Although virtual team building activities are relatively recent, they have provided numerous benefits for countless remote teams globally. Employee socialization opportunities, which can be a weekly event or a one-time icebreaker game, can improve communication by 50%.
For the best online team building activities, this list of virtual team games offers innovative solutions that remote team members might find engaging and effective for collaboration.
What are Virtual Team Building Games?
Team-building games are fun ways to improve communication, collaboration, and team spirit among all members. You can host virtual happy hour games and activities online using video conferencing tools, chat applications, virtual whiteboards, and specialized virtual spaces.
Virtual games and activities usually replace meetings to break the monotony. Organizers can also incorporate “kits” mailed to participants to be used during these events. These events are critical to filling the gap brought by the absence of face-to-face interactions.
What are the Benefits of Virtual Team Building Games?
Virtual team building activities transform dull meetings into interactive and enjoyable experiences that help you get to know your team. All of these games are usually free to participate in. Here are the benefits of team-building activities in remote work:
- Connects remote employees across different locations.
- Enhances communication and cooperation in remote work.
- Transforms team meetings into engaging and interactive sessions.
- Fosters a fun team environment through a variety of games.
- Help teams to bond, bringing your team together with games to play.
- Facilitates quick and effective 5-minute team building activities.
- Keeps the team engaged with interactive and enjoyable challenges.
- Give your team members a chance to get to know each other by playing games.
- Provides structured team building exercises to develop skills and relationships.
- Enables members to participate in virtual activities conveniently.
More organizations with remote units incorporate team building activities in weekly interactions. It is an excellent way to foster a collaborative culture, which 82% of respondents believe is a competitive advantage, according to a Deloitte study.
24 Virtual Team Building Games
Are you ready to bring a new fun time to your remote work but unsure what virtual game or virtual team building ideas to go on for? You can ask your team for suggestions or choose one from this list of the best virtual team building games.
1. Guess The Emoji Board
Guess The Emoji Board is an online team-building game where players decode emojis to guess words or phrases. It only requires a shared screen for participation and can be played by both large and small teams.
This game tests your emoji interpretation skills and encourages teamwork, which is great for virtual gatherings and bonding.
How to play:
- Split participants into smaller groups.
- Share a screen displaying an emoji-filled board.
- Teams take turns to guess the phrases represented by the emojis.
- Award points for each correct guess.
- Limit the guessing time for each team.
- Tally the points to find the winning team.
2. Trivia Game / Online Trivia
Online Trivia or virtual trivia brings the classic quiz competition into the virtual world. Teams or individual players engage in a lively knowledge showdown wherein teamwork and smarts are the key to winning.
Participants can use private chats to share and vote on answers or compete solo. This game is adaptable to various online formats like chat or Zoom.
How to play:
- Form teams or decide to play individually.
- Appoint a game show host who will ask questions.
- Discuss and submit answers via chat.
- Award points for correct answers.
- You can also add an option to steal incorrect answers.
- The highest-scoring team or individual wins.
3. Virtual Escape Room
The Virtual Escape Room offers an exciting digital twist to traditional escape rooms. Teams can go on digital adventures that span fictional universes. Some popular games took inspiration from Hogwarts, Sherlock, Confundrum, and other content.
In most cases, virtual escape rooms are offered as a “service as a platform” with pre-built games and themes that teams can choose from. Activities can range from puzzles to unique mini-games that teams need to complete to win.
How to play:
- Log into the chosen Virtual Escape Room.
- Form teams for this team game.
- Navigate through puzzles and clues.
- Collaborate using chat or video.
- Complete objectives within the time limit.
4. Murder Mystery Experience
In this virtual clue murder mystery, teams work collaboratively to solve a complex crime. Everyone on the team analyzes evidence, debates theories, and deciphers virtual clues to identify the perpetrator. It has various themes with ranging difficulties that give your team a lot of adventures to choose from.
How to play:
- Access the virtual murder mystery game online.
