Time's Up!
- Designer Peter Sarrett
- Publisher R&R Games , asmodee , Competo / Marektoy , Hobby World , Morapiaf
- Illustration John Vetter
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Time's Up!, teams compete to guess famous personalities based on clues given by teammates. The game consists of three rounds with increasing communication restrictions: from free-form hints to silent gestures only. Each round challenges players’ memory and creativity as they try to guess as many names as possible within 30-second turns. The combination of acting and communication limits creates a dynamic and engaging team experience.
Who Is This Game For?
Time's Up! is designed for groups of four to eighteen players, ideal for party or family gatherings with players aged 12 and up. With a playtime around 90 minutes, it suits casual players who enjoy cooperative team games. Prior experience with communication or word-guessing games helps but is not required.
How It Works
The core mechanics include Team-Based Game, Memory, Acting, and Communication Limits. Players form teams and take turns giving clues to guess cards with famous names. Round 1 allows any type of clue, round 2 restricts clues to one word plus gestures, and round 3 forbids words entirely. Passing cards is allowed in later rounds, requiring strategic memory and nonverbal communication.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Peter Sarrett, Time's Up! won the Mensa Select award in 2000 and the Australian Games Association Game of the Year. It builds on the classic Celebrity party game by combining acting, memory, and communication restrictions in a unique three-round format. This makes it stand out among charades-based games.
Awards
2006
2005
2000
- 2005 As d’Or — Winner
- 2000 Australian Games Association Game of the Year — Nominated
Also Available As
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Time's Up! Deluxe 2008
All editions are grouped on this page — ratings, awards, and statistics apply to all equally.
Pro
- Awarded Mensa Select 2000
- Engages players with varied communication mechanics
- Supports large groups up to 18 players
- Three rounds with increasing difficulty and constraints
Contra
- Requires at least four players, no solo mode
- Approximately 90 minutes can be long for some parties
- Communication restrictions may challenge beginners
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in a party environment, players guess famous historical or fictional characters. The theme is closely tied to traditional charades games without additional narrative layers.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on giving clear, memorable clues and adapt quickly to the changing rules of each round to support your team.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Time's Up! is a team game for at least four players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 90 minutes, including all three rounds with different communication rules.
What prior experience do I need?
Suitable for casual players, but requires teamwork and understanding of communication limits.
How does this compare to similar games?
Time's Up! uniquely combines acting, memory, and communication limits across three rounds, setting it apart from classic charades.
Is this suitable for families?
Recommended for ages 12 and up, suitable for families who enjoy communicative party games of moderate complexity.
What mechanic makes it special?
The mix of Acting, Memory, and Communication Limits in a team-based format makes Time's Up! distinctive.
Fazit
Time's Up! is highly recommended for groups that enjoy communicative and fast-paced party games. The evolving communication rules add variety but demand teamwork and quick thinking.
