Here is our guide to Jackbox Party Games.
We put this guide together after running thousands of successful virtual team building activities and connecting remote teams in all industries for over a decade!
Jackbox Party Games are a series of hilarious and interactive multiplayer games facilitated through an online platform. These games foster camaraderie, encourage creative problem-solving, and enhance communication skills among team members. These games are an ideal choice for remote team building activities. By immersing participants in a fun and collaborative environment, Jackbox Party Games help strengthen bonds, boost morale, and promote a sense of unity within the team.
Ideal group size:
4 to 10 players
Activity duration:
60 to 90 minutes
Cost:
$25 to $30
(This estimate includes purchasing the Jackbox Party Pack, which varies in price depending on the platform and edition, and any additional materials, such as optional DLCs or subscriptions for hosting the game session.)
What you’ll need:
- Jackbox Party Pack
- Video conferencing software (Zoom, Google Meet, Discord, etc.) for communication
How to play:
Step 1: Choose the Game
First, select a game from the Jackbox Party Pack that best suits your team’s preferences and dynamics. Examples include Fibbage, Drawful, and Word Spud. When choosing a game, consider the group size, familiarity with the game, and desired level of interaction.
Step 2: Set Up Video Conference
After picking a game, launch your preferred video conferencing platform and create a meeting room. Then, share the meeting link or code with all participants and ensure each player has access to the game link or room code.
Step 3: Join the Game
Participants should navigate to the game link provided by the host or enter the room code on their device to join the game session. Players can use their real names or recognizable nicknames for smoother communication.
Step 4: Understand the Rules
Before starting, take a moment to go over the rules and instructions of the selected game with the team. Be sure to highlight any specific mechanics or objectives to ensure all players are on the same page before starting.
Step 5: Engage in the Game
As team members play through different rounds, encourage active participation and interaction. Further, foster a supportive and inclusive environment where the whole team feels comfortable sharing ideas and contributing to the game experience.
Step 6: Foster Collaboration
You can use the game’s collaborative elements to encourage teamwork and problem-solving skills among team members. To achieve shared goals and objectives within the game, emphasize the importance of communication and cooperation.
Step 7: Celebrate Achievements
After the game, acknowledge and celebrate team achievements, successful collaborations, and moments of creativity or humor. This step fosters a positive atmosphere and reinforces camaraderie among team members.
(Optional) Examples of games or activities:
1. Fibbage
Fibbage is a trivia game where players must create believable lies to fool their opponents into selecting them as the truth.
- The game host starts a round by presenting a trivia question with a missing key detail.
- Players craft convincing lies to fill in the blanks while also trying to guess the correct answer.
- Once all answers are submitted, players vote on what they believe is the truth.
- Points are awarded for selecting the correct answer or for fooling others with a convincing lie.
- The player with the most points at the end wins.
Fibbage encourages creativity, quick thinking, and the ability to deceive opponents with plausible lies.
2. Quiplash
Quiplash is a witty and fast-paced party game where players compete to create the funniest responses to prompts.
- The game host presents a prompt or question to all players.
- Participants must come up with humorous responses to the prompt within a time limit.
- Once players submit their answers, they vote on their favorite response for each prompt.
- Points are awarded based on the number of votes received for each answer.
- The player with the most points after several rounds wins.
Quiplash encourages spontaneity, creativity, and the ability to think on your feet to come up with hilarious responses.
3. Drawful
Drawful is a drawing and guessing game where players attempt to decipher each other’s doodles.
- Each player receives a quirky prompt to draw on their device.
- Participants sketch their interpretation of the prompt within a time limit.
- Once teams complete their drawings, they are displayed anonymously to all players.
- Players must guess the prompt based on the displayed drawings, including their own.
- Hosts award points for correct guesses and for fooling others with convincing drawings.
Drawful promotes artistic expression, imagination, and the ability to decipher abstract visuals in a fun and lighthearted manner.
4. Trivia Murder Party
Trivia murder party is a game with a spooky twist, where players must answer questions to avoid being eliminated by a sinister host.
- The game host presents a series of trivia questions to all players.
- Participants must select the correct answer within a time limit to avoid being “killed” by the host.
- Players who answer incorrectly are sent to a mini-game where they must fight for survival.
- The last player standing or the player with the most points at the end wins.
Trivia Murder Party combines trivia knowledge with quick reflexes and strategy, offering a thrilling and suspenseful experience for players.
Tips:
- Create a Welcoming Environment: Foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere where the whole team feels comfortable participating and expressing themselves freely.
- Establish Clear Rules: Set clear guidelines for gameplay and behavior to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all participants.
- Encourage Engagement: Keep players engaged by encouraging active participation and involvement in the game activities.
- Be Mindful of Time: Keep game sessions relatively short to maintain energy levels and prevent fatigue, especially in virtual settings.
- Rotate Games: Explore different games within the Jackbox Party Packs to cater to various interests and preferences among team members.
- Facilitate Discussion: Take breaks between game rounds to facilitate discussions and reflections on team dynamics, fostering deeper connections and camaraderie.
Final Thoughts
Playing Jackbox Party Games offers a dynamic and engaging way to bring remote teams together, fostering camaraderie, communication, and collaboration. By embracing the diverse range of games available, teams can unleash their creativity, problem-solving skills, and sense of humor in a fun and inclusive environment. Whether you are strategizing in Trivia Murder Party or crafting witty responses in Quiplash, your team will have a great time playing these games.
Want more ideas? Check out our post on team building activities for work. Plus, be sure to look at Jackbox’s website!
