Family video calls are a fun way to catch up with each other and keep up with the grandkids, but did you know you can play games on a video call?

I have played assorted board games remotely with my granddaughter and fought long-distance Battleship duels with my grandson. Getting set up takes some coordination, but the effort is well worth it.

There are some great apps which make it easy to add a game to your family video call:

Houseparty:  A free video-focused social media app that allows group video calls and allows up to eight people to play games.

Jackbox Party Pack: This app needs to be purchased by one family member of the family who serves as the “host.” There are a variety of group-based games to choose from.

Among us: This is a group video game where players act as crewmembers on a spaceship trying to work together to repair the ship. However, one player is an “imposter” who secretly works against the rest of the crew.