Playing virtual icebreaker games with remote colleagues is essential for fostering a sense of connection and camaraderie within the team, especially in remote work, where physical distance can lead to isolation and anxiety. Research indicates that remote workers often experience higher loneliness and disconnection levels than their in-office counterparts. For instance, a study by Buffer found that 20% of remote workers struggle with loneliness. Icebreaker games allow team members to interact in a relaxed and informal setting, which can help alleviate feelings of isolation and build stronger relationships.
To ensure that remote colleagues maintain a sense of belonging and connection, it's recommended to incorporate icebreaker games into team meetings or virtual gatherings regularly. Consistent engagement in icebreakers helps break down barriers between team members and address remote work challenges, making sure individuals feel valued and connected despite the challenges of remote work.
37 Fun Zoom icebreaker games for virtual team building
1. Virtual Two Truths and a Lie
Each participant takes turns sharing three statements about themselves: two truths and one lie. The group then guesses which statement is the lie. This game works well with large and small teams.
How this game encourages connection:
- Encourages personal sharing in a comfortable setting.
- Promotes active listening and engagement.
- Fosters curiosity and camaraderie as participants learn more about each other.
For a light-hearted atmosphere that breeds interaction and connection, Two Truths and a Lie is a realistic game that’s easy to play online.
2. Zoom scavenger hunt
A moderator gives participants a list of items to find within their homes. Participants race against the clock to find and show the items on camera.
How this game encourages connection:
- Encourages teamwork and collaboration.
- Provides an opportunity for creative problem-solving.
- It helps participants feel connected despite physical distance.
Requiring individuals to search their surroundings for specific items injects energy and excitement into virtual meetings, creating memorable shared experiences that strengthen interpersonal relationships.
3. Virtual Pictionary
Set up a virtual whiteboard with a moderator to help keep the game's pace. Each team will designate an artist (they can be a different person each round) to draw while they guess what they're drawing. If they get the answer wrong, the competing team gets the chance to guess.
How this game encourages connection:
- Sparks creativity and imagination.
- Fosters teamwork and cooperation.
- Provides a platform for self-expression without pressure.
The team's artists are sure to love this game. Still, for those who aren’t confident in their drawing, it gives them a chance to go outside their comfort zone in a fun and low-stress environment.
4. Emoji Charades
Everyone is familiar with emojis. Participants will split into teams and, like in Pictionary, designate an actor to act out the emoji without speaking while others guess.
How this game encourages connection:
- Encourages non-verbal communication.
- Promotes creativity and interpretation.
- Helps participants feel comfortable expressing themselves.
Emoji charades are a great addition to the roster of Zoom virtual games but can also stand on their own, especially for larger teams.
5. Virtual trivia night
Pick a host for the evening to ask trivia questions that participants compete to answer correctly. At the end of the game, the host will tally up the correct answers and announce the winner.
How this game encourages connection:
- Stimulates cognitive engagement and learning.
- Encourages friendly competition and teamwork.
- Provides an opportunity for participants to share knowledge and expertise.
Trivia is an excellent Zoom activity as it creates a relaxed and social atmosphere for bonding. Use breakout rooms to split coworkers into teams.
6. Name That Tune
Choose a moderator to make a playlist, who will then play short clips of songs, and participants guess the title and artist.
How this game encourages connection:
- Stimulates auditory recognition and memory.
- Promotes a shared cultural experience.
- Encourages laughter and enjoyment.
A great game for pop culture and music enthusiasts on the team to flex their knowledge, it is also an opportunity for participants to have fun and have a few laughs.
7. Zoom Bingo
Download virtual bingo cards and pick a host responsible for calling out numbers or items. Like regular Bingo, players will (digitally) mark off the items on their cards.
How this game encourages connection:
- Promotes engagement and active participation.
- Fosters friendly competition and camaraderie.
- Provides a structured activity that is easy to follow.
With its simple rules and familiar format, virtual bingo creates a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Perfect for team-building, Bingo adds an element of excitement to virtual gatherings.
8. 20 Questions
One participant thinks of an object, and others ask yes-or-no questions to guess it within 20 attempts.
How this game encourages connection:
- Encourages critical thinking and deductive reasoning.
- Promotes collaboration and teamwork.
- Provides a structured framework for interaction.
When the object is guessed correctly, team members will feel a sense of achievement and have the chance to learn more about their colleagues.
9. Virtual Storytelling Circle
A virtual storytelling circle is a compelling Zoom icebreaker game that fosters meaningful connections and the sharing of personal experiences in a supportive environment, allowing participants to bond over shared narratives and anecdotes.
