The term “Social Games” isn’t used too often and sounds almost like an obscure video game genre that’s no longer mainstream but this isn’t the case at all. “Social Games” is the blanket name for games that allow players to communicate and interact with each other; some of the most popular games currently available actually come under the banner.

What classes as a “Social Game”?

While video games have become incredibly popular all over the world, they’re not the only form of entertainment that classes as a “Social Game”.

Here are some of the best examples:

• Board Games
• Card Games
• Miniature Wargames such as Warhammer
• Tabletop RPGs or Live Action Role-Playing (LARPs)
• Party games such as Twister

Any game that can be played with other people or require some form of interaction can be classed as a social game. In video game terms, any game that’s co-op or features some form of multiplayer can be classed as social game.

Social Game platforms

The best video game platform for social games is certainly debatable. PC gamers have easy access to the internet and a large number of free games such as MMORPGs which are filled with other players; while console gamers could argue that it’s easier to play local multiplayer games on their platforms due to the ‘plug and play’ nature of consoles when it comes to multiplayer games.

VR headsets are a very new area in gaming and developers are already looking at releasing social games for these new platforms; there are already some great social VR games available right now but these games work in a very different way to PC or console social games. Multiplayer fans should keep an eye on VR games over the coming years but for now, PC and console are the kings of social games.

It’s difficult to pick the best games for social interaction for all platforms but there are some games that are certain better than the rest of the crowd. One of the best games is available for both PC and CR platforms, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is a purely multiplayer game that’s designed about player communication and interaction in order to succede in the game. It’s a great example of a social game and plenty more exist right now that are perfect for local or online multiplayer sessions with friends.