How to use Jackbox to play virtual games over video chat with your friends

A good way to have fun while you’re doing social distancing.

The other day, while on a video chat with a pair of my friends, one of them mentioned that we could totally do a night of trivia for our next conference call by using something called Jackbox (which made it to our super-helpful list of 34 video games you should be playing to get through quarantine).

I had so many questions, and it seems like a lot of other people do, and that’s where this comes in.

It’s a series of trivia games put out by Jackbox Games that you can play, and by using Jackbox TV, you can actually connect and have the host screenshare the game on a video meeting service like Zoom or Google Hangouts. Here are the steps:

1. Someone needs to have purchased a Jackbox title

Let’s call that person the “host” to make it easy to describe. That person should launch the game on their computer.

2. The host should share their screen on their favorite video meeting service

Hangouts, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, whatever. If you’re the host, find the button that shares your screen with the other people on your call.

3. Go to Jackbox.TV and enter the code you see

It’s a four-letter code for your specific room, and you enter it using your phone.

4. Start playing!

That’s it!

And if none of that made sense, well, fine, here’s a video from Jackbox Games:

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[jwplayer pKS8kcq0-q2aasYxh]

 

NFL and 2K Sports announce partnership to produce video games

The NFL and 2K announced a partnership to produce new non-simulation NFL video games, with the first game set to release in 2021.

After a 16-year hiatus, 2K Sports is making a comeback to the NFL. The league and video game maker announced a multi-year partnership on Tuesday that encompasses multiple games.

The games will be non-simulation, with 2K announcing in a news release that they are in early development and are expected to launch in 2021. Because the games will be non-simulation, they will not compete with the “Madden” franchise.

“We’re thrilled to be back in business with the NFL in a partnership that will span multiple video games centered on fun, approachable and social experiences,” said David Ismailer, president of 2K. “It’s exciting to bring together 2K’s expertise in creating award-winning sports games with the NFL’s renowned status as a world-class entertainment and sports organization.”

2K published the “NFL 2K” franchise from 1999-2004. It currently produces the “NBA 2K” franchise as well as “WWE 2K,” “BioShock,” The Golf Club” and “X-COM.”

“It’s an exciting time for 2K and our fans,” said Ismailer. “We’re growing our s​ports offerings and building on our core games with new [intellectual property], as well as continued support of award-winning franchises, all with the goal of giving our fans more amazing games and entertainment for years to come.”

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