How this game encourages connection:
- Fosters empathy and connection.
- Encourages self-expression in a supportive environment.
- Promotes active listening and mutual respect.
Through storytelling, participants can express themselves authentically, promoting empathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging within the group. Adding storytelling to the end of a team meeting is a great way to bring the energy up and build rapport amongst colleagues.
10. Word Association
If you need a quick icebreaker game perfect for an evening of Zoom activities, Word Association is the one! It can be played multiple rounds as a team of in-breakout groups. A team member starts with a single word, and others respond with the first word that comes to mind, forming a chain of associations.
How this game encourages connection:
- Stimulates creativity and free thinking.
- Promotes spontaneity and improvisation.
- Provides a low-pressure environment for expression.
A great game to start or end a meeting, this virtual icebreaker encourages employees to create a sense of unity through shared language and ideas.
11. Virtual Talent Show
Host a virtual talent night to showcase your team's talents. Encourage participants to perform singing, dancing, or magic tricks.
How this game encourages connection:
- Fosters creativity and self-expression in a supportive environment.
- Encourages appreciation and celebration of individual talents and skills.
- Promotes inclusivity and diversity by embracing a wide range of talents and interests
Bonding over a webcam doesn't have to be difficult with an engaged event like a talent show, which creates memorable and entertaining moments.
12. Icebreaker questions
This virtual team-building activity lets employees take turns answering light-hearted and thought-provoking questions, such as "If you could have any superpower, what would it be?"
How this game encourages connection:
- Facilitates self-disclosure and conversation starters.
- Encourages participants to share personal insights and perspectives.
- Promotes empathy and understanding as participants learn more about each other's preferences and experiences.
The Icebreaker question event is perfect for building rapport and camaraderie by creating a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
13. Virtual Show and Tell
You may remember this game from your grade school days, but it’s still fun for grownups! Coworkers gather on Zoom to share an object or item of significance with the group, explaining its importance or backstory.
How this game encourages connection:
- Foster's storytelling and personal connections through shared experiences.
- Encourages participants to showcase their interests and passions.
- Promotes active listening and appreciation for diverse perspectives and experiences.
Providing a platform for individuals to express themselves and showcase their interests, virtual show and tell creates a dynamic and interactive atmosphere, promoting creativity, empathy, and mutual understanding among participants.
14. Guess the celebrity
Before beginning a virtual team meeting, break the ice with this fantastic Zoom game that sparks conversation among participants, prompting them to work together to identify well-known figures from various fields.
How this game encourages connection:
- Stimulates deductive reasoning and knowledge of popular culture.
- Encourages collaboration and teamwork as participants work together to identify celebrities.
- Promotes laughter and light-hearted fun in a relaxed setting.
Guess the Celebrity creates an engaging and lively atmosphere through friendly competition and shared knowledge. It fosters camaraderie and laughter, allowing individuals to showcase their cultural awareness and trivia skills.
15. Virtual Escape Room
In a classic virtual team challenge, coworkers solve puzzles and riddles collaboratively to "escape" from a virtual room within a set time limit.
How this game encourages connection:
- Fosters teamwork and problem-solving skills in a challenging environment.
- Encourages communication and collaboration as participants share ideas and strategies.
- Promotes a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie when the team successfully solves the puzzles.
The virtual escape room provides an interactive and engaging experience where individuals work together to solve puzzles and challenges. This creates memorable shared experiences and encourages communication.
16. Name That Movie
In this icebreaker, the moderator provides quotes, scenes, or movie hints, and participants guess the title.
How this game encourages connection:
- Stimulates memory recall and knowledge of film trivia.
- Encourages friendly competition and camaraderie as participants compete to identify movies.
- Promotes shared cultural experiences and appreciation for cinema.
Through its interactive and engaging format, Name That Movie creates a fun and nostalgic atmosphere. It fosters connections and shared experiences among participants while showcasing their cinematic expertise.
17. Virtual mindfulness session
Participants engage in guided meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness activities led by a facilitator.
How this game encourages connection:
- Promotes relaxation and stress relief in a virtual setting.
- Encourages self-awareness and emotional regulation.
- Facilitates a sense of calm and focus, enhancing overall well-being.
Practicing mindfulness in the workplace is a surefire way to create a supportive and inclusive space for participants to recharge and rejuvenate.
18. Zoom Icebreaker polls
For an Icebreaker Poll, teams designate a host who creates polls with fun and engaging questions, and participants vote on their answers.
How this game encourages connection:
- Encourages participation and engagement in a structured format.
