5 Ways to Game Together from Afar: Long-Distance Gaming Ideas

September 2, 2024

In an age where even hanging out with friends has gone digital, finding fun ways to game together from a distance is easier than ever. Sure, you can't flip the Monopoly board in a fit of rage after landing on your friend's hotel, but that doesn’t mean you can’t share competitive or collaborative gaming moments, no matter how far apart you are. Here are five fun ways to keep the gaming spirit alive across the miles.

1. Online Board Games: The Competitive Spirit Lives On

If you’re the kind of person who thrives on classic board games, you’re in luck! There are plenty of online platforms that let you play your favourite games with friends from anywhere. Sites like Board Game Arena or Tabletopia offer a range of games—from strategy classics like Catan to family favourites like Uno—allowing you to recreate game nights even if you’re not in the same room. Sure, flipping the Monopoly board after a bad loss is off the table, but you can still enjoy some good-natured competition (or team up for co-op board games) from the comfort of your respective couches.

2. Stream Visual Novels or Story-Based Games Together

For something more relaxed, why not dive into a visual novel or story-based game? Games like Danganronpa or Telltale’s The Wolf Among Us thrive on storytelling and branching narratives. Streaming a game like this together is similar to settling in for a movie night—except you get to make the decisions! One person streams and handles the quick-time events while the other decides how the story unfolds. Not only does it add a layer of interactivity, but it also makes you feel like you're experiencing the twists and turns together. Plus, the discussions afterward are half the fun: "Why on earth did you pick that option?!"

3. The Classic Co-Op: Work Together to Win

Sometimes you just want to team up and tackle challenges together, and co-op games are perfect for this. A game like It Takes Two is designed to be played with a friend, with its clever puzzles and fun mechanics that require solid teamwork. Other titles like Overcooked! or Portal 2 also offer that chaotic, laugh-inducing co-op experience. There's something special about working together to overcome obstacles (or laughing as everything falls apart), and it feels even more rewarding when you’re separated by miles but still in sync.

4. Remote Escape Rooms: Puzzle Your Way Out

If you and your friends enjoy solving puzzles together, try a remote escape room experience. Many companies now offer online versions where you can team up over video calls and work together to "escape" the room by solving clues and completing tasks. It's an interactive and immersive way to game together, even if you're miles apart. Plus, there’s nothing like the rush of finally cracking that last code just before the clock runs out!

5. MMOs: Build and Explore Together

For those looking for a more immersive experience, jumping into an MMO (massively multiplayer online game) with friends can be a blast. Games like Final Fantasy XIV or World of Warcraft allow you to team up, tackle quests, and explore vast worlds together. Whether you’re battling monsters, completing dungeons, or just hanging out in an online world, these games give you the chance to go on epic adventures, even when you’re separated by real-world distance. Plus, there’s always something new to do or discover, keeping things fresh every time you log on.

Gaming long-distance might require a little extra creativity, but there are tons of ways to keep having fun and sharing experiences with friends. Whether you're diving into co-op puzzles, plotting out a murder mystery, or adventuring through a virtual world, there’s something for everyone. So grab your controller (or mouse and keyboard), jump into a call, and let the good times roll—no matter how far away your friends are.