But this leaves a loophole for most managers, who, worry most about the team's culture. What they usually mean is, "We used to have fun together in the office, and now remote work feels stale and boring."
Global use of Zoom for meetings and fun Zoom games for work was accelerated by the pandemic. From 10 million people attending each day to more than 300 million now, that's a huge increase.
As a result, executives are looking for methods to liven up the digital workplace with games to play on Zoom with coworkers so that it's just as interesting as working in an office setting, with more opportunities for team building, fun, and connection.
Although a considerable amount of the video conferencing platform's 42 billion annualized webinar minutes were likely spent socializing amongst coworkers, it's safe to assume that a considerable amount was devoted to professional matters.
Leaders who think that team-building exercises involving enjoyable activities are spot on. Fun team activities, like gaming, are associated with higher productivity and better work-life balance, according to research conducted in the workplace.
What we can say is that these 20 team-building games to play over Zoom will make future on-screen get-togethers and virtual happy hours a lot more enjoyable, even though we can't say how engaged and pleasant that virtual sociability time was.
20 Virtual Games to Play over Zoom
1. Virtual Squid Game
Concept
Virtual Squid Game is an online team-building game inspired by the popular Squid Game series. Participants compete in a series of challenging games to play over Zoom that test their wit, communication, and logic. The objective is to advance through all rounds and be the last one standing.
Number of Players
20-100+ players
Time Limit
1 hour
Materials Required
- Teamland, Zoom, or other video conferencing platforms
- Pre-prepared riddles and puzzles
Gameplay
- Setup: Schedule a video call and invite participants. Also prepare materials (riddles, puzzles).
- Game Rounds
- Round 1: Solve riddles.
- Round 2: Complete a logic puzzle.
- Round 3: Memory game.
- Round 4: Communication challenge.
- Round 5: Virtual charades or scavenger hunt.
- Round 6: Final critical thinking puzzle.
- Advancing and Elimination: Complete the challenge to move on. Fail to solve in time and get eliminated.
- Winning: The last participant standing wins.
2. Virtual Escape the Board Game
Concept
This virtual game to play on Zoom merges classic board game elements with escape room mechanics. Players navigate through a virtual board, encountering puzzles and challenges that must be solved to advance. Each level offers increasing difficulty, testing the team's problem-solving and collaboration skills.
Number of Players
4-8 players
Time Limit
60-90 minutes
Materials Required
- A virtual board game platform (such as Tabletop Simulator or a custom-designed board on a shared screen)
- Pre-designed puzzles and challenges (e.g., riddles, ciphers, logic puzzles)
- Zoom or another video conferencing tool
- A game master to guide the game and provide hints
Gameplay
- Setup: The game master sets up the virtual board and explains the rules. Players are divided into teams if there are more than four participants.
- Starting the Game: Players roll virtual dice to move their pieces on the board. Each space on the board corresponds to a different puzzle or challenge.
- Solving Puzzles: When a player lands on a space, the team must work together to solve the puzzle presented. Successful completion allows them to advance.
- Hints and Clues: The game master provides hints if teams are stuck for too long, ensuring the game keeps moving.
- Winning the Game: The first team to reach the final space and complete the ultimate challenge escapes the board and wins the game.
3. Chocolate 101: Virtual Chocolate Tasting
Concept
Participants enjoy a game of guessing chocolates and their origins, exploring distinct flavors from 12 different locations around the world.
Number of Players
6-500+ players
Time Limit
1 hour
Materials Required
- 12-piece chocolate set (shipped to participants)
- Zoom or another video conferencing tool
- Expert host
Gameplay
- Setup: Schedule a Zoom call and invite participants. Ship chocolate sets to all participants.
- Game: Participants have to quickly guess the origin of the chocolate within a time limit.
- Interaction: Participants share thoughts on each chocolate. The participant with the most successful guesses wins a prize.
4. Zoom Around the World
Concept
Participants represent different countries and share unique facts, traditions, or recipes from their assigned country. The session concludes with a quiz to test participants' knowledge about the countries presented.
Number of Players
6-12 players
Time Limit
90 minutes
Materials Required
- List of countries (assigned randomly or chosen by participants)
- Zoom or another video conferencing tool
- Presentation materials (optional) such as slides, images, or videos
- Quiz platform (e.g., Kahoot!, Google Forms)
Gameplay
- Preparation: Each participant is assigned a country and given time (a few days prior to the event) to prepare their presentation.
