Games offer a magnificent opportunity to galvanize people and establish a sense of community in virtual events. They are not only effective at breaking the ice and promoting teamwork, but they also provide a much-needed break from the burdens of everyday life.

Team building games, in particular, present a great platform to cultivate camaraderie, communication, and leadership skills. By bringing individuals together outside of the usual work environment, these games foster better relationships, which should ultimately translate to better team cohesion. Whether you’re planning a virtual party, team-building session, inter-divisional networking event or conference, games can play a role in your strategy for an engaging virtual event.

In this article, we’ve meticulously assembled probably the most extensive catalog of games great for virtual events. Our list features everything from classic board games adapted for online play to innovative new games purpose-built for virtual environments. Keep in mind that all of our times and rules are just our recommendations, and if you find a rule or duration change suits your group, do it!

Icebreaker Games

Icebreaker games help people get to know each other and feel more comfortable in a group setting. They are often used at the beginning of a virtual meeting, workshop, or event to help break the ice and build camaraderie among participants. Here are some examples of Icebreaker games suitable for virtual events;

Two Truths and a Lie

Team size: 2 or more

Time: 2 minutes per participant

How to play: Each participant will introduce themselves and share three statements about themselves, two true and one false. The other participants will have to guess which statement is the lie by asking questions. The person who guesses the most lies correctly wins, but everyone really wins!.

Never Have I Ever

Team size: 3 or more

Time: 2 minutes per participant

How to play: Each participant will take turns sharing something they have never done before, starting with the phrase “Never have I ever”. Those who have done that thing will put a finger down. The person with the most fingers up at the end loses (or wins, whatever your perspective 🙂

Pictionary

Team size: 2 or more

Time: 20-30 minutes

How to play: Each participant will take turns drawing a word or phrase using a drawing software, a piece of paper, and a marker. The other participants will guess the word or phrase, and the person who guesses correctly goes next.

Virtual Scavenger Hunt

Team size: 4 or more

Time: Up to you, we recommend

How to play: The host will list items that participants must find in their home, such as a blue pen, a book, a cactus, a teddy bear…endless possibilities. Participants will have a set amount of time to find and return each item to the camera. The first person to find all the items on the list wins, or you can make it collaborative, and the breakout room to find everything wins. You can try Scavify or TurfHunt on Google play.

Word Association

Team size: 2 or more

Time: Up to you

How to play: One player says a word, and the other players must quickly say the first word that comes to mind. The game continues with each player saying a word that is associated with the previous word. 

Bingo

Team size: 3 or more

Time: 10-15 minutes

How to play: Players are given a bingo card with different words or phrases on it, and these can be virtual bingo cards as well . The host calls out words or phrases, and players mark them off on their cards. The first player to get a bingo wins. 

Charades

Team size: 2 or more

Time: 20-30 minutes

How to play: Each participant will take turns acting out a word or phrase without speaking. The other participants will guess what the word or phrase is, and the person who guesses correctly gets to go next.

Name That Tune

Team size: 3 or more

Time: 20-30 minutes

How to play: The host plays a short clip of a song and players try to guess the name of the song and the artist. The first player to correctly guess both wins the round or you can do a point for the artist, a point for the song’s name, and bonus points for a live performance!

Storytelling

Team size: 3 or more

Time: 30-45 minutes

How to play: The host will start a story, and each participant will take turns adding a sentence to the story. The story will continue until whenever you feel like ending it.

How to Adapt Icebreaker Games for Virtual Events

Use virtual breakout rooms where participants can gather in smaller groups to play games. Another option is to modify the games to fit the virtual environment. For example, for games that require physical movement, you can substitute those actions with gestures or movements that can be done within the camera view. You can also make use of virtual whiteboards or online chat functions to keep track of scores or share answers.

Social Deduction Games

Social deduction games involves players attempting to deduce or deceive one another to achieve their objectives. These games usually involve hidden roles, secret information, and manipulation of information to achieve goals. Social deduction games often require players to make observations, read body language, and form alliances to determine who is telling the truth and who is lying. Here are some examples of Social deduction games suitable for virtual events;

Among Us

Team size: 4-10 players

Time: 15-20 minutes per game

How to play: Players work together on a spaceship to complete tasks while trying to identify and vote off any imposters among them. The game is played in rounds, where the crewmates have to complete their tasks while the imposters try to kill them and sabotage their progress. At the end of each round, the players have to discuss and vote on who they think the imposters are.

Mafia/Werewolf

Team size: 6+ players

Time: 30-60 minutes per game

How to play: Players are divided into two groups – the mafia and the town. The goal of the game is for the town to identify and vote off the mafia members before they kill off all the town members. The mafia members try to blend in with the town members and avoid suspicion while carrying out their attacks.

