In these isolating times, people around the world are turning to video conferencing software to keep in touch with friends and family, but things like Skype and Zoom are for work so it’s Houseparty’s time to shine.
Houseparty, owned by Epic Games, is an app that lets you video chat with groups of people. It’s been around since 2016, but the COVID-19 lockdowns, currently taking place around the world, have caused a surge in the app’s popularity as people can no longer physically gather for their weekly wine ‘n whine.
You can do this with things like Zoom or Skype, too, but Houseparty has built-in games, including Heads Up, Trivia, Chips and Guac (a Cards Against Humanity copy), and Quick Draw which add to its appeal. Also, people tend to use those other apps for work and, generally, want to keep those contacts separate.
All you have to do is download the app, create a profile (using an email address/phone number/Facebook etc.), pick a username, and off you go. You can give it access to your contacts, to automatically find friends, or you can search for them manually by username. Currently, you can only chat with eight people at a time.
Yes, it’s a thing in South Africa, too. Two separate friend groups suggested Houseparty to me within hours of each other last week.
Houseparty is available, for free, for Android, iOS, macOS, and Chrome.
Via Business Insider.