Count the real players
Check the game’s current player limits and platform support before suggesting it. Ask whether the group can split into teams or needs everyone in the same session. A game can support a large lobby and still leave some players with little to do.
Measure the first-hour cost
The purchase price is only one barrier. Consider download size, account creation, setup, tutorials, and how long it takes for a new player to contribute. If the gathering is short, choose something the group can actually begin that night.
Name the desired feeling
Ask whether people want to laugh, solve a problem together, build something, tell a story, or compete. This question is often more useful than asking for a genre. Two games in the same genre can have completely different social pressure.
Consider exit points
Look for clear rounds, save points, or natural breaks. They help people leave on time without abandoning a teammate. For longer games, agree on a stopping point before you start.
Run a one-night trial
Choose two candidates, have the group pick one, and treat the first session as a test. Afterward, ask what made it easy or hard to play together. Keep the game only if people want another night; do not make the first vote a permanent commitment.