Secret Hitler

Team size: 5-10 players

Time: 45-75 minutes per game

How to play: Players are divided into two groups – the liberals and the fascists. The goal of the game is for the liberals to pass five liberal policies or assassinate Hitler while the fascists try to pass their own policies and elect Hitler as chancellor. The players have to use their deduction and negotiation skills to figure out who is on their side and who is not.

Coup

Team size: 2-6 players

Time:  15-30 minutes

How to play: Coup is a game of bluff and deception, where players try to eliminate the other players by guessing their roles and using their abilities to their advantage. The last player standing is the winner. You can play this game with friends if with a Premium subscription to Board Game Arena.

Blood on the Clocktower

Team size: 5-20+ players

Time: 45-90 minutes

How to play: Players are given secret roles, and some are secretly evil. The game is divided into days and nights. During the day, players debate and vote on who they believe is evil. At night, evil players can secretly eliminate good players. The game continues until either all evil players are eliminated or they outnumber the good players. To play online, a moderator can create a virtual game board and use video conferencing software for communication. You can get print and play digital files here and play online here. It does take some time to set up and understand the rules, so this one is a time investment for everyone.

How to Adapt Social Deduction Games for Virtual Events

Many social deduction games have been adapted for online play, with platforms like Tabletop Simulator and Board Game Arena offering virtual versions of popular games like “One Night Ultimate Werewolf” and “Secret Hitler”.

In some social deduction games, players may need to send private messages to each other. In virtual events, players can use private messaging functions within video conferencing software or other online platforms to communicate privately.

In games like “Mafia” and “Werewolf”, players are assigned roles at the beginning of the game. In virtual events, these roles can be assigned digitally, either through an online platform or a randomizer tool.

For larger groups, consider using breakout rooms within video conferencing software to allow players to have smaller, more focused conversations with each other.

Trivia Games

Trivia games challenge players’ knowledge on various topics, from history and science to pop culture and sports. The objective of these games is to answer questions correctly to earn points or advance in the game. Some examples are;

Jeopardy!

Team size: 2-3 players

Time:  30-60 minutes

How to play: Players take turns choosing a category and a point value, then answering a question related to the chosen category. At the end of the game, the player with the most points wins.

HQ Trivia

Team size: 5 or more

Time: 15-20 minutes

How to play: Players tune in to a live trivia game show hosted by a live host. The host asks 12 multiple-choice questions, and players have 10 seconds to answer each question. Players who answer all 12 questions correctly split the cash prize.

Kahoot!

Team size: 10-50 players

Time: 10-20 minutes

How to play: The host creates a quiz on the Kahoot! platform and shares a game pin with players. Players answer multiple-choice questions on their own devices, and the leaderboard shows the top players at the end of the game.

Trivial Pursuit

Team size: 2-6 players

Time: 30-60 minutes

How to play: Players take turns rolling a die and moving their game piece around the board. They must answer trivia questions correctly to progress, and the first player to collect all six wedges wins the game. You can host a game on Pogo (you may need a paid subscription and all players will need a Pogo login).

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

Team size: 1 or more

Time: 30-60 minutes

How to play: Players answer a series of multiple-choice questions, each with increasing difficulty and cash prize amounts. Players can use lifelines to help answer questions. This UI is a little weak but it works for content. There are a few other options out there but one issue with this game is that only one person/team answers at a time and usually the questions are randomized so you won’t get a consistent game for everyone unless you make your own!

Trivia Murder Party

Team size: 1-8 players

Time: 30-45 minutes

How to play: Players answer multiple-choice trivia questions, and those who answer incorrectly must participate in a mini-game. The last player standing wins. Play this one on Jackbox.

You Don’t Know Jack

Team size: 1-8 players

Time: 20-30 minutes

How to play: Players answer trivia questions, and bonus points are awarded for answering quickly and accurately. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins. This one is also at Jackbox.

Family Feud

Team size: Played in teams of 5 or more

Time: 30-60 minutes

How to play: Two teams compete to guess the most popular answers to survey questions. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Pub Trivia

Team size: Group of up to 8 people

Time: 60-90 minutes

How to play: The host reads out questions, and players write down their answers. Points are awarded for correct answers, and the team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Trivia Bingo

Team size: 6-10 people

Time: 30-60 minutes

How to play: The host creates bingo cards with trivia questions and answers. Players mark off squares when the corresponding question is asked and answered correctly. The first player to get a bingo wins. Make your bingo cards at the link above and think of themed questions for your audience.

How to Host Trivia Games for Virtual Events

Think about the theme of your trivia game and create questions that are engaging, challenging, and fun. You can use trivia websites or apps for inspiration, or come up with your own questions.

