Sometimes, the best nights are those spent at home. Friends gather around for food and drinks, the competition and chaotic fun of a well-orchestrated game night with close friends. It is a vibe that can’t be topped. But what makes a game night memorable weeks after versus one that people are indifferent about? Sure, snacks and music are a factor—but it’s much deeper than that. Consider the feeling when people walk in, knowing that they are in for something amazing. How else to set that tone than having a billiard pool table at the center of the action?
Space constraints are not an issue with achieving this feeling, making one’s house the hangout spot for friends. A pool table, for one, will blend right in with existing living spaces. It will be the perfect centerpiece. While not everyone can be actively playing, it’s a great place to lean and have a conversation, or for a debate of who’s the best player of all time to be had. It’ll set the tone and transform game nights into stock-full competition or friendly banter.
Game Nights Beyond Classic Board Games
People have increasingly been spending time watching TV or playing video games instead of board games. That’s why dartboards, pool tables, air hockey tables, and even makeshift mini-golf courses are becoming the new interactive game ‘toys,’ or must-have accessories, at home. On every modern game night, the concept remains the same: keep people alert and physically engaged, and the mood in the environment will change dramatically.
A good example is the recently popularized padel. Socially engaging and super easy to learn, it definitely has its perk of being fun. Admittedly, a full padel court cannot exactly fit into a living room as easily as a pool table, but a padel racquet is more than reasonable to add. Imagine a few rounds of pool, and someone calls out a challenge – who can hit the best shot against a practice wall? It doesn’t have to be a professional setup; just the correct equipment and a tiny bit of creativity goes a long way.
Carrying out a game night is like an art. It takes creativity and a bit of playfulness. Limiting it down to card games would limit how many fun friends would have. Additionally, trivial exercises won’t make friends happy either.
Get The Right Ingredients!
What can be done to have friends enjoy gaming is having a workout corner. Everyone watching YouTube through a gaming setup can get off their seats and try looking for less for a gaming with Intermediate Fitness walls. When there is enough open room, a foosball table gives them open and shielding, or a ping pong table is fun to close round mobile glass circles. Even simple things as a balance board or a few resistance bands can add a different set of fun.
Nabeel, who considers himself to be a “terrible host,” learned this lesson the hard way. His first game night was a total disaster. People got bored very quickly. But once he applied some decor to the setup, he completely changed the atmosphere of his place. By incorporating some interactive games, setting the lighting to a comfortable lounge type, and adding a blend of casual and competitive activities, he was able to transform his game nights. Now, his house is the go-to if his friends want a night in.
Game Nights Are More Than Just Games
Above all, these nights are about connection, and having the right mix of activities is what makes it special. It is about ensuring that there is something for everybody. Next time a game night is being planned, go for something beyond the standard basics. Invest in the right sports equipments, get the mood lighting set, and let the night plan itself.
Angela Spearman is a journalist at EzineMark who enjoys writing about the latest trending technology and business news.