Buzzinga
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Hosting a game on Zoom

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Use the Zoom desktop app on the same computer that will display the Buzzinga board. Put the board in its own browser window so you can share only that window with the meeting.

We recommend running the game with the host controller. Keep the main game board shared with the audience, then open the host controller on your phone, tablet, or a separate window that is not being shared. This gives participants a cleaner view without the host controls and other clutter.

Before participants arrive, test your microphone, speakers, game audio, and internet connection. If possible, ask a co-host to monitor Zoom chat and help anyone who has trouble joining.

Share the Buzzinga window

  1. Open the Buzzinga board in its own browser window.
  2. In the Zoom meeting controls, select Share Screen.
  3. Select the browser window containing the game board.
  4. Turn on Share sound so participants can hear Buzzinga’s music, sound effects, and media clues.
  5. Make sure Optimize for video sharing is turned off, then select Share.

Sharing only the Buzzinga window keeps unrelated notifications, the host controller, and other windows out of view.

Invite remote players

Press Q on the game board to display the room’s QR code. Participants can scan it with their phones to join.

You can also select Copy Room URL on the Buzzinga homepage and paste the link into Zoom chat. Give everyone time to join before starting the first clue.

When possible, players should watch Zoom on a computer or tablet and join Buzzinga from their phone. Their phone becomes their buzzer while the shared board stays visible on the larger screen.

During the game

Keep the game board shared and use the host controller to select clues, manage buzz-ins, and award points. Before starting, confirm that participants can see the board and hear its audio.

If you play a video clue, you can temporarily turn on Optimize for video sharing from Zoom’s sharing controls. Turn it off again afterward because it can make text and static images appear blurry.

Troubleshooting audio and screen sharing

  • Participants cannot hear Buzzinga: In Zoom’s sharing controls, select More, then Share Sound. You can also stop sharing and share the window again with Share sound enabled.
  • The board or clue text looks blurry: Turn off Optimize for video sharing unless a video clue is currently playing.
  • Participants see the wrong window or host controls: Stop sharing, place the board in its own browser window, and share only that window.
  • A player is struggling to use Zoom and Buzzinga together: Ask them to keep Zoom on their computer or tablet and join Buzzinga from their phone.

For a meeting with more than about 10 players, continue with Hosting a large event.