You can have individuals play independently or divide players into teams. If you decide to have teams, make sure to assign team captains and come up with team names.

Decide on the rules for your game, including how points will be awarded and how much time teams have to answer questions. You can also choose to include bonus rounds or other fun elements to keep the game exciting.

On the day of the event, make sure everyone is logged in and ready to play. Share your screen so everyone can see the questions, and make sure to keep track of points and time. At the end of the game, declare the winning team or individual and celebrate their victory!

Strategy Games

Strategy games require careful planning, thinking ahead, and making calculated decisions to outwit opponents. Players need to use their analytical skills to achieve the game objectives, which could range from building a civilization, conquering territories, or managing resources. Some examples are;

Settlers of Catan

Team size: 3-4 players

Time: 1-2 hours

Team size: 3-4 players

Time: 1-2 hours

How to play: Players take turns building and managing settlements and cities, trading resources with each other, and trying to earn the most victory points. We’re hardcore Colonist.io – Catan Universe is trash (LOL).

Risk

Team size: 2-6 players

Time: 2-3 hours

How to play: Players take turns moving armies across a world map, trying to conquer territories and eliminate other players while managing resources and alliances. You can find the game on Hasbro, Playclassic, Conquerclub.

Civilization VI

Team size: 2-12 players

Time: 6-8 hours

How to play: Players manage their own civilization and compete with other civilizations for dominance by researching technologies, building cities, and waging wars.

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

Team size: 2-8 players

Time: 1-3 hours

How to play: Players build and manage empires while gathering resources and fighting battles in real-time, trying to outsmart and defeat their opponents.

Twilight Struggle

Team size: 2 players

Time: 2-4 hours

How to play: Players simulate the Cold War era as the US and Soviet Union, trying to control key battlegrounds and score victory points by manipulating global events and political influence.

Diplomacy

Team size: 2-7 players

Time: 4-12 hours

How to play: Players take on the roles of European nations in the early 20th century, making alliances and betrayals while negotiating and fighting for territory and power. Here’s a youtube tutorial on the game, and you can get the game on BoardGameGleek.

Dominion

Team size: 2-4 players

Time: 30-60 minutes

How to play: Players build a deck of cards representing their kingdom, trying to earn the most victory points by buying and using cards strategically. Play the game online on their official website.

XCOM 2

Team size: 1-4 players

Time: 20-40 hours

How to play: Players lead a team of soldiers in a turn-based battle against alien invaders, managing resources and upgrading their soldiers’ skills and equipment.

Crusader Kings III

Team size: 1 player

Time: 10-50 hours

How to play: Players control a dynasty of rulers in medieval Europe, navigating complex political and social relationships while expanding their territory and power. See reviews and get the game on steam.

Europa Universalis IV

Team size: 1-32 players

Time: 10-100 hours

How to play: Players control a nation-state in early modern Europe, managing their economy, diplomacy, and military strategy in a dynamic and historically accurate world. Get the game on Paradox Interactive.

How to Play Strategy Games Online With Friends

Depending on the platform, this may involve downloading the game or creating a new game session. Make sure everyone has the same rules and understands how the game is played.

Communication is essential when playing strategy games online virtually with friends. Decide on a method of communication, such as a group chat, video call, or voice chat. Make sure everyone is able to hear each other and that there’s no background noise.

Make sure everyone knows the turn order and takes their turns in the correct order. This may involve using a virtual turn tracker or simply keeping track of turns in the chat.

Playing strategy games online with friends can be more challenging than playing in person, especially if there are technical issues or lag. Be patient with each other and take breaks if needed.

Creative Games

Creative games require players to use their creativity and imagination to solve puzzles or come up with new ideas. These games often involve drawing, storytelling, and thinking outside the box. Here are some examples;

Scattergories

Team size: At least two teams of two players each

Time: 30-60 minutes

How to play: Players roll a dice to determine a letter and then come up with words that fit certain categories starting with that letter. The team with the most unique answers at the end wins.

Charades

Team size: At least two teams of two players each

Time: 30-60 minutes

How to play: Players take turns acting out a word or phrase without speaking while their team tries to guess it. The team with the most points at the end wins.

Drawful

Team size: At least two teams of three to eight players each

Time: 20-30 minutes

How to play: Players are given a prompt to draw on their devices, and then other players try to guess what it is. Points are awarded for correct guesses and for tricking other players into guessing wrong. Get the game on Jackbox games.

Quiplash

Team size: At least two teams of three to eight players each

Time: 20-30 minutes

How to play: Players are given prompts to come up with funny answers to, and then other players vote on their favorites. Points are awarded for winning votes.

