You can absolutely play Jackbox without a TV by using a computer, laptop, projector, or even a large tablet as the main display, while everyone plays along using their smartphones or other mobile devices as controllers via the website Jackbox.tv. This flexibility makes Jackbox games highly accessible for various setups, whether you're playing locally or with friends remotely.
Understanding the Jackbox Setup
The core concept of playing Jackbox involves two main components:
- A main screen: This displays the game itself, including questions, prompts, and results.
- Controller devices: These are what players use to submit their answers, drawings, and votes.
A TV is typically used for the main screen, but it's not a requirement. Any device capable of running the game and displaying it clearly can serve as your main screen.
Local Play Without a TV
For in-person gatherings, playing Jackbox without a TV is straightforward.
1. Choose Your Main Display Device
Your primary device will run the Jackbox game. Options include:
- Laptop or Desktop Computer: This is the most common alternative. Simply install the Jackbox Party Pack on your computer (via Steam, Epic Games Store, etc.), launch the game, and connect it to a power source.
- Projector: If you have a projector, you can connect it to your laptop or gaming console to project the game onto a wall or screen, creating a large viewing experience without a traditional TV.
- Gaming Console (connected to a monitor): If you own a Jackbox Party Pack on a console (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch), you can connect the console to a computer monitor instead of a TV.
- Large Tablet (e.g., iPad Pro): While less common due to screen size limitations for multiple viewers, a large tablet running a Jackbox game (if available for that platform) could serve as a very personal main screen.
2. Connect Player Devices as Controllers
Once the game is running on your chosen main display:
- Everyone grabs a mobile device: Each player needs a smartphone, tablet, or another device with a web browser.
- Go to Jackbox.tv: Players open their web browser and navigate to Jackbox.tv.
- Enter the Room Code: The game running on your main display will show a unique 4-letter room code. Players enter this code on Jackbox.tv and their chosen name to join the game.
Example Scenario for Local Play:
Imagine you're at a friend's house without a TV. You can set up a laptop on a table, launch The Jackbox Party Pack 9 from Steam, and have everyone connect their phones to the game using the room code displayed on the laptop screen.
Remote Play Without a TV
Playing with friends who aren't physically with you is also entirely possible and doesn't require a TV for anyone involved.
1. Host the Game
The host (the person who owns the Jackbox Party Pack) will run the game on their computer or console.
2. Share Your Screen
The key to remote play is sharing the game's display with your friends online. Popular methods include:
- Video Conferencing Software:
- Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams: Share your screen during a video call. Ensure you share the specific game window and enable audio sharing for the best experience.
- Discord: Use the "Go Live" or "Screen Share" feature in a voice channel to stream your game directly to your friends. This is often the preferred method for gamers due to its low latency and integrated voice chat.
- Steam Remote Play Together: For Steam users, this feature is incredibly convenient. It allows you to invite friends to play your local co-op games online, even if they don't own the game.
- How it works: Start any Jackbox game from your Steam library. In your Steam Friends list, right-click on a friend and select "Remote Play Together." This streams your game to them, and their inputs (via their mobile device connected to Jackbox.tv) are sent back to your computer as if they were playing locally. This option effectively lets you skip the separate video conferencing step, offering a smoother, integrated experience for sharing your local co-op games online with friends.
3. Players Join Remotely
Just like local play, all players (including the host) will use their mobile devices to connect to the game:
- Go to Jackbox.tv: Each player opens their web browser and goes to Jackbox.tv.
- Enter the Room Code: The host will announce or display the room code (which is visible on the shared screen), and everyone enters it to join.
Quick Setup Overview
| Component | Role | Without a TV Options | Player Device Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Screen | Displays game, prompts, and scores. | Laptop, Desktop PC, Projector, Gaming Monitor, Large Tablet | N/A |
| Controllers | Input answers, drawings, and votes. | Any internet-enabled device with a browser | Smartphone, Tablet, Secondary Laptop |
| Connectivity | Connects controllers to the main screen. | Jackbox.tv (via Wi-Fi or mobile data) | Internet access |
| Remote Play | Shares main screen with distant players. | Video Conferencing (Zoom, Discord), Steam Remote Play Together | Internet access for streaming and joining |
In summary, playing Jackbox without a TV is not only possible but also how many players enjoy the games, especially when playing remotely. The key is to have a device that can run the game as your main display and mobile devices for all players to interact via Jackbox.tv.
