Party games: a drawing activity for small groups
If you are planning party games and want a seated drawing activity, try a monster reveal. Each small group makes a creature without seeing the whole picture until the end. Monster Maker supports two or three players per game; a larger party can use several groups or rotate players between rounds.
Match the setup to your party size
Give each group playing at the same time one iPhone or iPad with the app installed, or one folded sheet of paper and pencils. The following are ways to organize separate games:
- Two or three guests: make one creature together.
- Four guests: form two pairs, each making its own monster.
- Five guests: make a pair and a trio.
- Six guests: try two trios, then change groups for another round.
- More guests: continue in pairs or trios, or run a drawing table that guests visit in turns.
How to run the drawing activity
Before the party, try a local game so you can show everyone how to finish a turn and pass the device. Check the app’s current free-play limits and purchase options if you plan to run several rounds.
- Explain the three parts: one head, one body and one set of legs. With two players, one person draws twice.
- Offer one theme for the room, such as birthday monsters, and let each person invent their own details.
- Keep finished parts hidden. Players can chat while waiting, but should save the drawing’s surprise for the end.
- Bring the groups together to show the finished creatures. If using paper, unfold each sheet for everyone to see.
- Name the monsters and mix up the groups if people want another turn.
Ideas for a children’s birthday party
Put the drawing activity at a table where an adult can help with the folds or app controls. Try friendly monsters with party hats, creatures that deliver enormous cakes, or imaginary pets arriving with presents. These are drawing prompts to suggest aloud.
Choose a group reveal instead of judging whose picture is best. Ask each group to invent a name or a favorite snack for its monster. A few crooked lines can be just as surprising as a carefully drawn face.
A drawing round for grown-up gatherings
At a dinner party or a game night with friends, use a familiar setting as the prompt: a creature who works in your office, takes the last bus home, or refuses to leave the kitchen. Each player adds one detail without planning the full figure.
With only one device, take turns in pairs or trios between finished monsters. Paper lets more groups draw at once. Both setups keep the activity about making something together and sharing the reveal.
Questions about the game
Can everyone join one big app game?
Each app game has two or three players. A party with more people needs separate small groups or a rotation between games; there is no large party lobby.
Do party guests all need to download the app?
For local play, only the shared iPhone or iPad needs the app. Use one device for each group playing at the same time. Paper groups do not need an app.
Is there a built-in party timer or judging mode?
No. Monster Maker is about drawing hidden parts and revealing the result, with no timer or scores. The themes and group arrangements here are ideas for the host to organize.