Research on the prevalence of drinking games on American college campuses indicates that drinking games are not only very popular, they also significantly contribute to excessive alcohol use. The National Task Force on College Drinking has recommended that more research be conducted on the individual-level factors, such as drinking game participation, which can be potentially modified through proper intervention programming. The current literature review answers this recommendation by examining the research on drinking game participation among college students and providing specific recommendations for educating students about the risks associated with drinking games. Articles published as of February 2004 were eligible for inclusion; the final sample included 7 qualitative studies and 12 quantitative studies of drinking games among college populations. The qualitative research mainly involved interviews with college students, which revealed common themes about their participation. Reasons for drinking game participation included to intoxicate self, intoxicate others, meet new people, and to compete. The quantitative studies focused on the consequences of drinking game participation, the motives for playing and for stopping, and interpersonal differences that impact the decision to participate in drinking games. Recommendations include the need to educate students about the risk of extreme intoxication and other consequences resulting from drinking game participation. College women should be targeted for education regarding the heightened risk of sexual assault in the context of heavy drinking. Other recommendations include the provision of alternate socialization opportunities for students. References