklers.
You can also save your gameplay, making it perfect for anyone who wants to share memories with friends later.
Katakana Description Game
If you want to test your writing skills, the Katakana Description Game is perfect.
In this game, you convey a word that’s usually written in katakana without using any katakana.
Try imagining it: how would you describe “chocolate” without using katakana? Surprisingly tricky, right? It’s also a great way to revisit and learn Japanese, so it’s recommended for playing with children.
If this Katakana Description Game starts to feel too easy, you can also try playing shiritori using the same rules.
Can’t Stop
Do you know Board Game Arena? It’s a site where you can play a variety of online games, and among them, one of the most popular is Can’t Stop.
The rules are somewhat like a dice-based race game: you roll dice and advance your markers.
The goal is to get multiple markers to the finish.
The rules are a bit complex, but the site is designed so you can play while following the on-screen instructions, so beginners can feel at ease.
First, try learning the rules with a close friend.
Gesture Game
When you have participants across a wide range of ages, simple games with easy-to-understand rules are perfect.
That’s when you should try a gesture game.
In a gesture game, you convey the prompt using only movements without speaking.
You’ve probably played it before, right? This way, anyone—from adults to children—can join in! Plus, it requires no preparation, so it’s ideal when you suddenly need to fill some time.
6 nimmt!
Nimmt is a popular board game that originated in Germany.
It uses cards with numbers on them.
Players draw these cards and arrange them in order from smallest to largest.
The rule is that the person who places the sixth card in a row loses.
There are actually a few more detailed rules, so if you’re interested, be sure to check them out.
By the way, many spin-offs have been released, such as 11 Nimmt, where placing the 11th card makes you lose.
Try finding the version you like.
Get laughs with a virtual background!
If we’re going to the trouble, some of you might be thinking you want to try something you can only do online.
For those people, I’d like to introduce a game called “Get a Laugh with Your Virtual Background.” A lot of people use Zoom for video calls, right? Zoom has a feature that lets you set any background you like.
The game is about how to use that feature to get laughs.
For example, you could choose an image with a strong impact, or work in a timely joke—there are lots of approaches.
By all means, show off the backgrounds you’ve come up with and have some fun!
Muted shiritori
One game that makes use of video call features is “mute shiritori.” I think all video call platforms, not just Zoom, have a mute function.
Mute shiritori is the version where you keep the mute on while playing.
Conveying words with lip movements alone is surprisingly difficult.
It’s also fun to add variations, like allowing gestures.
As a spin-off, there’s a game where you turn off the camera and describe a movement so others can strike the same pose.
Communication game
When it comes to classic online activities, communication games are a go-to.
The idea is to present answers that match a given prompt and aim for unanimous agreement.
It gets even more exciting if participants reveal their answer one character at a time.
It’s also fun to use unusual prompts.
For example: “What could you buy for lunch with 100 yen?” If you’re the host, try coming up with prompts that are both unique and challenging.
If you’re stuck, you can always look up prompt collections available online for inspiration.