Multiplayer?

[Jackbox Games]

There has been some confusion about the multiplayer aspect of The Jackbox Party Pack, and we'd like to help address this.

There is no traditional online multiplayer. Meaning that you cannot play the game online with a friend who also owns the game. The games are all mutliplayer however, in that they are played with multiple people. They have all been designed to be played in a room together, sharing one screen. However, we have tweaked the games so that they work quite well with a streaming service such as Twitch, or the built in broadcasting through Steam itself (currently in Beta).

Please feel free to ask us if you have any other questions or concerns and we will address them.

Contact us on Twitter:

@JackboxGames

On Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/youdontknowjack

Or on these forums directly. Thanks!

[Guybrush Threepwood]

I WANT TO USE MY FREAKIN KEYBOARDS

[mimizukari]

could you please at some point add traditional multiplayer? this one aspect has kept me from enjoying the game as I should.

[ZulphuR]

Just letting everyone know or anyone who checks this thread know. Zoom offers screen and audio share. I played with 8 people the other night over TeamSpeak/Zoom and it was AWESOME. With them hearing the audio/announcer it made it so much better. I played before with a group of people in person, but I had to find a way to play online. And Zoom/TeamSpeak was the answer. The only problem I had was when I would screen/audio share through Zoom everyone complained the volume was WAY too loud. However, after them adjusting their sound mixers for zoom(In their Windows sound settings) everything worked out great and we played 3-4 game flawlessly(and hilariously).

[Trestos]

Hello People

I've got a question. I'm a big fan of YDKJ, but do not know anyone in my circle of friends who also like the game. I have the game now seen several times on Youtube and thought to myself: I would also like to play!

Then I saw the price, however, and was wondering: Can I play actually test for someone? I think I have read that you can play the game via the browser on the Internet. Is that right? Can I play with someone send me this code and I'm so to speak in the lobby and can participate?
I think I have also read that you need an online media such as Skype or similar. How does it work?

Hoping for nice answers. Namely've not have a laptop and my phone is I do not recent enough for the game, so I would play it on my computer at home.


Like Add me to your friends list maybe someone? I would like to give it a try. I also TeamSpeak and Skype if needed

[Jackbox Games]

@Nigel, check twitter, people post room codes on there if you search #fibbage or #Drawful. Also you can go to Twitch.tv, search jackbox and join a stream then join in their game.

[Callum Is The Neville.]

So whilst I really like the look of this game, the fact that there's no traditional multiplayer is very poorly advertised and I feel like the moneygrabbing owners of this are currently laughing at my payment going in. So tell me, why is there no traditional multiplayer? I am grateful for the fact that when I do have a get together it can be an amazing laugh but jesus if it's just going to sit near-useless in my library until then, what is the point of it?

[sybuur]

I wish YDKJ publishers posted a video more around the "controllers" aspect. I respect that this post exists but I've just spent about 1 hour trying to determine HOW this game actually works to help me decide if I want to buy a license (Steam Sale go figure).

I think this video explained the "controller" the best so far but it doesn't answer all my questions: You Don't Know Jack Party Launch Trailer HD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fpwfd9EJ7I
...but then I come to this post and I read that the "controllers" only need a browser?!? The video and other sites seem to say you need an app for mobile devices. I'm not sure what's true or if both. And this is what the System Requirements section of software is supposed to answer. But doesn't. Especially if more software will be required to play the game in its full capacity.

So can the publishers come up with a video showing how one connects to the game from the various "controllers"? Specifically I want to know if the phones/tables REQUIRE another app to be installed OR if a simple web browser can be used. A video showing ALL types "controller"s connecting would explain this to me and answer my questions.

I mainly want to pass on this game if 2 scenarios exist:
1) the "controllers" require software/an app to play. I'm willing to pick it up as long as I don't need to load sotware on my friends devices.
2) the questions do not come up on the "controller"'s screen. I'd rather not focus everyone's attention at my party on my TV. That's not the point of may parties. I'd rather play the LIE game and let X number of people at my party join in/answer questions throught the night, loosly, as they wander around (e.g. not sit in front of the TV. In order to do this I'd need the questions to appear on their phone/tablet's screen). As in I want to add to their experience of being at the party and not require me to have a YDKJ only party.

I wish there was even 1 video around the steps to connect the "controller" to Jackbox.tv but I cannot find one. The Jackbox.tv web site starts off simple but I'd rather see it in action. here's another video that doesn't explain the entire process but looks like the iPhone required an App to play.
You Don't Know Jack Party (iPad mini/ iPhone 5 Gameplay) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lP2N31dHAiU

Please help clear this mystery up with an official video that is added to the StorePage. And lastly improve the game's Steam Store Page. It should say something like Internet-connected mobile phones as a Recommended System Requirement.

