Ghosts Can't Draw vs. Scrawl: Which Drawing Party Game Should You Choose?

Quick Answer

Ghosts Can't Draw and scrawl-105917">Scrawl are both creative drawing party games, but they deliver humor differently. Ghosts Can't Draw is a cooperative game where players draw on transparent cards to guide teammates, while Scrawl is a competitive game that twists the classic telephone game with drawing. Choose Ghosts Can't Draw for teamwork and silly reveals, or Scrawl for competitive chaos and unpredictable drawings.

Drawing party games are a staple for game nights, but with so many options, it can be tough to pick the right one. Two popular choices from Big Potato Games are Ghosts Can't Draw and Scrawl. Both promise laughter and creativity, yet they offer distinct experiences. In this comparison, we'll break down how each game plays, who it's best for, and the trade-offs you need to consider.

Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or a competitive game night, understanding the core mechanics and social dynamics of each game will help you make the right choice. Let's dive into the details.

Gameplay Overview: How Each Game Works

Ghosts Can't Draw is a cooperative drawing game where players take on the role of ghosts trying to communicate with a psychic. The twist? Ghosts draw on transparent cards that are stacked on top of each other, and the psychic must guess the word based on the combined drawings. This creates a hilarious challenge as drawings overlap and get misinterpreted.

Scrawl, on the other hand, is a competitive game that combines drawing and the telephone game. Each player starts with a phrase and draws it, then passes the drawing to the next player who writes what they think it is, and so on. The final reveal is often wildly different from the original phrase, leading to laughter and chaos. It's a game that thrives on miscommunication and creative interpretation.

• Ghosts Can't Draw: cooperative, transparent cards, psychic guessing
• Scrawl: competitive, telephone-style, drawing and writing

Humor and Social Dynamics

Ghosts Can't Draw generates humor from the absurdity of overlapping drawings and the psychic's often misguided guesses. It's a game that rewards teamwork and creative problem-solving, making it great for groups that enjoy collaborating and laughing at their collective mistakes.

Scrawl's humor comes from the gradual distortion of the original phrase as it passes through different interpretations. It's a game that highlights individual creativity and miscommunication, leading to side-splitting reveals. This makes it perfect for competitive groups who enjoy seeing how their drawings and guesses evolve.

• Ghosts Can't Draw: teamwork, shared laughter, creative solutions
• Scrawl: competitive, unpredictable, individual creativity

Player Count and Accessibility

Both games are designed for groups, but they have different player ranges. Ghosts Can't Draw typically supports 4-8 players, making it ideal for medium-sized gatherings. Scrawl supports 4-8 players as well, but its telephone-style format can work with larger groups if you have enough cards and players.

In terms of accessibility, both games are easy to learn and play, with simple rules that can be explained in minutes. They require no prior drawing skill, so everyone can join in the fun. However, Ghosts Can't Draw may have a slight learning curve with the transparent card mechanics, while Scrawl's format is instantly familiar to anyone who's played telephone.

• Ghosts Can't Draw: 4-8 players, simple but unique mechanics
• Scrawl: 4-8 players, familiar telephone concept

Trade-offs: Ghosts Can't Draw vs. Scrawl

• Cooperative vs. Competitive: Ghosts Can't Draw is cooperative, fostering teamwork and shared success. Scrawl is competitive, with players vying for the funniest or most distorted results. Choose based on your group's preference for collaboration or competition.
• Mechanics: Overlapping Transparencies vs. Telephone Chain: Ghosts Can't Draw uses transparent cards that stack, creating a unique visual puzzle. Scrawl relies on the classic telephone chain, where drawings and guesses evolve each turn. If you want a novel mechanic, choose Ghosts; if you prefer a familiar, easy-to-grasp format, choose Scrawl.
• Humor Style: Absurd Overlaps vs. Gradual Distortion: Ghosts Can't Draw humor comes from the absurdity of combined drawings and misguesses. Scrawl's humor builds as the original phrase gets lost in translation. Both are hilarious, but the source of laughter differs—choose what resonates with your group.

Catalog Facts: Big Potato Games Drawing Games

• What's the Best Thing: What's the Best Thing is a party game from Big Potato Games that challenges players to rank random stuff. It's a card game about comparing and debating which items or ideas are truly the best. If you enjoy debating and ranking, this game offers a different kind of party fun that complements drawing games.
• Big Screen Games: 3 Pack: Big Screen Games: 3 Pack includes three award-winning party games designed to be played on your TV, turning your screen into the center of the action. For a screen-based alternative to drawing games, this pack brings variety to your game night.

Which Game Fits Your Group?

Best for

• Ghosts Can't Draw: Groups that enjoy cooperative challenges and creative problem-solving.
• Scrawl: Competitive groups who love the telephone game and unpredictable outcomes.

Not for

• Ghosts Can't Draw: Players who prefer direct competition and individual scoring.
• Scrawl: Groups that want a purely cooperative experience without miscommunication.

Both Ghosts Can't Draw and Scrawl are excellent drawing party games from Big Potato Games, each offering a unique twist on creativity and laughter. Consider your group's dynamics and preferences to pick the one that will bring the most fun to your next game night.