Teenagers are the natural audience for an imposter game. They live in a world of group chats, in-jokes and social reading, and the game asks them to do exactly that, with a score. At a sleepover, on a school trip or in a youth club, a spy game online or around one phone can fill an hour. Here is how to run it so they do not roll their eyes.
Why does it suit this age?
Because the skill is social. Teenagers are expert readers of tone and hesitation, and an imposter game lets them show it. The game also gives them permission to lie in public, which is a rare treat, and to accuse friends without a fight.
It is also quick, loud and phone-friendly. A game that runs on the thing in their hand is a game they are willing to try.
What setup works at a sleepover?
One phone passed round, for up to twelve, or everyone on their own device if they all have one. Use three rounds and one spy for a group of six or fewer, two spies for eight or more. Choose categories that fit: applications, sports, food and places suit this age.
How do you stop it feeling childish?
Call it what they call it. Let them set the rules and add their own. Make it competitive with a visible scoreboard. And accept that the strongest moments come from the group's own jokes, which you cannot plan.
What house rules work?
Winner picks the next film.
The spy must keep a straight face for ten seconds after being caught.
No clue may be a quote from a video.
Loser makes the snacks.
How do you handle the quiet one?
Give them a role. They can keep score, or call the vote. In a game where nobody is eliminated, a quiet player is still in every round. Praise a clever clue from them loudly, and they will join in more. Often the quiet player is the strongest spy, because they listen.
What about screen time?
The game is a screen activity, but a social one. Pass the phone, laugh and look up. A table of teenagers shouting accusations at each other is a very different thing from a table of teenagers scrolling.
What categories do teenagers pick?
Applications and sports lead the way, then food and places. Clothing is popular for its jokes. Animals tend to be chosen last, until someone is the spy in the animals category and gives a clue so strange the room collapses. A mixed game keeps everyone happy, and a vote on the category before each round gives the group a sense of control.
One more tip: let them name the rounds. "The betrayal", "the comeback", "the one where Sam lied for three laps". A game with named rounds becomes a story they will retell at school on Monday.
How long should it last?
Three rounds is about twenty minutes. For a sleepover, plan two games with a break for snacks. Stop while they still want more.
Where can you set it up?
Guests need no account, which matters when you are collecting phones from eight different people.
A tip for parents
Let them play without you, and do not ask who won afterwards; let them tell you in their own time. Offer to be the host who sets it up and then leaves the room. Teenagers play strongest when nobody is watching.
Ahmed Moaz builds Boardit, a free browser game site.