- Provides insights into participants' preferences and personalities.
- Promotes inclusivity by giving everyone a voice in the conversation.
Gathering over Zoom with a simple and easy game can create opportunities for conversation starters and shared experiences.
19. Virtual “Would You Rather”
This classic party game is perfect for Zoom, prompting discussion and debate. Participants take turns posing "Would You Rather" scenarios to the group, sure to get people laughing at some ridiculous scenarios.
How this game encourages connection:
- Stimulates critical thinking and decision-making skills.
- Encourages creativity and imagination in exploring hypothetical scenarios.
- Promotes laughter and light-hearted banter in a relaxed setting.
Virtual Would You Rather creates a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere by presenting thought-provoking scenarios and prompting individuals to consider different options, promoting laughter and play in the context of an online gathering.
20. Virtual hobby showcase
A virtual showcase allows coworkers to share a hobby or interest they're passionate about, showcasing any related items or achievements.
How this game encourages connection:
- Fosters connections through shared interests and passions.
- Promotes self-expression and creativity.
- Provides opportunities for learning and discovery.
Virtual Hobby Showcase creates a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, encouraging participants to express themselves authentically while learning more about each other's unique interests and experiences.
21. Zoom Travel Bucket list
Team members are encouraged to share a destination they dream of someday and describe why it's on their travel bucket list.
How this game encourages connection:
- Promotes exploration and wanderlust.
- Fosters conversations about culture, adventure, and personal aspirations.
- Provides opportunities for sharing travel tips and experiences.
- Creates a sense of excitement and inspiration for future adventures.
22. Zoom Scavenger Hunt
Participants race to find specific items around their homes based on clues provided by the host. This game can also be done with hybrid teams or during an off-site team retreat.
How this game encourages connection:
- Encourages teamwork and collaboration.
- Promotes creativity and problem-solving skills.
- Provides opportunities for laughter and enjoyment.
Sharing your Bucket List with colleagues is a great way to create a sense of excitement and adventure in the virtual space.
23. Virtual Simon Says
The host gives commands prefaced with "Simon says," and participants must follow them. If the command is given without "Simon says," participants must refrain from following.
How this game encourages connection:
- Promotes active listening and attention to detail.
- Encourages engagement and participation.
- Provides opportunities for laughter and enjoyment.
Virtual Simon Says creates a dynamic and energetic atmosphere, incorporating movement and interaction, promoting laughter, excitement, and teamwork. It is entertaining to break the ice and build connections in virtual meetings.
24. Zoom Jigsaw Puzzle
Perfect for a game night, teams collaborate and find creative ways to solve a digital jigsaw puzzle within a set time limit.
How this game encourages connection:
- Fosters teamwork and collaboration.
- Promotes problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Provide opportunities for communication and coordination.
A great Zoom icebreaker game, doing a puzzle together encourages participants to rely on teamwork and cooperation.
25. Virtual Spin the Wheel
The host presents a virtual spinning wheel with various categories or questions. Participants take turns spinning the wheel and responding to the prompts.
How this game encourages connection:
- Promotes spontaneity and unpredictability.
- Encourages engagement and participation.
- Provides opportunities for laughter and enjoyment.
This icebreaker game injects an element of unpredictability and excitement into virtual meetings, encouraging participation and using fun prompts or activities.
26. Zoom fun facts
A fantastic way to break down barriers and get the conversation flowing, colleagues open up by sharing exciting or quirky facts about themselves.
How this game encourages connection:
- Fosters personal connections and shared experiences.
- Promotes self-expression and authenticity.
- Provides opportunities for laughter and enjoyment.
This icebreaker creates an atmosphere of sharing. It is lighthearted and full of discovery, offering a deeper understanding of each other's backgrounds and personalities.
27. Zoom animal-themed Charades
Much like regular charades, split the group into teams. Each team will choose an animal and act out its characteristics without speaking while others guess it.
How this game encourages connection:
- Promotes creativity and improvisation.
- Encourages teamwork and collaboration.
- Provides opportunities for laughter and enjoyment.
A great virtual game that prompts interactive and entertaining interactions, Animal Charades, creates a lively atmosphere that promotes team bonding and engagement.
28. Virtual Outfit of the Day
This icebreaker can be done on a designated day or over a longer period of time, like a week. Each day, employees showcase their outfits, describing why they chose it or any interesting details.
How this game encourages connection:
- Encourages self-expression and creativity.
- Fosters conversations about personal style and preferences.
Outfit of the Day allows participants to express their style and personality, fostering connections and conversations around fashion and self-expression.
