Houseparty: What games can you play and what similar apps are out there?

While the UK settles into lockdown, video conferencing has become all the more important.

Since the UK launched into lockdown in an attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus, people have found alternative ways of socialising.

And in the absence of actual house parties, newcomer app Houseparty has become many people’s go-to app of choice.

However, the platform – which lets you play games and host a virtual ‘party’ with family and friends – has raised some security concerns, after rumours circulated online saying it had been hacked.

Epic Games, the company that owns Houseparty, said that it had found ‘no evidence’ of a breach in its security, even offering a one million dollar bounty (£811,000) to anyone who can prove otherwise.

So, now that you can be safe in the knowledge your data is protected, what games can you play on the app? And what similar apps are out there?

What games can you play on Houseparty?

You can play a number of games on Houseparty with your friends, including Heads Up and Quick Draw and Trivia.

Choose from a selection of trivia categories including entertainment, slang terms and ‘finish the song’ where you can flex your knowledge while pitting yourself against up to eight friends.

Meanwhile, Quick Draw is a Pictionary-type game where you can task friends to guess what you’re drawing.

Heads Up features a range of card games including Act It Out – a game where you have to mime the action on your card. Think charades, but over the phone.

The app can integrate your phone contacts as well as those from your Snapchat or Facebook.

While Houseparty is supported on Android, iOS, and desktop, games are only available on the mobile version.

What other apps offer the ability to video call while playing games?

As always, Facebook is another contender in this space, with their Messenger app offering users the ability to play games with friends or family.

Simply video call your chosen contact, and once you’re connected, click on ‘activity’ in the top right-hand corner.

The activities on offer are a little rudimentary, but use augmented reality (AR), meaning the elements respond to your camera.

Ever wondered how many hamburgers you can ‘eat’ in close succession? Then look no further.

Facebook also offers a gaming tab, where you can play against friends – albeit, without a camera.

Another option is Bunch Group Video Chat and Games an app which does what it says on the tin – lets you video chat and play games with friends.

As well as challenging friends to trivia quizzes or testing their drawing skills, you can play pool together or race against each other in a selection of retro 8-bit games.

Bunch is available on both Android and iOS.

If you’d rather forego your camera, then check out QuizUp, a trivia app which allows you to play against friends – or people with similar interests – all in real time.

You simply create a profile and play against others in timed-multiple choice rounds.

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