- Divide into teams for collaborative sleuthing.
- Investigate scenarios and gather virtual clues.
- Discuss and debate within the team to solve the crime.
- Decide on the suspect based on collected evidence.
- Aim to solve the mystery before time runs out.
5. Virtual Book Club
A Virtual Book Club blends the joy of reading with the fun of online socializing. It allows team members to bond over shared literary interests. The club usually starts with a short novelette or essay, ensuring the material is manageable for everyone on the team.
This is for groups that crave intellectual stimulation while socializing with a group of people. Members can share their perspectives and insights with other members.
How to play:
- Choose a short novelette or essay.
- Schedule regular meeting times online.
- Ensure every team member has access to the material.
- Facilitate discussions about the book’s content.
- Ask your team members for feedback and suggestions.
- Decide collectively on future readings.
6. Never Have I Ever
The remote-friendly version of Never Have I Ever ranks among the best online team-building games out there, offering a fun way to learn more about your colleagues.
Players respond to prompts by lowering their fingers if they have done the prompt before. Organizers can filter topics submitted to determine their appropriateness for the workplace. It is a great way to get to know your team’s interests.
How to play:
- Each player starts with five fingers raised.
- Read out the pre-selected or team-submitted prompts.
- Lower a finger if you have done the activity mentioned.
- Continue until players are out of fingers.
- Use the game as a light-hearted way to bond.
7. Virtual Game Show
A virtual game show experience is an interactive way to make virtual gatherings exciting, competitive, and memorable. It combines elements of popular game shows and transforms them into engaging team activities.
Participants compete for prizes while following rules, objectives, and scoring; all shared on screen with your team. Get ready for the wacky answers your teammates will blurt out because of the crunch time limit.
How to play:
- Outline the game show format and objectives.
- Clearly explain the rules, time limits, and scoring.
- Choose a host to manage the game.
- Discuss technical details for smooth participation.
- Set up prizes for winners.
- Ensure proper etiquette and audience participation.
8. Two Truths and a Lie
Two Truths and a Lie is a classic team-building activity wherein participants share three statements about themselves in a light-hearted session. The challenge for the rest of the team is identifying the lie. With this in mind, the crazier your statements are, the better.
This game is easy to host while offering a fun way to learn about each other. For greater results, organize this game for team members who are unfamiliar with each other.
How to play:
- Each participant thinks of two truths and one lie about themselves.
- Share these three statements with the team.
- Each member guesses which statement is the lie.
- Reveal the correct answer after everyone has guessed.
- Rotate until all members have shared.
9. Virtual Coffee Breaks
Virtual Coffee Breaks serve as informal team building activities for remote environments. These 15-minute sessions invite members to join a video call to chat and enjoy a beverage together.
With these activities, the rest of the team can virtually get the “watercooler chat” experience. This game is excellent for strengthening the ties of cross-functional teams.
How to play:
- Schedule regular 15-minute coffee breaks.
- Use a video call platform for the breaks.
- Encourage team members to join with a beverage.
- Keep the agenda open for casual conversation.
- Facilitate discussions to engage everyone.
- Use these breaks to strengthen team bonds.
10. Gingerbread Wars
If you want your teams to do something outside their computers, Gingerbread Wars is the way to go. In this game, participants will receive gingerbread kits by mail and then join a Zoom call to decorate and showcase their gingerbread creations.
Hosted professionally, teams showcase their gingerbread creations online live, sharing their decorating process and competing in a joyful, engaging environment. Either way, it’s a win-win situation – your team had a great time and a great snack waiting for them to munch on (if you use an edible recipe).
How to play:
- Arrange for gingerbread kits to be shipped to participants.
- Schedule a Zoom session that everyone can join in.
- Appoint a host to facilitate the activities.
- Encourage teams to decorate gingerbread creatively.
- Facilitate holiday-themed games and competitions.
- Use video conferencing for showcasing and judging creations.
