Are you getting the gang back together for a fun-filled games night? Whether you prefer classic card games or action-packed PC games, it’s a fantastic way to mark an occasion or simply make new memories. There’s bound to be a multiplayer option for every niche, and if you’re planning it for autumn or winter, it’s one of the best ways to keep everybody out of the cold, too.
Below, we’ve explained a simple five-step solution to organising a games night that everyone will remember – and for the right reasons!
5 Steps to Hosting a Memorable Games Night
- Choose a date and invite your guests
Firstly, you should get the core details sorted. Planning any party involves knowing who’s coming, especially if you’re meeting up with friends you haven’t seen in a long time. So, before you choose the games, it’s important to invite the guests and put together a plan for the day.
You’ll also need to choose where the party will take place. While games nights suit cosy settings, you might not want to host in your house. Do some research to look for friendly bars and gaming communities in your local area, as these might be available for private hire to your group.
- Choose the games
Once you know who’s coming to the party, it’s time to plan in more detail.
This part of the process involves picking the game, or group of games, that you’d like to play together on the night. Any gaming enthusiast knows that some board games take hours to complete, so it’s possible that you might not even play more than one on the big day.
If you’re meeting up with a group of friends you haven’t seen in a long time, you might be more interested in gossiping and catching up with everything you missed. In that case, online bingo makes a speedy and entertaining choice, perfect for dipping in and out of the action. You can simply play a game, see how it turns out, and then have a quick chat before the next game starts.
- Make it comfortable
Gaming often involves concentrating and sitting in one spot for an extended period. If you’re hosting a games night with your friends, it’s only right that you should make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible for the duration of the evening.
We recommend providing soft cushions, blankets and throws, especially if you’re hosting outside – or if your guests will be sitting on hard chairs. Alternatively, make sure that everyone has room to stand up, walk around and take a break from the game. With more than one space to share, you can make sure that no one feels forced into playing for longer than they’d like to.
- Keep everyone fuelled
Hosting any party means that you need to keep your guests hydrated and fuelled for the festivities. While there might not be much time to eat during the heat of the moment in the game, you’ll still need to provide some snacks and drinks for your fellow gamers.
Schedule intervals during the night to make sure everyone has the chance to keep their appetites at bay. If speed is the priority, you might prefer to use canapes, snack foods, or pre-prepared light bites. If you’ve all got the same tastes, why not order takeaway together? Having hot pizzas delivered to the party could add that extra layer of excitement between games.
- Set the scene
Finally, who said that the games room needs to be simple?
Depending on the game you’re playing, you could add themed decorations or incorporate posters and puzzles into the gaming night itself. Get creative and experiment to find the best approach. Special decor, mood lighting and extra details won’t go unnoticed, and could even help your guests to relax and get their head in the game faster.
