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Unleash the Fun: The Ultimate Guide to FaceTime Games and Apps

So, you’re stuck at home but still want to connect with friends and family? FaceTime is your answer! But beyond simple video chats, FaceTime opens a world of interactive fun with games and shared experiences. Let’s dive into the exciting apps and games you can play right within FaceTime or alongside it, turning your video calls into memorable moments.

Gaming Directly within FaceTime: SharePlay and Game Center

The most integrated way to play games on FaceTime is through SharePlay and Game Center. This feature, introduced with iOS 15 and enhanced with iOS 16.2, allows you to launch supported multiplayer games directly within a FaceTime call.

Here’s how it works:

Start a FaceTime call.
Ensure everyone on the call has the same game downloaded from the App Store.
Open the game.
Look for a SharePlay option within the game’s menu (this varies depending on the game).
The game should automatically sync and allow everyone on the call to play together in real-time!

Popular Games for SharePlay:

Uno! A classic card game that everyone knows and loves.
Game Pigeon: A collection of mini-games like 8-Ball Pool, Archery, Anagrams, and more.
Words With Friends: A digital version of Scrabble, perfect for word nerds.
Head’s Up! A charades-style game that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Many more! Check the App Store for games that specifically advertise SharePlay support.

Beyond Native Games: Adapting Classics for FaceTime

Even without specific SharePlay integration, you can adapt many classic games for a FaceTime setting. This requires a little more creativity and coordination but offers a wide range of possibilities.

Classic Party Games:

Scattergories: One person picks a category and a letter. Everyone has a set amount of time to come up with words that fit the category and start with that letter.
Pictionary: One person draws, and the others guess what they’re drawing. You can use a whiteboard app or simply draw on paper and hold it up to the camera.
Charades: Act out movies, books, or phrases while others guess.
Never Have I Ever: A revealing game where players take turns saying “Never have I ever…” and anyone who has done it takes a point (or a sip!).
20 Questions: One person thinks of something, and the others have 20 yes/no questions to figure out what it is.
Would You Rather: Pose thought-provoking or silly “Would you rather…” questions and debate the answers.
Truth or Dare: The classic party game, adapted for the digital age.
Bingo: Send everyone a virtual bingo card or have them create their own. Call out numbers and see who gets bingo first.
Scavenger Hunt: Give everyone a list of items to find around their house and race to see who can find them all first.

Conversation Starters:

This or That: A quick-fire round of preferences to spark discussion and learn more about each other.
Newlywed Game: If playing with couples, ask questions about each other and see how well they know their partner.
Put a Finger Down: A variation of Never Have I Ever, where players put a finger down each time they’ve done something. The person with the fewest fingers remaining wins.

Sharing Media Together: Movies, Music, and More

FaceTime’s SharePlay isn’t just for games. You can also use it to enjoy movies, TV shows, and music together.

Streaming Services with SharePlay Support:

Disney+: Watch your favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content together.
Hulu: Stream a wide variety of TV shows, movies, and Hulu Originals.
HBO Max: Enjoy blockbuster movies and critically acclaimed HBO series.
Paramount+: Access a library of movies, TV shows, and live sports.
Apple TV+: Watch Apple’s original programming, including award-winning shows and movies.
YouTube: A YouTube Premium membership is needed to start a shared viewing session, but everyone on the call can watch together.

Important Note: Not all streaming services support SharePlay. Netflix, for example, currently does not offer native SharePlay integration. However, there are workarounds like using third-party apps like Teleparty, though these aren’t directly integrated into FaceTime.

Alternative Apps for Shared Experiences

While FaceTime itself offers a lot of functionality, many apps enhance the video calling experience with additional features and content.

Roblox: While not directly integrated, Roblox’s new video chat feature allows you to combine the interactivity of a video game with the social aspect of FaceTime. This can be a great option for families with kids who enjoy playing Roblox.
Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party): While not within FaceTime itself, this Chrome extension lets you sync Netflix playback with friends, even though Netflix doesn’t directly support SharePlay. (Works with other streaming platforms too!)
Whiteboard Apps: Apps like Miro or Google Jamboard allow you to collaborate on a shared whiteboard during your FaceTime call, perfect for brainstorming, drawing, or playing Pictionary.

The possibilities are endless! With a little creativity, you can transform your FaceTime calls into engaging and interactive experiences for everyone involved. Remember to check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for more insights into the educational and social benefits of gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you maximize your FaceTime gaming and entertainment experience:

1. Does everyone need the same game to play on SharePlay?

Yes, everyone participating in a SharePlay game needs to have the game downloaded and installed on their device.

2. Do all apps support SharePlay?

No, not all apps support SharePlay. Check the App Store description of an app to see if it has SharePlay integration.

3. Can I watch Netflix on FaceTime using SharePlay?

No, Netflix does not currently support native SharePlay functionality. You can use third-party apps like Teleparty as a workaround, but these are not directly integrated into FaceTime.

4. How do I start a SharePlay session?

Start a FaceTime call, then open a supported app (like Disney+ or Apple TV+). Choose a movie or TV show and press play. If prompted, tap SharePlay.

5. Can I use other apps while on a FaceTime call?

Yes, you can use other apps while on a FaceTime call. Simply go to the Home Screen and open the app you want to use. The FaceTime call will continue in a smaller window (Picture-in-Picture mode).

6. Do FaceTime calls use data?

Yes, FaceTime calls use data. The amount of data used depends on the length of the call and the video quality.

7. Will FaceTime calls show up on my phone bill?

FaceTime calls will not be listed as “FaceTime” on your phone bill. They will be included in your total data usage.

8. Can I delete my FaceTime call history?

Yes, you can delete individual calls or clear your entire FaceTime call history in the FaceTime app.

9. What is Picture-in-Picture mode?

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode allows you to continue watching a video or participating in a call in a small, floating window while using other apps on your device.

10. Can I play games on FaceTime with people who don’t have iPhones?

While native SharePlay functionality is exclusive to Apple devices, you can still play adapted versions of classic games (like Pictionary or Charades) with people using other platforms. You’ll just need to coordinate outside of the direct SharePlay integration.

11. How do I improve my FaceTime connection?

Ensure you have a strong Wi-Fi signal or a stable cellular data connection. Close any unnecessary apps running in the background.

12. Is there a limit to the number of people who can join a SharePlay session?

FaceTime supports up to 32 people on a call, which also applies to SharePlay sessions.

13. Can I share my screen on FaceTime?

Yes, you can share your screen on FaceTime. This is useful for showing documents, presentations, or browsing the web together.

14. How do I spice up my FaceTime calls?

Get creative! Try doing a puzzle together, drawing or painting, or having a themed video call.

15. Why does my FaceTime call keep dropping?

This could be due to a poor internet connection, a software issue, or hardware problems. Try restarting your device or checking your internet connection. If the problem persists, contact Apple support.

Enjoy your FaceTime gaming and entertainment!

What apps can you play on FaceTime?