Here we go, this year's options for downloadable games you can use your laptop, tablet, or smartphone alongside with. You may also choose to cast your screen to a TV or projector, if available. Remember, you can use wires, such as, HDMI for video. There is also Bluetooth for audio. You can look into Chromecast or Apple TV. There are even now solutions for Roku, Amazon Fire, and smart TVs. --> How to Play a PowerPoint Slideshow on TV - SlideModel.com

You might not be surprised, but the most popular option for your party games this year is also the easiest... "Halloween Party" Music dobOFF.

After purchase and downloading the document to your desktop, print off as many sheets as you require for your guests at the party. The document can print up to 60 randomized cards at a time, if you have more than 60 guests that you'd like to play in a round, just ask for a larger quantity, and a Fat City representative will generate one for you exactly how many you require. This is included in the price. 

Each page is set to "Landscape" layout, with 2 bingo cards per letter-sized sheet. You can always cut the sheet in two pieces with a pair of scissors or a paper cutter to split into individual sheets. Some hosts prefer to give guests 2 cards at a time. 

​We always recommend handing out Bingo Dobbers such as these: https://www.amazon.com/DAB-INK-3oz-Bingo-Daubers/dp/B01C4QBW3G

Printing on bright colored paper is always a bonus. I think the 60lb cardstock may be the best: https://www.amazon.com/Neenah-80944-01-Astrobrights-Colored-Cardstock/dp/B01LX0UJBN

Don't forget to follow the playlist:  Spotify - Amazon Prime - Apple Music

Hit "shuffle" or make your own DJ order in the Queue. 

Bring lots of Halloween themed prizes and some good energy. Maybe try an "H" for a bingo somewhere along the way.

There you go. You're all set!

After purchase and download of Fat Bottom Trivia "Halloween Party", you will need to connect to a big screen. Use an HDMI cable or wireless connection as described above. 

Open the powerpoint file (you will need to have installed Microsoft Powerpoint or an equivalent presentation program. Use "presenter mode" so you can see any host notes, as well as seeing the next screen during the presentation. This will allow you or your host to know and check the answers from the crowd. 

Be prepared for hidden side-games to appear. Allow teams that answered correctly last round to choose the next category. 

Make sure to keep track of points on a sheet of paper. And promote having fun, and bonus points for dancing and singing along. Try a mini-challenge for the best "Team Cheer" or "Funniest Team Name". Game Buzzers are also a helpful addition: ​https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Resources-Lights-Buzzers-Classroom/dp/B00B2FNHB6

Every game purchased and downloaded from the FatCityEntertainment.com Trivia Store is reusable and yours forever. Now with over 30 games to choose from, your Music Bingo night can go on and on, perhaps indefinitely! You know your guests will never tire of "The 90s" or "Hair Bands". Once you are on a roll as a Host, I am confident you will change up the games slightly to include your favorite Michael Jackson tune. The sky is the limit with adaptations.

Before I get into the games included in the new Bronze, Silver, and Gold packs of games, Let's go over some of the many, many possibilities for 'Bingos' you can make on any stack of cards. 

1. 1st Line
2. 2 Lines
3. 3 Lines
4. An "X"
5. A "+" (Plus sign)
6. 4 Corners
7. Hashtag (Pound Sign)
8. Outer Circle
9. Inner Circle
10. Almost any letter of the alphabet will work
11. Any of the letters in "B E E R" ("M I L K" is there are kids present)
12. "Swords" (2 intersecting lines, but one is lower than the plus sign)
13. "All 12 Lines Available" (This is fun, but you have to keep track. 5 vertical line wins, 5 horizontal line wins, and 2 diagonal. Also you will require 12 prizes.)
14. Blackout!
15. Can you think of more? Please add in comments below!

​Written by: Dusty Ramsbottom - September 2, 2019

Can you believe it's September already?! I hope you had a great summer, I know I did. I feel like I should be hitting-the-ground-running this Fall a little more than I already am, but now is as good a time as any to begin!

So, as motivation for myself (and hopefully for you too) I wanted to make this quick list of possible events to get the creative juices flowing. We, as entertainment managers and producers, are required to "bring the energy" every time we grab a microphone. This year will be no different, and here's some ideas to get ready.

​The actual last day of Summer is September 23rd this year, but I'd say anytime from now until the end of the month will be fitting for an End of Summer party. This is a casual affair that doesn't require over-the-top decorations to succeed. A couple low burning tiki torches would be nice, but cool beverages and solid tunes will suffice. 

Games to play:

a) Golden Oldies - Music Bingo

A classic for all audiences. Elvis Presley, Ritchie Valens, etc. If you are expecting kids, you can get a similar feel from the "Body Parts" music bingo game, that they will be more inclined to appreciate. 

b) Life's A Beach - Music Bingo

Casual, and a little "twangy" this game encompasses the mellow feel of the beach, a summer well-enjoyed, and a general relaxation. 

c) The 90s or Hair Bands - This choice kind of depends on the crowd you expect. If you expect generally 30-somethings, I recommend The 90s to really get the mood going later in the evening. Hair bands is a better mix of eras for a more diverse crowd. 