Balderdash

Team size: At least two teams of three to six players each

Time: 30-60 minutes

How to play: Players are given a word and have to come up with a convincing fake definition for it. Points are awarded for guessing the correct definition and for tricking other players into guessing your fake one.

Codenames

Team size: At least two teams of two to four players each

Time: 30-60 minutes

How to play: Players give one-word clues to get their team to guess the correct words on the board. Points are awarded for correct guesses and for avoiding the other team’s words.

Mad Libs

Team size: At least two teams of two players each

Time: 30-60 minutes

How to play: Players take turns filling in the blanks of a story with various parts of speech, and then read the completed story aloud. The team with the most entertaining story at the end wins.

Note: Each game’s team size and time may vary depending on the specific version or variation being played.

How to Play Creative Games Online With Friends

Share your screen with your friends so they can see the game board or materials. Some  creative games may require a virtual whiteboard, so make sure you have one available and take a few minutes to explain the game’s rules, making sure everyone understands how to play.

Begin the game and encourage everyone to participate. You can use the chat or video features of the conferencing platform to communicate during the game.

Keep track of points or scores as the game progresses. You can use a virtual scoreboard or simply write down the scores on a piece of paper. When the game is over, congratulate the winner and thank everyone for playing. You can also discuss the game and any memorable moments or highlights.

Collaborative Games

Collaborative games require players to work together towards a common goal, rather than competing against each other. These games often require communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

Geoguessr

Team size: Unlimited

Time: 10-20 minutes

How to play: Players are dropped into a random location on Google Maps and must use clues to guess where they are. Play the game for free on their official website.

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

Team size: 2+ players

Time: 5-15 minutes

How to play: One player is tasked with defusing a bomb while the other players are given a bomb defusal manual. The non-defuser(s) must read the manual and provide instructions to the defuser on how to defuse the bomb.

The Escapists 2

Team size: 4+ players

Time: 15-30 minutes

How to play: Players must work together to escape from a prison by crafting tools and devising escape plans.

Codenames

Team size: 4-12 players

Time: 15-30 minutes

How to play: Players are divided into two teams and given a grid of code names. One player from each team must give clues to their team to guess the correct code names without guessing the opposing team’s code names.

Minecraft

Team size: Unlimited

Time: Open-ended

How to play: Minecraft is a collaborative game where players can build and explore together in a block-based world. There are a variety of game modes to choose from, including survival and creative.

Raft

Team size: 2-4 players

Time: Open-ended

How to play: Players must work together to survive on a raft in the middle of the ocean. Players must gather resources, build structures, and fend off sharks.

Portal 2

Team size: 2 players

Time: 8-12 hours

How to play: Players must work together to solve puzzles using a portal gun that can create portals between two points. Players must use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to progress through the game.

Spaceteam

Team size: 2-8 players

Time: 5-10 minutes per round

How to play: Each player is given a control panel with various buttons and switches that need to be activated to complete tasks and avoid obstacles in space. However, each player has instructions that are meant for another player, so players must communicate and work together to complete the tasks before time runs out.

Jackbox Party Pack

Team size: 3-8 players

Time: 15-30 minutes per game

How to play: Jackbox Party Pack is a collection of party games that can be played remotely. Players can connect to the game through their phones or other devices and compete in a variety of mini-games.

Phasmophobia

Team size: 4 players

Time: 10-25 minutes

How to play: Players work together as ghost hunters to gather evidence and identify the type of ghost haunting a location.

How to Play Collaborative Games With Friends

As you peruse the examples of collaborative games featured above, choose one that ignites your interest and that of your compatriots. In addition, select a video conferencing platform that will facilitate effective communication and collaboration during gameplay.

Project the game’s interface from your personal computing or mobile device onto a shared screen for all to observe and partake in. Some games, like Jackbox Party Pack, allow players to join using their smartphones, so no additional equipment is needed.

In some collaborative games, participants must undertake specific roles. Assign such roles before commencing gameplay to guarantee a seamless experience. Ensure that each individual comprehends the game’s mechanics prior to launch, obviating confusion and promoting equitable gameplay.

In collaborative games, communication serves as the lynchpin. Motivate all to engage in dialogue and collaborate harmoniously towards attaining the game’s objective.

Conclusion

Through this article, we explored a variety of games suitable for virtual events and discussed the importance of selecting a suitable video conferencing platform for effective communication and collaboration during gameplay.

Incorporating games into virtual events can be an excellent way to foster social interaction, create a sense of togetherness, and add an element of fun and excitement to any occasion, be it a casual gathering or a formal corporate event. To ensure a successful virtual gaming experience, it’s crucial to assign roles, understand game mechanics, and encourage communication.

So, if you’re planning a virtual event, don’t forget to include games in your planning to create a truly engaging and unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Frequently Asked Questions