one tv. phones on the couch.
Somebody puts a game on the big screen. Everyone else stays on the sofa with a phone. The TV is the stage. The phones are the controllers. That is the whole trick.
tv + phones
how it works
One host on the big screen. Everyone else plays from the couch. Scan a QR, lock an answer, shout at the TV. The phone is the controller. The TV is the show.
step by step
from the couch
Jackbox energy. Mario Party pace. You do not need an account to play. Stills below are from here be engineers.
host opens the room
Pick a title and hit play now. That device becomes the host, usually a laptop on the TV. The room gets a huge four-letter code and a QR. Names and faces pop on as people join. Start when the couch is ready.
phones do the playing
Scan the QR, or type the code at join a room. Pick a name. Draw a quick face if you like. Questions, prompts, and votes land on the TV. You lock an answer on your phone. Shouting is welcome. It does not count until it is locked.
the board names a winner
Scores go up between rounds. The TV celebrates. Phones stay small. Somebody wins, then you can play again if the room is still up.
the short version
four beats
Host. Join. Play. Winner. Same corridor every title. The game changes what happens in the middle.
host on the tv
Put a game on the big screen. The room code stays huge so phones can read it from the couch.
join on phones
Scan the QR or type the code. Name yourself. You do not need an account to play.
play the round
The TV presents. You lock it in on your phone. Everyone goes at once, against the clock.
one winner
A board between rounds. A shout at the end. Somebody wins.
alright. who's up?
Pick a game and put it on the TV. If somebody already opened a room, join with the code.