IF you’re bored of board games at Christmas there are some hugely entertaining alternatives right under your nose, totally for free.
You don’t need an expensive games console either, just a smart TV, your smartphone and some tips to get you started. Whether you’re a fan of classics like Pictionary or trivia such as Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? chances are you’ll find something to keep everyone entertained – even that grumpy uncle no-one really wanted to invite.
They are available via your existing subscriptions, such as Netflix, Sky and even your smart TV.
Here are the best ones to get everyone together and keep the kids entertained this Christmas.
Netflix Games
Many forget that Netflix has a load of games to play but the streaming giant recently added multiplayer titles that you can enjoy as a family.
As The Sun’s Assistant Technology and Science Editor I’ve already been trying them out with friends and family – and we were all hugely addicted, playing for well over an hour.
Better still, you don’t need to pay anything extra, they’re available at no extra cost with your existing Netflix subscription.
You can find Netflix’s games under the Games tab along the top of your TV screen.
You’ll need the Netflix app installed on your phone – but you don’t all need to be subscribed, only the household host needs an account.
Two favourites stood out on Netflix Games.
Firstly, Boggle.
A long-standing classic gets a digital reboot and up to eight players can participate.
All you need to do is select the Boggle Party title card and all scan the QR code that appears using your phone.
Then you’ll face off in real-time against a timer.
Use your smartphone to quickly find as many words as possible.
And when the time is up the scores will come up on screen.
Another top family choice is Pictionary.
Forget the paper and pen, this digital version does all the work from your smartphone and TV.
Select the game on Netflix via your telly, then scan the QR code that appears.
As many as ten people can take part in this one.
The app will automatically come up with words for you to draw out, which you must do on your phone using a finger before the time runs out.
Your drawing will magically appear on screen for all to see – you will need to stop the timer once someone has guessed the correct word.
There are other multiplayer games on Netflix to try but I’ve yet to do them myself.
This includes:
- Lego Party
- Tetris Time Warp
- Party Crashers
Sky
Sky has always had games on its TV service but some recent big name additions really bring the fun, and all you need is your remote control.
The biggest, and newest, of the bunch is Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
You can take on the iconic quiz show solo or take turns with up to eight players.
Of course, you get all the usual lifelines too.
Another super fun game available on Sky is Name The Song.
The premise is simple but great in groups – a snippet of a famous track plays and you have to guess what it is.
You get four options to choose from.
There are various categories, from Christmas to ’80s hits.
They get gradually harder – and you get less time to answer as well to heat things up a bit.
Fire Stick and smart TVs
If you have an Amazon Fire Stick or a smart TV, you can find more free games that way too.
My Samsung TV has a special games tab with plenty of paid titles but some free ones if you scroll down.
One called Free Games by Play.Works is a good one to try.
My favourite on there is Uno if you want to play with friends or family who can’t join you on Christmas Day.
You just need to host a game, give them the share code and you can play together right away.
