What Do You Meme? The Ultimate Guide to the Viral Party Card Game That’s Taking Social Gatherings by Storm

In an era where digital entertainment dominates our social interactions, one analog game has managed to bridge the gap between internet culture and face-to-face fun. What Do You Meme? has emerged as the definitive party card game for the meme generation, transforming viral internet humor into a competitive social experience that has captivated millions of players worldwide.

Since its launch in 2016, this irreverent card game has redefined what it means to combine digital culture with traditional tabletop gaming. By harnessing the power of internet memes – those bite-sized pieces of cultural commentary that define modern communication – What Do You Meme? has created a unique entertainment experience that speaks directly to the social media generation while remaining accessible to anyone with a sense of humor.

The Origins and Evolution of What Do You Meme?

From Internet Fame to Tabletop Success

What Do You Meme? was created by Elliot Tebele, Elie Ballas and Ben Kaplan in 2016, emerging from Jerry Media, the company behind the infamous @fuckjerry Instagram account. The game’s origin story is deeply rooted in internet culture, born from a team that understood the viral nature of memes better than most traditional game developers.

The game was launched on Kickstarter on June 14, 2016, and it exceeded its goal of $10,000, demonstrating early on that there was significant demand for a game that could translate internet humor into physical entertainment. This crowdfunding success was just the beginning of what would become a cultural phenomenon.

The timing of the game’s release was particularly fortuitous. In 2016, meme culture was reaching mainstream consciousness, with platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook becoming primary venues for sharing humorous content. What Do You Meme? capitalized on this trend by offering a way to experience meme culture in a social, offline setting.

The Jerry Media Connection

The game’s connection to Jerry Media, while initially beneficial, later became controversial. In 2019, the #FuckFuckJerry hashtag emerged when comedians accused @fuckjerry of using their Twitter posts in ads for the Jerry Media card game What Do You Meme. This controversy highlighted broader issues within meme culture regarding content attribution and the monetization of viral content.

Despite these challenges, What Do Meme’s parent company made over $100 million in annual revenue over the last two years, demonstrating the game’s commercial success and widespread appeal. This financial success has enabled the company to expand its offerings and maintain its position as a leader in the party game market.

Understanding the Game: Rules, Components, and Core Mechanics

Game Components and Setup

What Do You Meme? is the OG ultimate viral adult card game for meme lovers and groups looking for a hilariously good time. Compete to create the funniest meme combo. The game consists of two primary types of cards that work together to create comedic combinations:

Photo Cards: These feature popular internet memes, viral images, and recognizable pop culture references. Each photo card serves as the foundation for a meme, waiting for the perfect caption to complete the joke.

Caption Cards: These contain text phrases, one-liners, and cultural references that players use to caption the photo cards. The humor often comes from unexpected combinations and clever wordplay.

The game is designed for 3-20 players, making it perfect for everything from intimate gatherings to large parties. The recommended age is 17+ due to mature content and adult humor, though family-friendly versions are available for younger audiences.

Basic Gameplay Mechanics

Players compete with friends and family to create the funniest memes by using one of their dealt caption cards to caption the photo card in each round. The core gameplay follows a simple but effective structure:

Each round begins with one player serving as the judge. This role rotates throughout the game, ensuring everyone gets a chance to evaluate the humor of others. The judge draws a photo card and places it face-up for all players to see.

All other players (non-judges) then select one caption card from their hand that they believe will create the funniest combination with the photo card. The key to success lies in understanding both the meme itself and the judge’s sense of humor.

The winner of each round is decided by a rotating judge. Pro tip: pick your caption card to match the judge’s sense of humor. This advice highlights one of the game’s most strategic elements – the importance of reading your audience and tailoring your humor accordingly.

Winning Conditions and Scoring

The winner of « What Do You Meme? » is the player who has collected the most Photo Cards by the end of the game. Each Photo Card represents a round won. The game typically continues until a predetermined number of rounds have been played or until someone reaches a specific number of wins.

To be fair for all players, you may want to consider playing enough rounds so all of the players are the judge the same number of turns. This ensures balanced gameplay and gives everyone equal opportunity to influence the game’s outcome.

The Psychology Behind Meme Humor

Why Memes Are Inherently Funny

Understanding why What Do You Meme? works so effectively requires examining the psychology of meme humor. Memes function as a form of cultural shorthand, allowing complex ideas and emotions to be communicated through simple image-text combinations. This efficiency makes them perfect for quick-paced party games.