11. Tiny Campfire
Tiny Campfire brings a fun online team-building experience wherein participants enjoy ghost stories, icebreakers, and competitions while making real s’mores.
Designed for any team size, this event promotes engagement and camaraderie without leaving the comfort of your home. No mosquito repellent is needed!
How to play:
- Receive a s’mores kit in the mail.
- Join the scheduled video call with your team.
- Light the tealight candle from the kit.
- Use the candle to toast marshmallows.
- Assemble and enjoy your s’mores.
- Participate in storytelling and games.
12. Werewolf
Try the virtual version of Werewolf for a thrilling online challenge. Players are villagers or werewolves, each with a mission assigned to them. Villagers aim to eliminate the werewolves, while the werewolves plot to take down the villagers.
This game is perfect for remote team-building and those familiar with the “Among Us” game without needing to buy the game to join.
How to play:
- Connect with members via a video conferencing platform.
- Roles (villager or werewolf) are assigned to each member of your team.
- Players discuss among themselves to identify the werewolves.
- Vote to eliminate a suspect each round.
- Werewolves secretly select a villager to eliminate each night.
- The game continues until all werewolves or villagers are eliminated.
- A moderator or host oversees the game for smooth play.
13. Virtual Dance Party
The Virtual Dance Party is a simple yet effective office game that turns ordinary team calls into a lively dance floor. Ideal for a quick energy boost or as a standalone event, it allows members to connect, dance, and enjoy music played by a DJ or host.
How to play:
- Choose a platform (Zoom, Twitch, etc.).
- Select a DJ or host for music.
- Announce the party time to your team.
- Play upbeat music that gets people moving.
- Dance and enjoy the music together.
- Optionally, you can add interactive elements or themes.
14. Five Finger Showdown
Five Finger Showdown is a lively virtual icebreaker perfect for large teams. Players start with five fingers up and lower one for each shared life experience mentioned. It’s a great way to discover surprising facts about each other, enhancing team relationships whether the first or last person wins.
How to play:
- Everyone raises five fingers on the video call.
- Take turns announcing unique life experiences.
- Lower a finger if you’ve had that experience.
- Continue until someone has no fingers raised.
- Declare the winner as the first or last with no fingers up.
15. Perspective Drawing
Perspective Drawing is a creative online team building exercise that celebrates the diverse viewpoints within a team. Each member is given a prompt to draw individually, such as “summer,” and then shares their artwork. The game reveals unique artistic interpretations and insights into each person’s perspective.
How to play:
- Provide a drawing prompt to the team.
- Ask each member to create their interpretation.
- Share drawings with the group.
- Introduce a twist: start with simple shapes.
- Instruct members to incorporate these shapes into their drawings.
- Discuss the varied and creative results.
16. Spreadsheet Pixel Art
Spreadsheet Pixel Art transforms Google Sheets from a data tool into a canvas for fun activities. For those who love using intricate spreadsheet formulas and have an artistic side, this activity involves creating pixel art using cells. Teams can also engage in this as a spirited contest.
How to play:
- Set up a theme or subject for the pixel art.
- Assign a time limit for the competition.
- Encourage creativity in using spreadsheet cells for art.
- Have members share their artwork.
- Vote or judge the best pixel art creation.
17. Pictionary
Pictionary Over Video Call is an interactive way to connect and entertain your remote team. This virtual version of the classic game involves one member drawing on an online whiteboard while others guess the illustration. It’s not just a game; it’s a fun exercise in communication and a great mood lifter for remote teams.
How to play:
- Set up a video call with your team.
- Use an online whiteboard tool for drawing.
- Randomly select or assign a drawer for each round.
- The drawer illustrates a given word or phrase.
- Other members guess the drawing as quickly as possible.
- Keep score, or just play for fun.
