GameApart works with any free video conference system that allows for screen sharing. The host of your party will share their screen, which will function as the game board for all players, so really, that’s the most important feature to look for when you choose a platform for your virtual hangout.
Most likely you already have a preferred conference platform, but if you don’t, here are a few popular, free video conferencing systems that allow screen sharing.
FYI- The information below was true at the time of writing, but the pricing or details may change at any time, so be sure to check their websites to see what’s up.
Here are free video conference software to use with GameApart.
Zoom
Zoom became a widely-used video conferencing tool during COVID-19 quarantine, thanks in large part to many people already using it at their day jobs, so it was easy for them to send out links.
Price: Free
How Many People Can Hang: Up to 100
What else: Your Zoom conference will end after 40 minutes for 3 or more people, which is great if you need an excuse to bail early. Otherwise, there’s a Pro plan for $14.99 a month offering longer meeting times. Or, just make your friend who uses it for work organize the hangout on their account.
Skype
You remember Skype, we all used it at our office jobs before Slack became the thing? Well, they are still around, still free, and still easy to use.
Price: Free
How Many People Can Hang: Up to 50
What else: Participants join through a link, so it’s easy for people to access even if they don’t have Skype downloaded (like your parents!).
Messenger Rooms was released in April 2020 as a way to connect with more friends at once during quarantine and, we assume, as a way for FB to compete with video conferencing software like Zoom and Skype.
Price: Free
How Many People Can Hang: Up to 50
What else: You can invite people who aren’t on Facebook by sending them a special link to your room. You can either invite specific friends, or leave the room open to anyone you are connected to on Facebook, so be sure you can choose your level of potential awkwardness accordingly.
Google Meet
Google Meet used to be the business version of Google Hangouts, but now anyone with a Gmail address can use Meet. In fact, it’s already an option when you set up an appointment on Google Calendar.
Price: Free
How Many People Can Hang: Up to 100
What else: Google gave Meet to everyone for free during the COVID-19 quarantine, but starting in October 2020 the free accounts can only have a meeting time of an hour. They require all users to have a Google account for security reasons.
Webex
This Cisco product has been around for ages, and is probably somewhat familiar to anyone who has had an office job.
Price: Free
How Many People Can Hang: Up to 100
What else: Meetings can last up to 50 minutes. They offer a plan for $13.50 a month that allows unlimited hang time.
Like we said, any video conferencing platform that allows you to share your screen will work to play GameApart with your friends, so there’s no excuse to not host a super fun game night for all your friends, no matter how far apart you may be!