The humor in memes often comes from several sources:

Incongruity: The unexpected combination of image and text creates cognitive dissonance that resolves in laughter. When a serious image is paired with an absurd caption, or vice versa, the contrast generates humor.

Cultural Recognition: Memes rely on shared cultural knowledge. When players recognize a reference or understand the context behind a particular image, they experience a sense of inclusion and cleverness that enhances the humor.

Subversion of Expectations: The best meme combinations often work by setting up an expectation and then subverting it. This element of surprise is crucial to the game’s success.

The Social Aspect of Shared Humor

What Do You Meme? leverages the social nature of humor. Laughter is inherently contagious, and when a group of people share a funny moment, it creates bonds and positive associations. The game creates a structured environment where this natural social bonding can occur.

The judging mechanism adds an additional layer of social interaction. Players must not only create humor but also evaluate it, leading to discussions about what makes something funny and why certain combinations work better than others.

Strategy and Tips for Mastering What Do You Meme?

Reading Your Audience

Success in What Do You Meme? isn’t just about being funny – it’s about being funny to the right person at the right time. Each judge brings their own sense of humor, cultural references, and personal preferences to the game. Skilled players learn to adapt their choices based on who’s judging.

Consider the judge’s age, interests, and general personality when selecting your caption card. A judge who loves classic movies might appreciate different references than someone who’s deeply immersed in current social media trends. This adaptability is what separates casual players from strategic ones.

Timing and Pacing

The game’s pacing is crucial to maintaining energy and engagement. Experienced players understand that sometimes the first instinct is the best choice, while other times, taking a moment to consider alternatives can lead to better results. The key is finding the right balance between quick wit and thoughtful selection.

Some players benefit from thinking about multiple potential combinations before settling on their final choice. This approach allows for more creative and unexpected pairings that might not be immediately obvious.

Understanding Meme Culture

While the game is accessible to players unfamiliar with internet culture, having a deeper understanding of meme origins and contexts can provide significant advantages. Knowing the backstory behind certain images or understanding the typical usage patterns of specific memes can help players make more informed choices.

However, it’s important to note that overthinking can be counterproductive. Sometimes the most obvious combination is actually the funniest, and trying to be too clever can backfire.

Variations and Expansions

Official Expansion Packs

The success of What Do You Meme? has led to numerous expansion packs that cater to different interests and demographics. These expansions include:

Fresh Memes Pack: Features newer internet content and trending memes, keeping the game current with evolving online culture.

Basic Bitch Pack: Focuses on stereotypical behavior and cultural observations, appealing to players who enjoy social commentary humor.

Stoner Pack: Targets a specific demographic with marijuana-related humor and references.

NSFW Pack: Contains more adult content for players who want edgier humor.

Family-Friendly Edition: Removes adult content to make the game appropriate for younger players and mixed-age groups.

Custom Variations and House Rules

Many players develop their own variations to enhance gameplay:

Tournament Style: Players compete in multiple rounds with elimination brackets, creating a more competitive atmosphere.

Team Play: Players work in pairs or small groups, allowing for collaborative humor and strategic discussion.

Speed Rounds: Time limits are imposed to increase pressure and encourage quick thinking.

Themed Nights: Games focus on specific topics or cultural periods, such as « 90s Nostalgia » or « Political Memes. »

Digital Integration

This customization adds a personal touch and makes the game even more engaging, as players create memes based on familiar faces and events. Some players enhance the game by incorporating personal photos or creating custom cards featuring friends, family, or inside jokes.

The Cultural Impact and Significance

Bridging Digital and Physical Gaming

What Do You Meme? represents a successful attempt to bring digital culture into physical spaces. In an era where much of our entertainment consumption happens through screens, the game provides a way to experience internet culture in a more social, tactile environment.

This bridge between digital and physical entertainment has influenced other game developers and has contributed to a broader trend of analog games that incorporate digital culture elements.

Educational and Social Benefits

Beyond entertainment, What Do You Meme? serves several educational and social functions:

Cultural Literacy: The game introduces players to internet culture and helps them understand contemporary communication patterns.

Social Skills: Players develop skills in reading social cues, adapting their humor to different audiences, and participating in group dynamics.

