Fictionary
Play Fictionary with friends — 4+ players, 25 minutes. Play online party games with friends. Free in Pocket Party with 150+ IRL social games.
4+ players, about 25 minutes, ages 12+.
Play online party games with friends.
Setup
Choose one player to start as the facilitator for the first round. The facilitator must press the 'START GAME' button at the top of this page. The facilitator then reads the word that nobody in the group would know aloud. For example “Bumfuzzle”. (Note. If any player knows the word the facilitator chose, pick another word).
How to Play
The facilitator reads out from the app aloud for everybody to clearly hear, repeating it a few times if needed. Then each player takes a pen and paper and writes down what they think the definition could be for that word. The more like a real dictionary definition they sound like the better (you’ll see why later). At the same time, the facilitator also writes down the correct definition copied from the dictionary on their bit of paper. Once everybody has finished writing their definition, they hand their paper to the facilitator to look at. At this stage, it's important that the facilitator silently reads and understands each player's definition so that they can read them all out aloud naturally in step 6. The facilitator then shuffles all of the bits of paper, including their own. The facilitator then needs to read out each player's definition naturally, starting with the word. For example “Bumfuzzle: A state of anticipation”. The facilitator continues reading all player's definitions including their own. Players may request to hear certain definitions again, which is fine. Then the facilitator asks all players to vote on which definition they think is the real one. All players must vote by raising their hands or speaking out. Players cannot vote on their own definitions. After everybody has voted, reveal which was the correct definition and tally the scores: Scoring Rules: You score 2 points for voting on the correct definition. You score 1 point for every player who voted on your phony definition. The facilitator only scores points if nobody votes for their correct definition. They get one point for each of the players who were wrong (for example, 5 points if there are 6 of you in the game). This is the only way the reader can get points during the round. Make sure everybody's scores are recorded and then have another player to become the facilitator. The game is over once each player has had a turn being the facilitator once. The player with the highest score at that time wins the game.
Frequently asked questions
How many people do you need to play Fictionary?
Fictionary is designed for 4+ players. It works best when everyone can hear each other and take turns quickly.
How long does Fictionary take?
A round of Fictionary usually takes about 25 minutes, depending on group size and how much discussion your players add.
Can you play Fictionary without extra props?
Fictionary is built to be lightweight. Check the on-page rules for any simple materials your group might need before you start.
Can you play Fictionary online?
Yes. You can open Fictionary in Pocket Party and use the app or browser flow to get your group into the game quickly.
Can kids play Fictionary?
Fictionary is recommended for ages 12+. For younger groups, read the rules first and choose categories or prompts that fit the room.
Categories
Game Night, Adults, Pen & Paper, Word Game, family, all, editors choice, free
Game categories
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