...Hopeing to hear back from "Jackbox Games [developer]".

P.S. cannot post this to "Jackbox.tv FAQ" post but I think some clarification or a video link there too would also help. e.g. that page doesn't mention any need to install mobile apps yet I know they are available.

P.S.S. The Official Support Page, https://jackboxgames.zendesk.com/home, also didn't answer my questions satisfactoraly. They actually wirthdrew my interest because it seems that the game would require a mobile app.

[Jackbox Games]

The Party Pack does NOT require a separate app. The Jackpad app video you posted above is for YDKJ party, a completely different game. All you need for the party pack is a web browser

* From our store page description

Players play using their phones, tablets, or even computers as controllers – making it the perfect easy-in entertainment piece for your next game night or party. No big mess of controllers needed! Once a game is started from the in-pack menu, players simply connect to the “jackbox.tv” web address on their device and then enter the on-screen room code to enter a game


We will edit our page to make it more clearer but no additional software is required to play

[Star Paladin]

Here's a even simpler way to enjoy this game. REFUND! The fact that you refused to put multiplayer on one computer, just like all the the previous ones, is insane. I got this for our Christmas party tomorrow, and now see it's impossible for us to use.

A looney decission guys. And now that there's refunds on Steam, I can really give the Devs dumb idea the rasberry.

[Jackbox Games]

Originally posted by Star Paladin:

Here's a even simpler way to enjoy this game. REFUND! The fact that you refused to put multiplayer on one computer, just like all the the previous ones, is insane. I got this for our Christmas party tomorrow, and now see it's impossible for us to use.

A looney decission guys. And now that there's refunds on Steam, I can really give the Devs dumb idea the rasberry.

The games are best when played in the same room so not sure what you mean by impossible, it's perfect for parties!

[Star Paladin]

Ya, we have always played YDKJ in the same room, at parties, for years. You can't play this one in the same room "at all" unless every single person playing has an internet capable phone.

I could coax my older releatives to play this, because all they had to do is tap one key on a keyboard, but no way they are going use a cell phone, even if they actually had a cell phone. The few that do have a mobile phone are flip phones.

I got a refund anyway, but it should have been easy as pie for them to include the "Keyboard for all players" like they have in all their previous games.

[sybuur]

Originally posted by Star Paladin:

Ya, we have always played YDKJ in the same room, at parties, for years. You can't play this one in the same room "at all" unless every single person playing has an internet capable phone.

I could coax my older releatives to play this, because all they had to do is tap one key on a keyboard, but no way they are going use a cell phone, even if they actually had a cell phone. The few that do have a mobile phone are flip phones.

I got a refund anyway, but it should have been easy as pie for them to include the "Keyboard for all players" like they have in all their previous games.

As much as I understand your choices as to 'why' you returned the title, I spent a lot of time reserching the controllers aspect of this game. I did not want to have to create any onlince accounts OR need to download any apps to phones. Once the 'how do the controllers work' was proven to me I purchased the title. I was very glad I looked into it.

One portion of the game I cannot imagine working with your wish to have everyone use the same keyboard is the Drawful game. In this game you not just hitting buttons to answer trivia questions. You need to draw something and enter in text. So in this game you'd need to pass the keyboard & mouse around. That wouldn't be a very good design for the other players to guess who drew what. ....Just thinking out loud.

BTW you can use cell phones, tablets or full blown computers (laptops / desktops). E.g. anyting with a current browser. You should basically be accessing the Internet via WiFi but you could use straight Internet access without WiFi. The device just needs to load a web pae.. In other words you may be able to expand your controler basis with some devces you may have around your house. The one machine you cannot 'use' as a controller is the one playing Jackbox Party Pack.

On the opposite side, my family really enjoyed this title and they've been asking me recently when will I be getting Jackbox #2 since it is out.

[Yoofaloof]

Great post sybuur. You saved me the trouble of penning a similar post. @Star Paladin I suggest upgrading your phones...flip phones jeez...

[Star Paladin]

Ya, my entire family upgrades their phones to play a $5 game. That's 3 Stooges logic. We will just play the older versions that allow us all play togther just fine.

[sybuur]

Originally posted by Star Paladin:

Ya, my entire family upgrades their phones to play a $5 game. That's 3 Stooges logic. We will just play the older versions that allow us all play togther just fine.

Flatly: No one said to upgrade your phones. What was suggested was to look around the house and see if you had any other available devices.

Instead: Why don't you try "Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes" http://store.steampowered.com/app/341800

Couples Try To Defuse A Virtual Reality Bomb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZdO40p2AWQ
...watch this video to see how fun the game can be for spectators.

Hardcore Bombs on Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPzoEraiZ5I
...but start around the 13 minute mark as the guys naturally show some decent tips on how to play in an extremely cooperative way.