Top 15 Online Team Games for Remote Teams

Looking for online team games to boost connection and engagement for your remote team? This article lists the top 20 games online that enhance communication, teamwork, and morale. Perfect for reducing isolation and creating a sense of belonging in your virtual workspace.

 

Why Online Team Games Are Essential for Remote Teams

Online team games are essential for remote teams because they foster teamwork, communication, and morale, bridging the gap created by physical distance. In a virtual environment, it’s easy for employees to feel isolated. Engaging in these games allows remote employees to form connections, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting a sense of belonging.

These games also enhance employee engagement by allowing for relaxed interactions that promote communication and collaboration. When team members participate in fun activities, they are more likely to communicate openly and frequently, which can lead to improved work relationships and a more cohesive team dynamic.

Participating in online team games encourages creativity and problem-solving in a fun setting, benefiting team dynamics. Whether it’s a virtual escape room requiring strategic thinking or a drawing game that sparks creativity, these activities help team members think outside the box and collaborate more effectively.

Overall, online team games are a powerful tool to keep remote teams connected, engaged, and motivated. Integrating these games into your team’s routine fosters a more dynamic and supportive work environment.

 

The Benefits of Incorporating Online Team Games

Research shows a significant increase in employee performance and lower absenteeism associated with regular virtual team-building activities. Regular engagement in these activities enhances connections among colleagues and boosts commitment to work.

Scheduled team-building exercises foster a cohesive team dynamic and enhance productivity. These activities provide an opportunity for team members to understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, which can lead to better collaboration and more effective teamwork.

Virtual team activities clarify goals, boosting overall productivity. When everyone is on the same page and understands the team’s objectives, it becomes easier to work together towards common goals. Many of these activities are also free, making them a cost-effective solution for remote teams.

Adding team-building activities to meetings enhances engagement and morale. Breakout rooms can promote deeper discussions by allowing team members to engage in smaller groups, fostering a more intimate and productive environment.

 

Our Top Free Online Team Games for Remote Teams

There are various options for free online team building games that are both engaging and accessible. Enjoyable and effective, these games enhance team interaction and collaboration.

Games like ‘Guess the virtual background’ and ‘Things’ boost fun and team interaction. Other types of games available include trivia games, cooperative challenges, and guessing games such as ‘Guess the image’ and ‘Five Clicks Away’. These games can be easily organized by gathering the team on a video call and establishing the rules.

‘Words with Friends’ and similar challenges boost creativity among team members. For instance, in the ‘Guess the Workspace’ game, team members submit pictures of their workspaces for others to guess, adding a personal touch to the interaction.

Here are some specific free online team games to bring your remote team closer through virtual team building games.

 

1. Skribbl.io: Drawing and Guessing Game

Skribbl.io is a collaborative drawing game similar to Pictionary. In this virtual team building game, players choose a word and draw it within 80 seconds while others guess what it is. This game encourages team members to express their creativity and have fun together.

Skribbl.io fosters teamwork and fun through creative expression. It’s an excellent way for team members to relax and bond over shared laughter and artistic attempts.

Link: Play Skribbl.io

Cost: Free

 

2. Can You Hear Me Now?: Communication Challenge

The game ‘Can You Hear Me Now?’ is all about improving communication skills among team members. In this game, one person describes a drawing using only geometric shapes while another team member tries to recreate it based solely on the verbal instructions. This game demands clear communication and active listening, making it an excellent exercise for enhancing these skills.

‘Can You Hear Me Now?’ During video calls is both challenging and fun. It encourages team members to articulate their thoughts clearly and listen attentively, leading to better communication in their work tasks.

Link: Can you hear me now game (includes similar communication challenges)

Cost: Free

 

3. Get to Know Your Team: Icebreaker Questions

Icebreaker questions are a fantastic way to facilitate deeper connections among team members. These questions can range from simple favorites, like “What’s your favorite movie?” to more thought-provoking ones, like “What motivates you?”. These activities help team members share personal stories and find common interests.

Breakout rooms provide a comfortable setting for introverts during icebreakers. Smaller groups help make the experience less intimidating and encourage more open communication.

Activities like ‘Guess the emoji sentence’ add a fun twist to icebreakers, allowing team members to communicate creatively and laugh together. Icebreaker questions build trust and camaraderie within the team.

Link: Explore Icebreaker Questions

Cost: Free

 

 

Engaging Online Team Games Using Third-Party Platforms

Third-party platforms offer engaging online games that often include sounds, graphics, and videos to enhance the experience. These platforms offer various games that maintain engagement, foster connections, and create shared memories.

Banana Life, for example, offers a range of remote online games, including virtual escape rooms and collaborative storytelling games like War of the Wizards. These games are designed to keep team members entertained and engaged, making them perfect for virtual team building.

Third-party platforms effectively foster team bonding. Structured activities and high-quality content on these platforms ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Now, let’s look at some specific examples of engaging online team games using third-party platforms.

 

4. Jackbox Games: Trivia and Party Games

Jackbox Games is a series of video party games that can be played with a downloaded app streamed to a video call. These games include trivia and creative challenges, making them versatile for team engagement.

A major benefit of Jackbox Games is their accessibility. They can be played by anyone with a device that supports a web browser, making them suitable for diverse teams. Additionally, these games are low-cost, making them an economical option for team activities.

Trivia games, in particular, are a popular team building activity for encouraging teamwork among remote teams. By working together to answer questions, team members can bond and develop a sense of camaraderie.

Link: Jackbox Games Official Site

Cost: Paid (Games start at approximately $25, with frequent sales available)

 

5. Virtual Escape Rooms: Problem-Solving Adventures

Virtual escape rooms are online games that focus on collective problem-solving and strategic thinking. These games require teams to work together to solve puzzles and complete challenges, making them excellent team-building activities.

