Over the past couple of months we’ve been trying to find fun ways to spend time with friends while we can’t see each other in person. One of the silver linings of the restrictions we’ve all been facing is that we’ve been spending more time (virtually) with friends who live abroad – a year ago, we wouldn’t really have thought of playing a board game with a friend in Spain, or playing a digital board game with a group of friends in the UK, New Zealand and Switzerland.
Here are some of the new (to us at least!) long-distance board gaming solutions we’ve found.
1. Playing a hard-copy board game via video
How does it work?
With some imagination and creativity… It works best with trivia games, as you don’t need to share the same board, so it’s not too fiddly. Two friends who are isolating together successfully linked me into a game of Cluedo using Skype – the trickiest part was showing me my cards without accidentally peeking themselves and angling the smartphone over the board so that I could plan my next move, but overall it was a huge success! They rolled the dice for me, moved my pawn as directed and we revealed our cards to one another via video when needed.
Why it works well
In these locked down times, anything that can recreate a relaxed evening hanging out at a friend’s house is a success, and this is a great way of achieving that.
2. Playing digital board games online
How does it work?
Several online platforms recreate digital versions of board games that you can play remotely with your friends. Tabletop Simulator, which is available on Steam, enables you to download ‘virtual’ board games which operate in the physics provided by the simulator. Another option is the Board Game Arena website, which lets you play a number of digital board games for free, although popular games such as Carcassonne require a premium account.
Why it works well
The platforms do a great job of recreating board games, meaning that you can still play old favourites or even try out new games while you’re separated from your friends. Tabletop Simulator has a huge range of games, both classics and new titles, as anyone can create and import them. However, this means that the usability also varies, and controlling the pieces in the virtual tabletop can take some getting used to depending on how complex the game is. Online platforms such as Board Game Arena can be slightly more user friendly and less fiddly than the simulator – it feels more like a digital copy of the board game.
3. Doing a virtual escape room
How does it work?
We came across an online escape room dreamt up by Deadlocked Escape Rooms, which we have previously visited in Reading. The experience is available for a £9.99 voucher, which can be redeemed once the escape room is reopened. You work your way through the storyline by solving clues and puzzles, and you can play alone or with friends remotely via videochat – there’s no time limit, so you can take it at your own pace.
Why it works well
Although we’re still slowly making our way through the first of three chapters (we’re not escape room pros!), we’re really enjoying the puzzles and storyline. So far, we’ve hunted for clues in emails, websites and puzzles – the team have created an immersive world. It’s a fun way to spend time with friends and we’ve found it less screen-heavy and prescriptive than online board games. Plus, it supports a small business that has had to close its doors for the time being – it’s a win-win!
Cards on the Table 