- Presentation: During the Zoom meeting, each participant takes 5-7 minutes to share interesting facts, traditions, or recipes from their country. Visual aids are encouraged.
- Discussion: After all presentations, participants can ask questions or discuss what they've learned.
- Quiz: The host conducts a quiz based on the presentations. Participants answer questions to earn points.
- Winning the Game: The participant with the most quiz points wins a small prize or bragging rights.
5. Online Time Capsule
Concept
Participants contribute digital items such as photos, quotes, or short videos to a virtual time capsule. This capsule is saved and shared in a future meeting, offering a nostalgic look back at the contributions.
Number of Players
5-20 players
Time Limit
30-45 minutes for the initial session; a follow-up session can be a few months later
Materials Required
- Digital items (photos, quotes, videos) submitted by participants
- Shared online storage (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Zoom or another video conferencing tool
Gameplay
- Preparation: Participants are asked to submit their digital items before the meeting. These items should represent something meaningful or memorable.
- Sharing Session: During the Zoom meeting, the host shares each item and allows the contributor to explain its significance.
- Discussion: Participants can discuss the items and share thoughts or memories triggered by the items.
- Sealing the Capsule: The host compiles all items into a digital folder and "seals" the time capsule by setting a date for a future meeting.
- Follow-up Session: In a few months, the group reconvenes to open the time capsule and reflect on the past contributions.
6. Spot the Difference
Concept
Teams compete to find changes in each other's Zoom backgrounds, similar to spot-the-difference puzzles.
Number of Players
4-30 players (teams of 2-5)
Time Limit
30-60 minutes
Gameplay
- Setup: Split into teams of 2-5. Explain the rules and game sequence.
- Rounds:
- Study Phase: Teams study the screen for 1 minute.
- Breakout Rooms: Teams change one background object.
- Main Room: Teams return to the main room.
- Winning: Players guess differences in the chat box.
7. Reverse Scavenger Hunt
Concept
Instead of finding items, participants must create something from common household items. This could be a makeshift hat, a miniature sculpture, or any creative item specified by the host.
Number of Players
4-10 players
Time Limit
30-45 minutes
Materials Required
- Common household items (paper, scissors, tape, markers, etc.)
- Zoom or another video conferencing tool
Gameplay
- Introduction: The host explains the rules and provides a list of creative items participants need to make (e.g., a hat, a sculpture, a piece of jewelry).
- Creation Time: Participants have 10-15 minutes to create their items using only household materials.
- Show and Tell: Each participant shows their creation and explains how they made it.
- Judging: Participants vote for the most creative, funniest, or most impressive item.
- Winning the Game: Winners are announced based on the votes, and they receive a small prize or recognition.
8. Virtual Fortune Telling
Concept
Engage participants with a virtual fortune-telling session, where a professional fortune teller provides playful and fun readings. This can include tarot card readings, astrology charts, or palm readings. The aim is to entertain and spark conversations among team members.
Number of Players
5-20 players
Time Limit
60-90 minutes
Materials Required
- Zoom or another video conferencing tool
- A professional fortune teller (can be hired online)
- Optional: Personal information (e.g., birth date, time, and place for astrology readings)
Gameplay
- Introduction: The host introduces the fortune teller and explains the process.
- Readings: The fortune teller gives individual or group readings. This could include:
- Tarot Cards: Drawing cards for participants and interpreting their meanings.
- Astrology: Creating and explaining individual birth charts.
- Palm Reading: Analyzing hand features via video.
- Interaction: Participants can ask questions and share their thoughts on the readings.
- Discussion: After the readings, participants discuss their experiences and insights.
- Closing: The host wraps up the session, possibly sharing contact information for the fortune teller for follow-up sessions.
9. Around the World Cooking
Concept
Participants learn to cook dishes from various global cuisines using fresh, local ingredients, guided by an expert chef via a virtual platform.
Number of Players
4-60+ players
Time Limit
30 minutes - 1.5 hours
Materials Required
- Ingredient list (or select food kits shipped to participants)
- Zoom or another video conferencing tool
Gameplay
- Setup: Schedule a Zoom call and invite participants. Distribute ingredient lists or ship food kits.
- Cooking Lesson: The Chef explains the dish and demonstrates the cooking steps. Participants cook along in real time.
10. Interactive Story Creation
Concept
Participants collaborate to create a story, with each person contributing a segment. The story can take unexpected twists, encouraging creativity and teamwork.