Creative Thinking: The game encourages creative problem-solving and lateral thinking as players search for unexpected combinations.

Generational Bridge: The game can help bridge generational gaps by providing a shared activity that introduces older players to younger cultural references and vice versa.

Influence on Party Game Design

The game has been compared to Cards Against Humanity, and indeed, it has influenced a new generation of party games that focus on humor, social interaction, and cultural commentary. The success of What Do You Meme? has demonstrated that there’s a market for games that reflect contemporary culture and communication styles.

Hosting the Perfect What Do You Meme? Party

Setting the Right Atmosphere

Creating the ideal environment for What Do You Meme? requires attention to several factors:

Group Size: While the game can accommodate large groups, 6-10 players often provides the best balance of participation and pace.

Seating Arrangement: Ensure all players can see the photo cards clearly and have space to manage their caption cards comfortably.

Lighting: Good lighting is essential for reading cards and seeing facial expressions, which add to the social enjoyment.

Refreshments: Light snacks and drinks can enhance the social atmosphere, but avoid anything too messy that might damage the cards.

Managing Different Humor Styles

Not everyone finds the same things funny, and successful hosts learn to manage different humor preferences within the group:

Establish Ground Rules: Discuss acceptable content levels before starting to ensure everyone is comfortable.

Encourage Inclusivity: Help quieter players participate and ensure dominant personalities don’t overshadow others.

Handle Sensitive Topics: Be prepared to address situations where humor might cross into offensive territory.

Rotate Judges Fairly: Ensure everyone gets equal opportunity to judge, which helps balance different humor preferences.

Dealing with Controversial Content

The game’s adult humor can sometimes lead to uncomfortable situations. Experienced hosts develop strategies for managing these moments:

Pre-Game Discussion: Talk about boundaries and comfort levels before starting.

Skip Options: Allow players to skip cards they find offensive or inappropriate.

Positive Reinforcement: Focus on celebrating clever combinations rather than dwelling on controversial ones.

Exit Strategies: Have alternatives ready if the game isn’t working for the group.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Gameplay Errors

New players often make mistakes that can diminish the game experience:

Overthinking Choices: Spending too much time analyzing options can slow down the game and reduce spontaneity.

Ignoring the Judge: Failing to consider the judge’s preferences when selecting caption cards reduces chances of winning.

Taking It Too Seriously: While some strategy is helpful, remembering that the primary goal is fun prevents the game from becoming overly competitive.

Poor Card Management: Not organizing caption cards effectively can lead to missed opportunities and slower play.

Social Mistakes

The social aspects of the game can also trip up inexperienced players:

Explaining Jokes: Over-explaining why a combination is funny often kills the humor.

Arguing with Judges: Challenging a judge’s decision disrupts the game flow and can create tension.

Monopolizing Attention: Some players try to dominate the conversation, which can exclude others.

Inappropriate Content: Pushing boundaries too far can make other players uncomfortable.

Host Mistakes

Hosts have special responsibilities that require careful attention:

Poor Preparation: Not having enough expansion packs or failing to organize cards properly can slow down gameplay.

Unbalanced Groups: Mixing very different humor styles without proper preparation can lead to conflicts.

Inadequate Space: Cramped conditions make it difficult to manage cards and see shared content.

Ignoring Group Dynamics: Failing to notice when players are uncomfortable or disengaged can ruin the experience.

The Future of What Do You Meme?

Technological Integration

As technology continues to evolve, What Do You Meme? is likely to incorporate new features:

Digital Companion Apps: Apps that could provide new content, scoring systems, or enhanced social features.

Augmented Reality: AR features could bring static images to life or provide additional context for memes.

Online Play: Digital versions could allow remote play, expanding the game’s accessibility.

AI-Generated Content: Machine learning could create personalized expansion packs based on player preferences and current trends.

Expanding Demographics

The game’s success has opened opportunities for targeting new audiences:

Educational Versions: Schools and educational institutions could use modified versions to teach about digital communication and culture.

Corporate Applications: Team-building versions could help workplace groups bond and understand contemporary communication styles.

International Expansion: Localized versions could adapt the game for different cultural contexts and languages.

Accessibility Improvements: Enhanced versions could better accommodate players with disabilities or different needs.

