Not being able to spend time in the physical presence of friends and family, for whatever reason, can be tricky. As humans, we crave that interaction, but when it’s not readily available, this can lead to introspection and feelings of isolation.
That’s where the magic of digital technology comes in, with a plethora of apps and online services making interacting with others – even when not in the same room – significantly easier. Yep, we’ll go as far as to say that staying connected has never been more simple. From straightforward conversation tools to trivia resources, from gaming to globetrotting, here are 6 platforms for having fun and socialising with friends online.
KAHOOT!
Kahoot! is effectively an education app, deployed with enthusiasm by teachers the world over. That said, it also makes room for friends or family to engage in the fun and games, too, far from the constraints of the classroom.
Though educators around the world have long used the platform for interactive classroom learning, more recently this has extended into the lounges and living rooms of families and friends around the world, particularly when hosting online quizzes. Its simple, mutiple choice based interface makes it perfect for combining a ‘pub quiz’ style situation with interaction via Zoom (of which we’ll speak more about later).
SKRIBBL
Skribbl, in essence, offers a live drawing board, so you can play something similar to Pictionary or do a drawn charade game, but remotely via your screens. The person or team of people on one end simply scribble a picture, and their team-mates guess what the subject is. Then the other team does the same.
The game can be a bit one-sided, much like 30 Seconds – but if the player or team not competing at the time takes a vested interest regardless, it can be a lot of good, collective fun. Of course, you have to navigate the limitations of drawing on a platform adjacent to the old school Windows ‘Paint’ program, but Skribbl is a laugh nonetheless.
NETFLIX PARTY
Watching a movie alone and, maybe, at the very least, interacting with others about the film with relevant hashtags on social media, can be an average experience at best. But when you’re gathered together in a virtual cinema, the event is given extra life.
Netflix have recently added a new feature, named Netflix Party, which affords those who interact with it exactly that – a virtual cinema experience with a handful or more of their closest friends akin to a party (or ‘Movie Night’ to those reading from across the pond).
All you’ve got to do is settle collectively on a film (the hardest part of the process, we’re sure) and press play. Then, simply mute and unmute your sound function to drop in tidbits of conversation about the movie now and then. And at the end, perhaps everyone could offer their reviews? Now that sounds like fun!
MULTIPLAYER GAMES
MMOs RPGs, first-person shooters, simulations, puzzle games, card games…the world of multiplayer online gaming seems designed for times when everyone’s at home, on the sofa, but still keen on socialising remotely.
Though Fortnite and FIFA are perhaps the world’s two most popular engagement games, some single-player games also have official or community multiplayer modes. The Sims and GTA are two great examples here. Though rumours about the official Sims multiplayer mode are rife but largely unrealised yet, there are some community patches that allow you to play the game with friends from across the globe.
If it’s RPGs – role playing games – you’re looking for, Diablo 2 offers a dark fantasy setting where the objective is to stop the chaos that was unleashed by Diablo’s return at the end of first game. The game has both single and multiplayer options, so you can choose whether you want to play solo or with friends. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, you might find this post about diablo 2 builds useful to help you build the character you will then take into the game and battle with.
But there’s even more to the remote, multiplayer online gaming world than that. Indeed, if you’re into card or board games, there are many mobile games and websites available depending on what you and your friends like. Monopoly, Spades, Hearts – all of these games are available to play online on many different sites.
ZOOM
For the old school and purists out there, who simply just want to enjoy a good, wholesome chat and see a friendly face or two, there’s Zoom. You don’t have to play a game, you don’t have to dress up, you don’t have to do, well, anything. This one is great for simply facilitating the art of conversation.
That said, you can use the audio and visual app to complement some of the other games listed in this article, such as Kahoot.
Zoom is like a next-level Skype, with a variety of backgrounds, the opportunity to share your screen, doodle on the platforms interactive whiteboard and much more. It’s multi-faceted and represents a good option for a second window when you have other apps on the go too.
VIRTUAL TOURS AND LIVE STREAMS
Many of the world’s best museums, art galleries and others offer virtual tours of their prized pieces and facilities online. As such, consider taking a globetrotting trip with family members by sharing your Zoom screen with coincided virtual tours. Also available online right now are live streams of some of the great wonders of the world, like the aurora borealis – or northern lights; share an awe inspiring experience all from the comfort of your living room!
If that sounds like your vibe, check out our roundups regarding more of the same below!