About Party Games

Everybody loves a party and everybody loves games. So it should come as no surprise that party games are popular. However, not every game is appropriate for a party atmosphere. Even so, there should never be a strict definition for what is considered a party game because the failure or success of a game is entirely dependent upon the party goers.

Identification

Although the definition of a party game is, and should be, rather fluid, most have a few things in common. The number of people who are capable of playing a party game tends to be larger than the number of people who can have fun playing a board game or video game. At the same, of course, some board games and video games are quite popular as party games at smaller groupings.

Types

Generally speaking, party games come in two distinct types--individual and team play. A party game based on individual play means that every player is out for himself. For instance, if the game being played is something like Trivial Pursuit, each player is attempting to win. The other type of game play, which is usually more fun is only because players are dependent upon each other for knowledge or talent, leading to the inevitably comic consequences of watching teammates go at each other rather than their opponents at some point.

History

The party game really took off during the 18th century in Europe when it was known as parlor games. While the elite had played party games throughout history, it was the effects of the Industrial Revolution that brought party games to the middle and lower classes. More leisure time, and a centrally located populace, gave these people the opportunity to enjoy parties in a way they had not before. The most popular party games during this period were primarily guessing games like charades and 21 questions or games with a similar concept.

Significance

The significance of the party game has traditionally been associated with the significance of partying itself. The games allow for socialization on many levels. For instance, some party games are intended as a way to break the ice among attendees who may be strangers to one another. Some of the more risque party games, such as Spin the Bottle or 7 Minutes in Heaven, are designed to allow teenagers to engage in sexual exploration. Some corporate party games are designed to improve worker interpersonal relationships and efficiency.

Considerations

Before choosing a party game it is important to consider the appropriateness. Obviously, you would not play a drinking game that requires a person to imbibe at the mention of a certain word when kids are present, but it is equally important to consider whether kids would be bored by a game of charades or Pictionary. Certain games that appropriate for one bridal shower might be considered a little too suggestive or even embarrassing for another. The important thing to remember is that you can't tell how well a game is going to go over simply as a result of its success at one party.

Theories/Speculation

Party games began as Victorian parlor games requiring nothing more than a roomful of people. The 20th century saw the introduction of board games as a standard part of the repertoire of playing games during gatherings. The 21st century has finally witnessed the introduction of video games as a genuine movement in the world of party games. Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero allow party goers to live out their fantasies of becoming musical entertainers. The Nintendo Wii has led the way in the world of video party games due to its multiplayer capacity that involves actually getting off the couch and becoming active.

Warning

It is worth noting that the social function of party games can lead to unwanted consequences. Parents should keep an eye on party games involving kids because the sexual exploration component can quickly get out of hand in a room filled with teens. Drinking games can also become a minefield as the number of times that a certain word may be said is often unknown and can wind up causing a person to drink far more than normal.