Our newest addition this Fall will be Triv101, a "darts" like, survey-style trivia game made specifically for Trivia Hosts who enjoy simply printing off the Q & A and Answer Sheets for their shows. After that, all you need is a mic (or a hearty bellow), and you are ready to go. Each round has 10 Questions and a Bonus. The team who scores closest to 101 wins the round. 

Watch for this game in the Trivia Store.

This 3-pack of games is sure to have the most gamer enthusiasts entertained. Have a winner for each game, or bring back your highest scoring teams for a Final Tournament edition.

There are also Video Game bingo cards, that would be a great warm-up. Name that theme!

Whether you'd like one of our hilarious game show hosts to come to you with full Audio / Visual setup, dance lights, and mojo.. or if you prefer to save money this Christmas and host the event yourself, you will enjoy the interactive games we've created. This game is specifically designed to get people on their feet and mingling about. Check out the new-and improved Xmas game in the Trivia Store or Contact Us if you are looking for a host too!

Have any questions, or a success story from one of your events?? We'd love to hear about it in the comment section below.  

​Written By Dusty Ramsbottom, August 18th, 2019

I used to spend hours writing my trivia shows each week. That was back in 2002. Holy moly!

It was a Sunday night weekly at Rock Bottom Pub in Windsor, Ontario. Last time I checked, that show was still going!! Obviously, the baton has been passed forth several times since then, but the energy lives on...

2002 was a simpler time, and I hope they are making a few bucks more than I was then. Especially, considering how long it can actually take to create an interactive experience, with just the right difficulty of trivia questions, and ready for a keen host to take control with. 

Since then, I've kept everything I ever wrote, and those trivia notes have slowly evolved over the years. One day it occurred to me that others would appreciate the work I've put in. I then created Fat Bottom Trivia in Powerpoint format, with notes ready on hand to give to other hosts.

Here's what You'll Need: 

1. A computer or tablet with Microsoft Powerpoint installed. This is included with the Microsoft Office package. 

​Or, you can find an alternative to Powerpoint, though we can't be certain all the functions will work as they should. Some animations or transitions could be affected. Be sure to test any other options out well before your show. Check out https://alternativeto.net/ for recommendations by users. 

2. A connection to a TV or projector. 

HDMI is our #1 friend, nowadays. Inexpensive and reliable. But you may want to think about wireless options such as Apple Airplay, Chromecast, or Roku, depending on your device model. 

After purchase click the download link in the webpage or email. Click each file you've purchased, and download to your desktop. 

4. If your "presenter mode" was turned off, turn it back on to be able to see the next slide, and tips for hosts in the Notes section. 

​5. Click "Read Only":

​6. Go completely through each slide before your show to avoid any surprises, such as locating the "Hidden Side-Games"

7. Use arrow keys or swipe to advance through slides.

8. Clicking on the "Home Screen" and "Question Value".
9. Test The Sound FX. (Right one "mutes")

Written by Dusty Ramsbottom, February 4th, 2019

Valentine’s Day can either be a night to remember, or a complete pain in the kaboose. Well, I am here to tell you now, that IT CAN BE BOTH!

Ok, so for those of you reading this who do not really know what we do here, we create game’s nights that kooky entertainers like myself can download and use at parties, weekly trivia nights, or even big event productions. Some are “Team” games like Fat Bottom Trivia, or there are games that are more fun as individuals, such as Music dobOFF or Triv81.

Many of the games were written by myself personally, but some have been written by some of the other experienced hosts within our community. If you ever have suggestions for new games, or special requests, just let me know! -> dustin@fatcityentertainment.com

All the games have been tested in front of real audiences, and I know every game can be a great tool in your repertoire as an entertainer to create fun events, that people will remember and talk about for weeks after the fact. They are pretty much all family-friendly other than the slight innuendo here and there. In-yer-end-o.. Ha!

We now have games prepared for pretty much all the big holidays, and here are my top picks for Valentine’s Day this year!

Plug your computer into a big-screen, or even use Chromecast or Apple TV to mirror your screen, and you are ready for an interactive Jeopardy!-esque game show. Though these games are more interactive with extra side-games, and a final challenge. You’ll need Powerpoint or an equivalent to run the program.

(Check out Brian and Chris Jones from the Jones Zone Podcast host this game for their friends at Loom Coworking in Fort Mill, South Carolina)

If you want to take it up a notch, finish off with an all-music trivia game. Give bonus points to the teams with high energy, dancing and participation. These games are based on old-school entertaining we used to do at the bars with only 2 cd players and a wireless microphone. We’ve since cleaned up the format and added the questions and side-games on the big-screen. But a good host knows how to work a room with any tools at their disposal.

Don’t forget to follow the music playlist for this game.

Thanks for sticking through this read. If you want some more information on how to host your own kick-ass parties, here’s a secret code for a free download of the Host Handbook from the trivia store: host100

I like to give bonuses for those of us who focus and can see things through until the end. :)