Working from home changed things big time. It has upsides, like freedom and taking control. But it also can make you feel alone, and disconnected from your coworkers. Good thing we can do virtual team building. Doing cool and interactive stuff doesn’t just build friendships. It also makes for a team-focused, positive place to work. Want to lift up your remote team’s spirits? Here are seven fun virtual team building games to consider.
7 Engaging Virtual Team Building Games
1. Online Trivia
Trivia is an eternal favorite, perfectly fitting into the online sphere. It’s an excellent method to ignite your team’s competitive drive and broaden their pool of knowledge.
How It Works
- Choose a theme: Find a subject that excites your group, could be broad knowledge, trending topics, or a single business sector
- Select a platform: Make use of systems like Kahoot!, Quizizz, or Google Forms to shape and run your trivia game.
- Divide into teams: Promote a spirited competition by breaking your group into littler clusters.
- Set the stage: Spark a lively, gripping ambiance using virtual backdrops or theme-based adornments.
Benefits
- Enhances general knowledge: Trivia helps to grow your knowledge base, leading to engaging chats.
- Promotes healthy competition: A bit of competition can uplift spirits and strengthen solidarity.
- Fosters collaboration: Working together becomes vital when figuring out responses and planning tactics.
Online Trivia Platform Comparison
| Platform | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kahoot! | Gamified format, real-time feedback, customizable quizzes | Engaging, interactive, easy to use | Limited customization options for advanced users |
| Quizizz | Variety of question types, student pacing, analytics | Flexible, customizable, student-centered | Can be overwhelming for new users |
| Google Forms | Simple setup, free, integration with Google Suite | Easy to use, accessible, cost-effective | Limited gamification features |
2. Virtual Escape Room
Get your team involved in a thrilling online escape room game. This team-building activity requires players to figure out puzzles and mysteries to “leave” a digital space.
How It Works
- Choose a theme: Opt for a fascinating topic that matches your team’s likes.
- Select a provider: Various platforms like The Escape Game or Breakout EDU provide ready-to-play virtual escape rooms.
- Divide into teams: Make tinier collectives to promote team spirit and problem-solving.
- Set the timer: Put in some fun by setting a deadline for the escape.
Benefits
- Encourages teamwork: Solid interaction and cooperation make for a winning team.
- Develops problem-solving skills: Team members have to use smart and inventive thinking to beat obstacles.
- Builds trust: Counting on your peers for their input fortifies relationships.
Virtual Escape Room Providers
| Provider | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Escape Game | Immersive experiences, professional production values, variety of themes | High-quality production, engaging storylines | Can be expensive for larger teams |
| Breakout EDU | Educational focus, customizable rooms, hands-on challenges | Flexible, educational, cost-effective | May require additional preparation |
| Tilt Brush | Virtual reality escape rooms, interactive puzzles, team-based challenges | Immersive experience, innovative format | Requires VR headsets, technical setup |
3. Virtual Pictionary
Boost your group’s creative and conversational skills with an online Pictionary contest. This traditional sketch-and-guess activity is a lively method to warm up friendships and enhance teamwork.
How It Works
- Select a platform: Use video call tools that let you share your screen, like Zoom or Google Meet.
- Divide into teams: Form duos or small groups for sketching and guessing.
- Choose categories: Go for an array of game types to mix things up and keep it fun.
- Set a timer: Have a timer for each round of sketching and guessing to keep the game thrilling.
Benefits
- Enhances creativity: Folks articulate their artistic thoughts and push boundaries.
- Improves communication skills: Clear sharing helps to dish out hints and make spot on predictions.
- Boosts morale: Chuckles and amicable rivalry shape a cheery setting.
Virtual Pictionary Tools and Apps
| Tool/App | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoom | Screen sharing, breakout rooms, virtual backgrounds | Widely used, user-friendly, free basic plan | Requires stable internet connection |
| Google Meet | Screen sharing, real-time drawing tools, integration with Google Suite | Free, easy to use, collaborative features | Limited drawing tools compared to specialized apps |
| Skribbl.io | Online drawing and guessing game, multiplayer, real-time feedback | Simple, fun, free | Limited customization options |
4. Online Bingo
Bingo, such a straightforward fun game, can be smoothly transitioned to an online format. With its inclusivity and lack of major prep, it’s an excellent choice for strengthening team ties.
How It Works
- Create bingo cards: Craft bingo sheets featuring assorted images or terms linked to your team or business.
- Choose a platform: Use digital meeting services or web-based teamwork tools to distribute the bingo sheets.
- Call out numbers: Call out numbers or terms at random, enabling participants to check them on their sheets.
- Celebrate winners: Honor the first individual to fill a row or pattern on their bingo sheet.
Benefits
- Easy to organize: You don’t need a lot of prep, just a little.