29. Zoom Bucket Brigade
A great way to begin Friday game night is for teammates to pass a virtual bucket from one screen to another, each adding a positive thought or affirmation before passing it on.
How this game encourages connection:
- Promotes positivity and encouragement.
- Fosters a sense of support and camaraderie.
- Provides opportunities for reflection and gratitude.
By passing along virtual buckets filled with encouraging messages, the Bucket Brigade creates a ripple effect of positivity and builds a strong foundation for meaningful interactions in virtual meetings.
30. Virtual Show and Solve
Challenging coworkers to work together and solve simple puzzles or riddles within a set time limit is a great way to boost energy before a meeting or at the end of a long day.
How this game encourages connection:
- Stimulates problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
- Promotes teamwork and collaboration.
- Provides opportunities for laughter and enjoyment.
Show and Solve is an engaging Zoom icebreaker game because it requires teamwork to solve puzzles and riddles. It fosters collaboration and critical thinking skills in a fun and interactive way.
31. Zoom Time Capsule
This icebreaker is a great way to help teams get to know one another. Time Capsule asks participants to share an item or memory representing a significant moment from their past and explain its significance.
How this game encourages connection:
- Fosters connections through shared experiences and memories.
- Encourages storytelling and reflection.
- Provides opportunities for empathy and understanding.
Kickstart a meeting with this icebreaker that asks individuals to reflect on meaningful experiences and share their stories. Zoom Time Capsule cultivates a sense of community and understanding, sparking engaging conversations and building bonds that transcend the virtual space.
32. Virtual Secret Santa
This is an excellent game for the holiday period (and you have plenty of time to start planning!). Teams pick a random name and secretly prepare a small virtual gift for the assigned teammate.
How this game encourages connection:
- Fosters a sense of anticipation and excitement.
- Encourages thoughtfulness and kindness.
- Provides opportunities for surprise and delight.
Perfect for remote teams during the festive season, giving gifts personally and sending them in the mail or giving them out in person at a company retreat will help employees feel valued.
33. Virtual Word of the Day
An icebreaker that’s sure to make you smarter, individuals are asked to share a word they recently learned or find interesting, along with its definition and usage.
How this game encourages connection:
- Promotes vocabulary expansion and learning.
- Fosters curiosity and intellectual engagement.
- Provides opportunities for discussion and exploration.
Word of the Day keeps employees learning and encourages them to share knowledge.
34. Zoom Gratitude Circle
Keeping the workplace positive is vital to maintaining employee morale. By hosting a Zoom Gratitude Circle, employees can express something they're grateful for, whether big or small, and reflect on its significance.
How this game encourages connection:
- Promotes mindfulness and appreciation.
- Fosters a positive and supportive atmosphere.
- Provides opportunities for reflection and connection.
Sharing moments of appreciation and reflection helps employees remain mindful, creating a sense of unity and upliftment that sets a welcoming tone for the virtual meeting.
35. Virtual "Would You Survive?"
This fun and imaginative icebreaker prompts employees to pose hypothetical survival scenarios, and others discuss how they would navigate them.
How this game encourages connection:
- Stimulates critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Promotes creativity and imagination.
- Provides opportunities for laughter and enjoyment.
This icebreaker engages participants in thought-provoking scenarios, making it an entertaining and interactive way to kickstart conversations and build connections in virtual meetings.
36. Zoom Book Club break
Employees are asked to present and briefly share a book they're reading, recently enjoyed thoughts, or a favorite passage.
How this game encourages connection:
- Fosters a love for reading and intellectual curiosity.
- Encourages sharing of personal interests and perspectives.
- Provides opportunities for discussion and recommendation.
A virtual Book Club encourages participants to share their reading preferences, fostering engaging discussions and promoting intellectual exchange within the group.
37. Zoom drawing relay
Participants take turns adding to a collaborative drawing, each building upon the previous contributions.
How this game encourages connection:
- Stimulates creativity and imagination.
- Promotes teamwork and collaboration.
- Provides opportunities for laughter and enjoyment.
The drawing relay promotes active engagement and interaction, creating a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere.
Don’t forget to connect outside of the office
Managing a virtual team can have its challenges, and virtual icebreaker games are a great way to keep teams connected at a distance. That being said, it’s always essential to get the whole office together in person at least twice a year to help ensure your team doesn’t get stuck in a spiral of Zoom fatigue, which is common in remote teams if you don’t take the time to shake things up.
At the Surf Office, we are experts in helping you design the perfect off-site team-building retreat. Our expert team can assist you in finding the ideal balance between work and play so your team can return to work refreshed and productive!
