If you’re scattered across different cities but still want a proper party vibe, occasional video calls and chats just don’t cut it. Here’s how you can bring the fun back using mobile party games for remote friends. And yes, you can add some simple drinking rules if you’d like to spice it up.
Remote game nights are totally possible thanks to apps and browser games that let you play together, even when you’re apart. You might also want to pair this with a little digital twist on a good old-fashioned get-together. They recreate that feeling of sitting around one table, even if everyone’s miles away. Think of it like how an online casino brings people together to play in real time. You’re not just playing a game, you’re sharing an experience. Add a few drinking rules, and it suddenly feels like a Friday night with friends again.
For now, let’s focus on games + drinks + friends.
Two game ideas that really work
Here are two solid game picks that work well remotely:
1. Browser drawing/guessing game (like Gartic Phone)
This is great because everybody joins via a link on their phone or computer, you don’t need fancy consoles, and you can play right away. Gartic Phone lets up to 16 players join from any device with a browser.
Simple drinking rule: One person draws; the rest guess. If no one guesses correctly after three tries, the drawer takes a sip. If someone guesses, the guesser picks who drinks.
2. Multiplayer quiz or party-pack style game (like Jackbox Games titles)
These games let you host one person running the game and everyone else joins via their phone. According to one list of virtual game options for remote play, Jackbox is right there.
Simple drinking rule: Each wrong answer = take a sip. Major bonus: if you win a round, you assign two sips to someone else.
Building the vibe (even when you’re apart)
Here’s what helps make remote game-and-drink nights feel like a real party:
- Pick a consistent time: It’s easier when everyone blocks the slot.
- Use video chat alongside the game: See faces, hear laughter.
- Keep the drinking rules simple: Don’t overcomplicate or it slows down the fun.
- Rotate game hosts: One night someone picks the game, another night picks the drinking rule.
- Know your crowd: If someone doesn’t drink, make a “take a non-alcoholic sip” or “do a funny dance”.
Stuff that can mess up the fun
- Lag ruins everything: If someone’s connection freezes mid-round, the energy drops fast.
- Player count matters: Some games are best in smaller groups (4-8), others handle 10+ well.
- Drinking + screen time = mix mindfully: Don’t overdo it, especially if you’re far apart.
- Time zones: If friends are in very different zones, pick a time that mostly works.
Why this works
Because playing a game together gives you a shared activity, something to focus on aside from just chatting. One study explored social interactions in online games and found that verbal communication (even just talking over a game) strongly predicted how connected people felt. So yeah, games help bridge the distance.
Remote multiplayer gaming platforms help meet social and gaming needs when friends can’t meet in person. So adding a casual drink rule just ups the friendly-hangout tone.
Final thoughts
If you’re trying to keep the friend-group spirit alive across cities, games + simple rules can really help. Pick one of the remote games above (or explore others) and add a short drinking rule or two. It doesn’t have to be wild-party level. Just something that triggers a laugh, a sip, a good moment.