- Great for relaxation and fun: Bingo’s all about a chill, fun vibe.
- Promotes interaction: You can talk and mix with others while you wait for your bingo call.
Online Bingo Platforms
| Platform | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bingo Baker | Customizable bingo cards, virtual caller, multiplayer | Easy to use, flexible, free basic plan | Some features require a paid subscription |
| BingoCaller | Random number generator, audio calls, multiple game options | Simple interface, various game modes, free | Limited customization options |
| Zoom | Screen sharing for bingo cards, virtual gathering space, interactive features | Versatile platform, familiar to many users | Requires additional setup for bingo cards |
5. Virtual Scavenger Hunt
Launch a virtual scavenger hunt to get your crew involved. This enjoyable activity enhances problem-solving, sparks creativity, and promotes team unity.
How It Works
- Create a list of items: Start by making a list of items or clues that are easily available online or at players’ homes.
- Divide into teams: Break into smaller squads to promote friendly rivalry and teamwork.
- Set a time limit: Putting a time constraint will prompt fast thinking and on-the-spot solution finding.
- Use a platform: Use project management or communication platforms for clue disseminating and progress monitoring.
Benefits
- Promotes quick thinking: Participants are pushed to engage their creativity to identify items or crack puzzles.
- Encourages engagement: The hunt structure keeps participants dynamically partaking and interested.
- Fosters teamwork: Teaming up is key to discover all the goodies and master the task.
Virtual Scavenger Hunt Tools and Apps
| Tool/App | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trello | Task management, collaboration, visual organization | Flexible, customizable, team-oriented | May require some learning curve |
| Scavify | Scavenger hunt creation platform, GPS integration, real-time scoring | User-friendly, interactive, mobile-friendly | Paid subscription required for advanced features |
| Google Maps | Location-based clues, interactive map, image search | Free, widely available, familiar interface | Limited scavenger hunt specific features |
6. Virtual Cooking Class
Spark some innovative teamwork with an online cooking lesson. This engaging activity enables team members to gain fresh abilities, connect through mutual experiences, and relish tasty meals.
How It Works
- Choose a cuisine or dish: Stick to what the team likes when deciding on a dish or cuisine.
- Find a chef or instructor: Bring a pro chef or cookery tutor on board to guide the class.
- Provide ingredient lists: Pass on the list of needed items beforehand.
- Utilize a platform: Leverage video chat to unite the participants, the chef, and each other.
Benefits
- Encourages creativity: Folks can play around with tastes and how they serve up dishes.
- Offers a break from work routine: A cooking lesson affords a nice switch in routine.
- Builds camaraderie: Having a shared adventure and relishing the fruits of labor solidifies friendships..
Virtual Cooking Class Platforms
| Platform | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoom | Video conferencing, screen sharing, breakout rooms | Widely used, user-friendly, free basic plan | Requires stable internet connection |
| Chefling | Interactive cooking classes, ingredient delivery, recipe access | All-in-one platform, convenient, guided experience | Paid subscription required |
| KitchenAid | Virtual cooking classes, recipe library, kitchen appliance integration | Brand-focused, high-quality content, potential discounts on products | Limited class variety |
7. Online Murder Mystery
Let your team’s inner sleuths loose with a virtual whodunit. This all-engaging game calls for sharp reasoning, effective chat, and team play to crack the mystery.
How It Works
- Choose a theme: Go for an intriguing murder mystery theme in tune with your group’s likes.
- Assign roles: Hand out details about the character and hints to everyone involved.
- Utilize a platform: Create character exchanges and hint swapping through video chats or online work platforms.
- Encourage deduction: Let people join the dots with their theories and give them space to show the proof.
Benefits
- Develops problem-solving skills: Players need to break down hints and solve the riddle.
- Promotes collaboration: Sharing clues and cracking the mystery requires solid teamwork.
- Enhances communication: Good talk boosts info sharing and trust-making.
Online Murder Mystery Platforms
| Platform | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Totally Spies | Customizable murder mysteries, character roles, digital evidence | Flexible, interactive, engaging storylines | Requires some preparation and organization |
| Murder Mystery Party | Pre-written scripts, character kits, online support | Easy to set up, professional quality, various themes | Less customization options |
| Zoom | Video conferencing, screen sharing, breakout rooms | Versatile platform, familiar to many users, free basic plan | Requires additional planning and preparation |
Conclusion
Boosting your remote workforce’s strength and unity can be done through virtual team building games. Mixing these games into your team’s day-to-day can increase morale, foster teamwork, and make unforgettable moments. The secret to effective virtual team building is picking activities that match your team’s likes and individual characteristics. Try different games to see what fits your team the most. When you put resources into virtual team building, you are ensuring your distant team’s future success and joy.
