It’s that time of year again! The days are getting shorter, the leaves are turning, and ghosts ‘n goblins will soon be roaming the streets. There’s no greater time than now to pick up a new game – or break out an old one – and lean into the atmosphere of the season. It’s not just about the game, though, it’s about setting the tone, making a memorable experience, and having fun! Today, we’re going to take a look at some ideas to ratchet up the tension and keep your players engaged.
Disclaimer: Your mileage may vary, and suggestions that work for others may not be ideal for you or your friends. Remember that the safety and comfort of you and those around you are more important than any benefit to playing with the environment.
Lighting
There are plenty of ways to go about this, from glow sticks to smart bulbs. Depending on the game, altering the lighting can be a great way to enhance the inherent spookiness of a game. While you'll still want to be able to see all the pieces and player aids, turning down (or off) the lights and handing out dollar-store flashlights or glow sticks to players can be a fun way to keep players on their toes. If you’re not keen on adjusting the amount of light, changing the type of lighting is another excellent option. Using colored cellophane or smart bulbs to tweak the lighting towards reds or greens can sometimes be even more effective than just making it dark.
Audio
Again, there are a wide range of options here. Playing ambient sounds from your phone, TV, or stereo (some games even have apps with looping music designed specifically for them) are quick and easy ways to take advantage of the medium. If you want to be a little extra, you can queue up audio tracks and play them during a dramatic moment; just make sure you aren’t grinding things to a halt to find the perfect drop!
Props
In the age of 3D printing, making props has never been easier! If you’re not up for printing or designing yourself, there are loads of spooky toys and tchotchkes available this time of year that could easily be repurposed for gaming. Cheap plastic spiders, dismembered prop hands, Halloween costumes, and even those annoying motion-detecting decorations can be used to good effect. You can also find miniature water diffusers that you can use to get a neat rolling fog effect for the table without having to find someone selling dry ice! Less is more with props, though, lest you find yourself with a big tote of stuff to store for a year.
Smells
Things like incense or scented candles are the way to go with this. There’s not a whole lot to say here except to work with your friends and plan ahead if you want to go this route. Strong scents can cause some people to become uncomfortable quickly, and airing out a room can take a lot of time. Additionally, some animals are sensitive to and can be harmed by things like diffused essential oils. Our recommendation is to do this sparingly and test things ahead of time.
Costumes
Whether you’re an expert with a sewing machine or Spirit Halloween is the peak of your interest, dressing up and playing into tropes can be a great way to lean into the themes of a game or season. Watch out for loose clothing, especially sleeves, where pieces can be scattered, especially in conjunction with the lighting ideas above.
Snacks
This one’s a no-brainer! Load up on the Halloween candy (especially if you can get it on sale in November), break out the baking for some Witches’ Fingers or cupcakes, or, if you have any friends of Italian descent, order a pizza with pineapple on it. Fruit juices or food coloring are great ways to spook up your drinks.
As with everything, finding the right balance is key. It’s very easy for a spooky game night to turn into a Halloween-party-with-games night, which is also a grand ol’ time, but maybe not what you’re aiming for. Regardless, there are plenty of ways, subtle or not-so-subtle, to ramp up the atmosphere of your game nights and make every dice roll heart-pounding.