Cultural Evolution

As meme culture continues to evolve, so too will What Do You Meme?:

Generational Updates: New generations will bring different cultural references and humor styles.

Platform Changes: As new social media platforms emerge, the game will need to incorporate new types of content.

Global Influence: International meme cultures will likely influence future expansions and variations.

Regulatory Considerations: Changing attitudes toward content and cultural sensitivity may affect future game development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can children play What Do You Meme?

The original What Do You Meme? is designed for players aged 17 and older due to mature content and adult humor. However, the company has released family-friendly versions that are appropriate for younger players. These versions maintain the core gameplay while removing potentially offensive content.

How long does a typical game last?

Game length varies based on group size and playing style, but most games last between 30-60 minutes. Smaller groups tend to play faster, while larger groups may take longer due to more players and increased discussion.

Do I need to understand internet culture to enjoy the game?

While familiarity with meme culture can enhance the experience, it’s not strictly necessary. The game is designed to be accessible to players with varying levels of internet knowledge. Often, the funniest combinations come from unexpected or naive interpretations of the content.

How often is new content released?

The company regularly releases new expansion packs to keep the game fresh and current with evolving meme culture. New content typically appears several times per year, though the frequency can vary based on market demand and cultural trends.

Can the game be played online?

While the original game is designed for in-person play, various digital adaptations and online versions have been created. These range from official digital releases to fan-created online platforms that replicate the gameplay experience.

Conclusion: Why What Do You Meme? Matters

What Do You Meme? represents more than just a successful party game – it’s a cultural phenomenon that has successfully bridged the gap between digital and physical entertainment. By taking the ephemeral nature of internet memes and transforming them into lasting social experiences, the game has created a new category of entertainment that speaks directly to contemporary communication styles.

The game’s success demonstrates the power of understanding and adapting to cultural trends. Rather than dismissing internet culture as frivolous, What Do You Meme? embraces it and transforms it into meaningful social interaction. This approach has not only generated significant commercial success but has also influenced how other game developers think about incorporating contemporary culture into their designs.

For players, What Do You Meme? offers something unique: a way to experience the humor and creativity of internet culture in a social, face-to-face setting. In an era where much of our entertainment consumption happens through individual screens, the game provides a valuable opportunity for shared laughter and social bonding.

The game’s educational value shouldn’t be overlooked either. For those unfamiliar with internet culture, it provides a gentle introduction to contemporary communication patterns. For digital natives, it offers a way to share their cultural knowledge with others and see familiar content in new contexts.

As we look to the future, What Do You Meme? is likely to continue evolving alongside the culture it celebrates. New technologies, changing demographics, and shifting cultural attitudes will all influence how the game develops. However, its core appeal – the ability to create shared moments of laughter and connection – is likely to remain constant.

Whether you’re a meme enthusiast looking to share your passion with friends, a party host seeking engaging entertainment, or someone curious about contemporary culture, What Do You Meme? offers a unique and valuable experience. It’s a game that celebrates the creativity and humor of internet culture while providing the social connection that digital entertainment often lacks.

In a world where digital and physical experiences are increasingly intertwined, What Do You Meme? serves as a successful example of how to bring the best of both worlds together. It’s not just a game – it’s a cultural bridge that helps us understand and appreciate the humor, creativity, and connectivity that define our contemporary moment.

Additional Resources

Where to Buy What Do You Meme?

Official Website: Relatable.com offers the complete collection of What Do You Meme? games and expansions
Amazon: Wide selection of core games and expansion packs with customer reviews
Target: Physical stores and online with frequent sales and promotions
Local Game Stores: Support local businesses while getting expert advice

Online Communities

Reddit communities like r/memes and r/dankmemes for understanding current meme culture
BoardGameGeek for reviews and discussions about What Do You Meme? and similar games
Social media groups dedicated to party games and entertainment

Similar Games to Explore

Cards Against Humanity – the game most often compared to What Do You Meme?
Superfight – combines characters and attributes for humorous battles
Snake Oil – players pitch ridiculous products to different customers
Telestrations – drawing and guessing game that often results in hilarious misunderstandings

This comprehensive guide to What Do You Meme? provides everything you need to understand, play, and enjoy this viral party game. Whether you’re a newcomer to meme culture or a seasoned internet veteran, the game offers something for everyone. So gather your friends, prepare for laughter, and dive into the wonderful world of competitive meme creation.