Number of Players
5-15 players
Time Limit
45-60 minutes
Materials Required
- Zoom or another video conferencing tool
- A shared document or whiteboard (e.g., Google Docs, Zoom whiteboard)
Gameplay
- Introduction: The host explains the rules and sets the theme or starting sentence for the story.
- Story Creation: Participants take turns adding to the story. Each person has 2-3 minutes to write or narrate their segment.
- Unexpected Twists: To keep things interesting, the host may introduce random elements (e.g., "Now include a talking animal").
- Conclusion: After everyone has contributed, the host reads the complete story aloud.
- Discussion: Participants discuss the story's twists and turns, highlighting their favorite parts.
- Winning the Game: The story itself is the reward, showcasing the group's creativity and collaboration.
11. Virtual DIY Craft Showdown
Concept
Participants are given a list of household items and must create a craft project within a set time. The most innovative and well-crafted project wins.
Number of Players
4-10 players
Time Limit
45-60 minutes
Materials Required
- List of common household items (paper, scissors, glue, markers, etc.)
- Zoom or another video conferencing tool
Gameplay
- Introduction: The host explains the rules and provides the list of items.
- Creation Time: Participants have 20-30 minutes to create their craft projects.
- Show and Tell: Each participant presents their project and explains how they made it.
- Judging: Participants vote on categories such as most innovative, best use of materials, and best overall craft.
- Winning the Game: Winners are announced based on the votes, and they receive recognition or a small prize.
12. Digital Mystery Box Challenge
Concept
Each participant prepares a box with mystery items. They describe the items' textures and shapes, while others guess what's inside. This game encourages creative thinking and descriptive skills.
Number of Players
4-12 players
Time Limit
30-45 minutes
Materials Required
- Small boxes or containers
- Common household items to place inside the boxes
- Zoom or another video conferencing tool
Gameplay
- Preparation: Participants prepare their mystery boxes with items inside.
- Introduction: The host explains the rules and the guessing process.
- Guessing Game: Each participant takes turns describing their mystery item without showing it. Others guess what the item is based on the description.
- Revealing Items: After guesses are made, the describer reveals the item.
- Scoring: Participants earn points for correct guesses and accurate descriptions.
- Winning the Game: The participant with the most points wins a small prize or recognition.
13. Virtual Cooking Challenge: Mystery Ingredients
Concept
Participants are given a random list of ingredients and must create a Sushi dish within a time limit. They share their creations and recipes, and the most creative dish wins.
Number of Players
4-10 players
Time Limit
60-90 minutes
Materials Required
- List of random Sushi ingredients (communicated to participants beforehand)
- Basic kitchen tools and appliances
- Zoom or another video conferencing tool
Gameplay
- Introduction: The host explains the rules and reveals the list of mystery ingredients.
- Cooking Time: Participants have 45-60 minutes to create a dish using the ingredients.
- Presentation: Each participant presents their dish, explaining the cooking process and recipe.
- Judging: Participants vote on categories such as most creative, best presentation, and best use of ingredients.
- Winning the Game: Winners are announced based on the votes, and they receive recognition or a small prize.
14. Virtual Poetry Slam
Concept
Participants write and perform their poems based on a common theme or prompt. The group then votes on the best performances.
Number of Players
5-12 players
Time Limit
60 minutes
Materials Required
- Poetry prompts or themes
- Zoom or another video conferencing tool
Gameplay
- Introduction: The host explains the rules and provides the prompt.
- Writing Time: Participants have 10-15 minutes to write their poems.
- Performances: Each participant performs their poem.
- Judging: Participants vote on categories such as best poem, most emotional, and most creative.
15. Zoom Fantasy Draft
Concept
Participants create fantasy teams based on a specific theme (e.g., movie characters, historical figures) and compete to build the best team.
Number of Players
5-12 players
Time Limit
60-90 minutes
Materials Required
- Draft theme
- Draft board (can be a shared document)
- Zoom or another video conferencing tool
Gameplay
- Introduction: The host explains the rules and the draft theme.
- Drafting: Participants take turns drafting characters or figures for their team.
- Presentation: Each participant presents their final team and explains their choices.
- Judging: Participants vote on categories such as best team, most creative, and funniest choices.
16. Codenames on Zoom
Concept
Codenames is a word game to play over Zoom where teams guess which words on a board are related to a hint given by their spymaster. The goal is to guess all your team's words before the other team.
Number of Players
4-10 players
Time Limit
30-60 minutes
Materials Required
- Free online version of Codenames (e.g., Codenames Online)
- Zoom
Gameplay
- Setup: Split into two teams: red and blue. Each team selects a spymaster. One non-spymaster shares their screen with the online Codenames board.
