Games to play on a video call

What makes a good video-call game

• No installs. If it needs an app, someone always gets stuck.
• Short rounds. A minute or less keeps everyone involved.
• Uses the camera. Faces are why you are on video.
• Clear scoring. Fewer arguments, more playing.

1. Emoji face-off

Everyone opens Emoggle's Solo Emoji Scan on their own device. The host picks a moment to start, everyone copies the emoji on screen, and each player reads out their score. Play five emoji and add up the totals. Want a head-to-head final? The top two can play a private 1v1 room while the rest watch.

2. Two truths and a lie

Each person shares three statements about themselves and the group guesses the lie. It needs no setup and works well with people who are just getting to know each other.

3. Guess the close-up

Hold an everyday object very close to the camera so only a sliver is visible. The first person to guess what it is gets a point.

4. Copy my face

One person makes a face and everyone else copies it. Then use the emoji face game to check who actually got closest, instead of voting.

5. Speed scavenger hunt

Call out an item, such as something blue or a mug, and the first person to hold one up to the camera wins the round.

6. Pictionary with paper

Draw on paper and hold it up. No whiteboard tool needed, and bad drawings are half the fun.

Tips for running games on a call

• Pick one person to host, keep score and keep things moving.
• Share the rules in chat before you start.
• For browser games, send the link before the call so people can allow camera access ahead of time.
• Mix camera games with talking games so nobody feels on the spot for too long.

For more two-player ideas, see webcam games with friends.