Picture the familiar Christmas scene: the Christmas dinner is done, the same old repeats are on the TV and someone’s suggesting a three-hour game of Risk. Sound familiar? In all honesty, we’d probably rather be on our phones.
The good news is that those same phones are actually a rich source of family games. And since everybody’s got a phone these days, everyone can get involved.
We’ve rounded up some brilliant mobile games that are perfect for playing together. From “pass-the-phone” classics to multiplayer favourites. And the good news is that these picks are low-cost (or free!) and guaranteed to get everyone in on the fun.
Pass-the-phone favourites.
Heads Up!
The hilarious guessing game where you hold the phone to your forehead and guess the word on the screen while everyone else shouts clues. There are over 75 different rounds – celebrity head, singing, silly accents and much more. Choose family-friendly decks like Animals or Act It Out, and don’t miss the festive packs for extra seasonal fun. Charades has had its day!
Monopoly (Mobile)
It’s the classic board game - without the hassle of setting up, losing pieces or keeping an eye on money going missing from the bank! The “Pass & Play” mode means one person buys the app, and everyone takes turns on a single phone. Perfect for competitive families who love a good property battle. And if you want to get some practice in before the big day, there are some AI opponents to go up against.
Everyone-in-together games.
Among Us
The lockdown sensation is still a brilliant party game. 4-15 players complete tasks together on a spaceship - but beware, one or more of you is an Imposter. It’s a fantastic mix of teamwork and deception that gets everyone talking - and shouting!
Exploding Kittens
A high-stakes, digital twist on Russian Roulette - with kittens! Players draw virtual cards and deploy them at just the right time until someone “explodes.” Quick, hilarious and easy to learn, you can all connect over Wi-Fi for a shared laugh or play online against strangers.
Uno! (Mobile)
The fast-paced card game everyone knows and loves. It’s free, and you can create a private game for just your family. Play classic Uno or try out loads of new variations. Simple, competitive and guaranteed to spark some playful rivalry. Packs of themed cards are available, so you can make it really Christmassy.
Kahoot!
Everyone loves a pub quiz, but keep track of scoring with pen and paper? It always causes chaos. Kahoot! lets you set up your own quiz room, invite family and then either play pre-prepared quizzes (on pretty much any topic you can imagine) or create a quiz yourself – from music quizzes to true and false, puzzles, fun polls and more. You’ll get to pick an avatar, watch your points go up and relish your spot on the podium!
Wrap-up.
Your smartphone is a brilliant way to bring the family together for a laugh. Whether you’re passing one phone or linking up for a party game or quiz, these games are guaranteed to beat the post-turkey slump. From all of us at iD Mobile, we hope you have a very fun (and healthily competitive) Christmas!
What are your family’s favourite games to play at Christmas? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
