4 of the best games for Zoom calls

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If you can’t see each other face to face, you can still have fun with friends and family, thanks to interactive video calls. All you need is a smartphone, laptop or tablet with a camera so everyone can see you. Then it’s all about connecting to the Internet and enjoying some fun games for Zoom calls. Whether it’s just you and one other or a whole bunch of you looking for family games to play on Zoom, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Ready to play? Here are four of the best games to play over Zoom.

1. Alphabet scavenger hunt

This is ideal for anyone looking for Zoom party games for energetic callers. Someone needs to be the organiser and keep tabs on things, so if that’s going to be you, here’s how to play:

• Beforehand, write out the alphabet and assign an item to each letter.
• When everyone’s ready to play, call out each item in turn. Then race off to fetch, aiming not to be the last one back. Make it competitive by giving callers lives – two strikes and you’re out.
• Depending on the age of callers you can keep it simple and just run through the alphabet. Or, prevent pre-emptive scavenging by keeping it random. A, E, L, B… Q. They won’t know if they’re coming or going and it’ll get a lot of laughs – a key component of the most successful Zoom game ideas.
• As many people as you like can play this game, but it works better with up to 10, otherwise it can get a little hectic.

2. Quiz time

Undoubtedly one of the most popular games for Zoom calls is a good old-fashioned quiz. All you need is a pen and paper. But how can you make the game inclusive, especially if you’ve got people on the call that always know the answers? Try this:

• Get everyone who plays (this works best for up to six people) to come up with a number of questions on their chosen subject. Let them know in advance of the call. This is a great way of levelling the playing field.
• Once the round ends you have to hold up your answers… just in case anyone felt like making some amendments.
• Take turns in being quiz master and tot up the answers to see who wins – obviously you can’t answer your own questions.

3. Bingo

If you’re looking for a good idea for a virtual birthday party, this is one of the funniest family games to play on Zoom. Excitement, shouting, celebrations… it’s got it all. Here’s what you’ll need and how to play:

• You’ll need a bingo caller (that could be you). 
• Some bingo sheets, emailed to your callers in advance to print. This is where you can get as creative as you like. It could be standard numbers, but what about pictures? Animals, sports, films, famous landmarks, etc. Be inventive and make it different. 
• You just need to write down the name of what each picture represents and then call it out. Callers can tick them off as they go.
• Be clear with your calls and keep things moving quickly. This is not sleepy time bingo at the local church hall. This is fast and fun – exactly what you need with Zoom party games.
• When the time comes for someone to shout ‘bingo!’ they have to hold their card up to prove they’ve won – cue the disputes (all good-natured, of course).
• One of the best things about this game is you can have as many players as you like. And when more than one claims to have won, the chaos will ensue… as will the laughs.

4. Turning words into pictures

This is one of the most suitable Zoom game ideas when there’s just two of you. It’s creative and will certainly provide a lot of giggles:

• Grab a pen and paper – this is all you need for so many games to play over Zoom.
• Access a word randomiser. There are plenty of apps or sites you can use.
• Simultaneously hit the randomiser button and you’ll both have a word to draw.
• Set a time limit and show each other what you’ve come up with. 
• Guess what each other’s creation is supposed to represent. 
• Marvel, or more likely laugh, at each other’s artistic skills.

That concludes our list of four of the best games to play on Zoom. Give them a try, come up with your own and have a blast with loved ones. We’ve also got some hilarious in-person family games for you to try!