- Starting the Game: Spymasters view the key card showing the color of each word: red, blue, neutral, and the assassin. Spymasters take turns giving a one-word hint and a number (e.g., "Animal 2").
- Guessing: Teams discuss guesses in the main Zoom room or breakout rooms. Teams click on words in the shared screen to make guesses.
- Winning: The first team to correctly guess all their words wins the game.
17. Drag Bingo
Concept
Conference Call Bingo is a fun and familiar game that promotes team building and engagement during Zoom meetings. Players track common phrases or occurrences on their Bingo cards, aiming to complete a line and win a prize.
Fun Twist: Your host is a fabulous drag queen!
Number of Players
- 4-20 players (or more, depending on the size of the meeting)
Time Limit
- Duration of the Zoom meeting (can be played in the background)
Materials Required
- Custom Bingo cards (distributed digitally to each participant)
- Zoom or another video conferencing tool
Gameplay
- Setup: Distribute Bingo cards with common conference call phrases or occurrences.
- Playing: Participants mark off items as they occur during the call.
- Winning: The first to complete a line shouts "Bingo!". The host verifies and awards a prize.
18. Tiny Campfire Hangout
Concept
Tiny Campfire Hangout is a virtual campfire experience where team members gather online to share stories, play fun Zoom games, and enjoy s’mores. It mimics the bonding experience of a real campfire, fostering collaboration and camaraderie among remote and hybrid employees.
Number of Players
10-200 players
Time Limit
60-120 minutes
Materials Required
- Conference app (Zoom, Skype, etc.)
- S’mores ingredients (shipped to participants)
- Virtual campfire background or props
Gameplay
- Setup: Schedule a Zoom or Skype call, ship s’mores ingredients to participants and set up a virtual campfire background.
- Activities:
- Storytelling: Share campfire stories or personal anecdotes.
- Games: Play fun Zoom games like Two Truths and a Lie or Virtual Charades.
- Music: Share campfire songs or play instruments.
- Discussion: Facilitate fun or work-related discussions.
- Closing: Reflect on the experience.
19. Virtual Game Show
Concept
Teams compete in a series of virtual games to play on Zoom, answering survey questions on various topics to earn points. The team with the most points at the end wins.
Number of Players
4-200+ players
Time Limit
30 minutes - 1 hour
Materials Required
- Teamland app or similar game platform
- Video conferencing tool (Zoom, Skype, etc.)
Gameplay
- Setup: Schedule a video call and invite participants. Split participants into teams.
- Game Rounds: Teams answer survey questions on various topics. Correct answers earn points.
- Winning: The team with the most points wins.
20. Virtual Gingerbread Builder
Concept
Participants design and decorate gingerbread houses and people in a fun, high-energy workshop, led by a team of elves with holiday trivia and fun Zoom games.
Number of Players
2-200+ players
Time Limit
1 hour
Materials Required
- Gingerbread baking/decorating kits (shipped to participants)
- Zoom or another video conferencing tool
Gameplay
- Setup: Schedule a Zoom call and invite participants.
- Baking and Decorating: Participants pipe gingerbread dough and bake (if kits include unbaked dough). Use frosting and sugar treats to decorate gingerbread houses and people.
- Showcase and Sharing: Participants show off their decorated gingerbread creations.
Bottomline
A growing number of game options are appearing as we deepen our entry into the Zoom era.
There are many alternatives available to you, whether you're planning a game night with friends, coming up with a team-building activity for work, or attempting to engage pupils.
Just settle on a game theme or idea and let Teamland handle the rest. We will execute it flawlessly for you.
FAQs
What are Zoom games?
Fun Zoom games are interactive activities designed to be played over Zoom, a video conferencing platform. They can include trivia, scavenger hunts, puzzles, and team-building exercises, tailored to engage participants virtually.
How to play games in a Zoom meeting?
To play games in a Zoom meeting, schedule a Zoom call, invite participants, and share instructions. Utilize features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, and chat for interactive gameplay. Some games may require additional digital tools or apps.
Does Zoom have interactive games?
No, it doesn’t itself have built-in games to play over Zoom, but it supports interactive gameplay through its features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, and chat. Third-party apps and online platforms can be integrated for a more enhanced gaming experience.
Are Zoom games effective for remote employees?
Yes, fun Zoom games are effective for remote employees. They promote team bonding, improve communication, and provide a fun break from routine work, enhancing overall team morale and productivity.
