What pandemic? A multisite study of drinking motives and drinking games participation among college students during a pandemic (COVID-19) academic year

•Little is known about DG participation during the 2020–21 pandemic academic year.•Playing in-person DGs, and with 10 + players, were examined across 12 universities.•Over 60% reported playing in-person; many of whom played DGs with 10 + players.•Social drinking motives were related to an increased odds of playing DGs in-person.•Higher alcohol use/lower perceived COVID threat increased odds of playing DGs w/10 + players.