Virtual pub quizzes are all the rage in COVID-19 lockdown

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Posted 14 March, 2020

By Jamie Watts

London, UK

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Pub Quiz Tuesdays are looking at record attendance worldwide just as soon as lockdown is lifted.

The parameters are constantly shifting in the Covid-19 lockdown. Those of us still stuck indoors are now becoming adjusted to the idea of big weekend plans involving nought but binging the ‘Latest’ section on Netflix and consuming entire loafs of banana bread.

However, there is one hobby that is proving increasingly popular as the weeks trickle on by and that is virtual quizzes.

We previously wrote a story covering the meteoric rise of video-calling apps, and how they’ve gone from a professional obligation to a recreational pastime during lockdown. People are using technology to try and retain their sense of identity. We’re all unable to physically be at work or visit friends and family, and the likes of Facetime, Zoom, and Houseparty are now becoming a big part of our daily routines.

It has to be said that the novelty of chatting in virtual calls wears a little thin after a handful of occasions though. And those of us still cooped up are using the age-old game of quizzing to stay entertained and engaged. It’s all well and good gaming and watching TV, but people crave mental stimulation and this is how most are getting it.

If you’re looking to replicate the authentic pub experience, you’re spoilt for choice. Pubs all across the UK are hosting weekly quiz sessions on their social media accounts, with The Pambery Tavern, Purity Brewing, and Alexandra proving three of the most popular destinations in recent weeks. Just coordinate with your pals, maybe set up a separate call and hop in together.

There are dedicated webpages that offer up more family friendly quizzes on all subjects from pop culture and sport, to history and astronomy. As something of a film and TV buff, my personal go-to is Spectacular Quarantine Quizzes. Running most nights, the 40-question quiz delves into the intricacies of one particular film or series per night. 40/40 on The Office quiz, just saying.

There’s a ton of quizzes to get involved in across YouTube and Twitch too. On the latter Goose Quizzes requires players to follow along and submit their answers in a Google Form as they go. The answers are then read out the following night on another stream. If you want a good honest quiz, and to be sure nobody is cheating, this is your best bet.

Beyond that, you can just set up your own quizzes with friends and assign a quizmaster. The Thred team are opting for this method on a weekly basis and some of the unique rounds are great fun. A personal highlight for me thus far was the ‘who wrote this status?’ round. Simply dig back into your friends’ oldest Tweets and Facebook statuses and throw the most embarrassing ones to the room. Top. Quality. Banter.

It’s interesting to see what habits people are adopting during the lockdown and whether they’ll last once we regain a sense of normality. One thing is for certain though. If you couldn’t get a table at your local pub before all this, you’ve no chance now.

Jamie Watts

Tech Editor London, UK

I’m Jamie (He/Him), the Deputy Editor and a Senior Writer at Thred. Keeping up with social media updates and revolutionary technology is my forte, but when away from my keyboard, you’ll probably find me wrapped around a large Tango ice blast at the latest mediocre horror flick. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.

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