Actually I recommend trying different games, even in the same night. And some of the old games are really good, like Command and Conquer, which seem to have their own magic to them.

Have you ever been to Japan? They have gaming bars where you play Nintendo and other console games while ordering drinks. They're really fun and better than usual bullshit chats at bars or restaurants.

Someone over twitter shared "Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes " as a great game to play among peers. Still, I totally agree that trying different games is a great idea.

Haven't played it myself but Viscera Cleanup Detail seems like good game to just goof around in and not worry about being competitive.

Rocket League is fun and only as competitive as you want it to be.