18. Pancakes vs. Waffles
Pancakes vs Waffles is a unique game designed for team building activities for remote teams. This game involves making collective ‘either-or’ decisions, starting with a light-hearted choice between pancakes or waffles. As the game progresses, new options are introduced, gradually shifting from whimsical to more personal choices.
How to play:
- Start with the initial choice: pancakes or waffles.
- Members advocate for their preferred option.
- Conduct a majority vote to decide the winner.
- Introduce a new competitor against the winner.
- Continue the process with varying pairs of choices.
19. Virtual Scavenger Hunt
A Virtual Scavenger Hunt is an exciting way to bring your team together for an energetic and creative activity. Participants race against the clock to find items or complete tasks within their homes. This game is about quick thinking and resourcefulness, making it an excellent choice for teams looking to add lively competition.
How to play:
- Compile a list of items or tasks for the scavenger hunt.
- Set a time limit for the hunt.
- Kick off the game with a video call.
- Members search for items or complete assignments.
- The first team or individual to finish wins.
- Share experiences and found items on the call.
20. Guess the Team Member
Guess the Team Member is an engaging activity for managing remote teams, where members anonymously submit personal statements. The challenge lies in guessing who each statement belongs to. It’s enjoyable in small, close-knit groups where crafting non-obvious statements adds to the intrigue.
How to play:
- Request anonymous personal statements from each member.
- Use a tool like Polly for submission collection.
- Share the statements in a group meeting.
- Have the team guess who each statement belongs to.
- Reveal the correct answers after all guesses.
- Encourage discussion and sharing around each revelation.
21. Can You Hear Me Now?
In this game, one player describes a randomly generated image using only geometric shapes, while others draw it based on these instructions. This game challenges and refines precise verbal communication and interpretation abilities in a fun, interactive way.
How to play:
- Choose one player as the speaker and the others as artists.
- The speaker uses a random image generator to find an image.
- Describe the image using only geometric shapes.
- Artists draw the image based on the speaker’s description.
- Compare the drawings to the original image.
22. This or That
This game involves a series of choice-based questions ranging from light-hearted options like “pizza or tacos” to more insightful ones like “work from home or the coffee shop?” It encourages engagement and provides a glimpse into personal likes, dislikes, and working styles.
How to play:
- Prepare a list of “This or That” questions.
- Pose each question to the team.
- Team members choose one of the two options.
- Encourage brief explanations for their choices.
- Rotate who answers first to keep engagement high.
- Use a mix of light and more thought-provoking questions.
23. Guess the Desk
“Guess the Desk” is an engaging activity to keep your remote team connected and entertained. In this Zoom icebreaker game, participants either do a room tour or share desk photos, with colleagues guessing the owner of each workspace. It’s a great way to explore and appreciate the diverse team setups and personalities.
How to play:
- Ask team members to submit a photo of their desk or prepare for a room tour.
- Display each desk photo or conduct a virtual tour during a Zoom call.
- Team members guess the owner of each workspace.
- Reveal the correct answers after all guesses are made.
24. Recipe Swap
Recipe Swap is a delightful virtual team building event that blends culinary exploration with team bonding. Remote team members share their favorite recipes: breakfast, dinner, or dessert. The team then takes on the challenge of preparing these dishes, each member trying a different recipe weekly.
How to play:
- Ask team members to share their favorite recipes.
- Assign a different recipe to each member weekly.
- Team members prepare their assigned recipes before the week’s end.
- Schedule a Friday meeting for everyone to discuss their cooking experience.
- Encourage sharing of cooking tips, successes, and challenges.
- Use this event to enhance team engagement and learn about each other’s tastes.
Summary
And that’s it. We’ve covered the list of virtual team building activities you can do with your whole team in a virtual office setting. These fun virtual events usually cost nothing. This is perfect for strengthening cohesion and collaboration for big or small teams.
We hope you will successfully implement fun remote team building activities at your next meeting. Seamlessly schedule your exercises with a free task manager (and other tools) with the Ahsuite Starter Plan, which you can use without a credit card.