Options for online escape games include free or DIY versions, as well as fully facilitated options that range in cost. Popular themes for virtual escape rooms include franchises like Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes, and Nancy Drew.

Online escape games develop teamwork and collaboration skills. These activities boost critical thinking and problem-solving, valuable for team development.

‘Murder in Ancient Egypt’ is a popular team-building game combining escape room mechanics and problem-solving. This game not only entertains but also strengthens team collaboration and strategic thinking.

Link:Digital Escape Rooms 

Cost: Free or Paid (Facilitated options range from $10 to $30 per player)

 

 

Classic Games Adapted for Virtual Play

Classic games adapted for a virtual game play are accessible and enjoyable for remote teams. These games bring a sense of nostalgia while enhancing team bonding and communication.

Examples of classic games that can be played virtually include:

• Pictionary
• Charades
• Two Truths and One Lie
• Guess Who

These games are easy to set up and play, making them perfect for virtual team building activities.

Playing these classic games online improves morale and fosters team connections. By integrating familiar games into remote team activities, you can create a fun and engaging environment for your team.

Now, let’s explore some specific classic games that have been adapted for virtual play.

 

6. Online Team Building Bingo

Online Team Building Bingo is a simple game played with a grid of numbers or work-specific words. This game can be played virtually by using downloadable boards and appointing a caller for a fun game during happy hour.

The first participant to mark off all the numbers wins in virtual Bingo. Prizes for winners can include Amazon gift cards and bragging rights, adding an extra layer of excitement to the game.

Link: Team Days – Virtual Bingo

Cost: From $29 per person

 

 

7. Virtual Charades

Virtual Charades is a team game played over video calls, where players act out images while their teammates guess what they represent. This game encourages team members to think creatively and communicate non-verbally. Players earn points based on how quickly their teammates can guess the correct image being acted out.

Virtual Charades enhances team bonding and communication in a fun way.

Link: Pantoparty

Cost: Varies depending on group size

 

8. Virtual Pub Trivia

Virtual Pub Trivia is a game where teams answer questions on a call, earning points for correct answers. This game can be played with at least two teams, using breakout rooms for larger groups.

Using virtual breakout rooms allows teams to discuss answers and strategise, enhancing the collaborative aspect of the game. Themed trivia adds variety, making it popular for virtual team building.

Link: Quiz Meisters Virtual Trivia

Cost: From $30 per person

 

 

Creative and Fun Online Team Games

Creative and fun games keep team members engaged and foster camaraderie. Games like Skribbl.io and Quick Draw incorporate improv, creative thinking, and competition, creating an engaging atmosphere.

The exciting sponge game enhances creativity and storytelling, making it a perfect fit for team-building sessions. Karaoke sessions are a fun virtual activity for team bonding, showcasing talents.

Games like Truth or Dare: Remote Work Edition and Guess the Refrigerator bring team members closer. These games promote sharing and vulnerability, enhancing team connections.

Let’s dive into some specific creative and fun online team games that can bring your team closer together.

 

9. Virtual Improv Sessions

Virtual improv sessions are excellent icebreakers, helping teams connect and engage. They encourage spontaneous thinking and creativity, allowing free expression. Participating in improv games enhances team dynamics, boosts creativity, and creates a fun collaborative atmosphere.

They reveal common interests and foster deeper connections.

Link: Improv game ideas

Cost: Free

 

10. Virtual Scavenger Hunt

In virtual scavenger hunts, participants search for items based on clues and earn points. These hunts require minimal preparation, as participants are tasked with finding items quickly.

To organise a virtual scavenger hunt, create a list of random objects for players to find in under a minute. Video chat apps and team chat applications like Slack are great tools for hosting the scavenger hunt.

The scavenger hunt accommodates small and large groups, enhancing teamwork and spirit. It’s a fun and fast-paced activity that promotes team bonding and cooperation.

Link: Virtual Scavenger Hunt 

Cost: Free

 

 

Competitive Online Team Games

Competitive online games foster a sense of competition and camaraderie among team members. Games like Speed Sudoku and Typing Speed Races provide a fun and engaging way to challenge each other and improve skills.

Speed Sudoku is a competitive version of Sudoku where players race to complete puzzles as quickly as possible. Typing speed races foster competition by hosting a typing speed relay and adding up scores for team competition.

‘Guess that tune’ is a trivia game where players identify songs from short clips. These games can be played for free and are perfect for larger groups using breakout rooms.

Here are some competitive online team games to bring out your team’s competitive spirit.

 

11. Typing Speed Race

A Typing Speed Race is a competitive online game where team members race to type quickly for one minute. Typing Test aims to foster competition and improve typing speed.

Typing Speed Races promote collaboration by forming teams for a Typing Speed Relay and combining scores. Incorporating a typing speed challenge can motivate team members to improve their typing efficiency.

Link: TypeRacer

Cost: Free

 

12. Spreadsheet Battleship

Spreadsheet Battleship can accommodate 3 to 10 players or more. The game board is created using Google Sheets, and players need to place their ships and take turns naming squares, receiving feedback such as hit, miss, or sunk. This game allows players to upgrade their spreadsheet skills, formulas, and features while having fun.

It encourages competition and team bonding through collaborative work and strategic thinking. Spreadsheet Pixel Art adds creativity and competition to the game.

Link: Spreadsheet Battleship

Cost: Free

 

Games That Promote Health and Wellness

Virtual team building activities alleviate loneliness and stress among remote employees. Health and wellness games enhance morale and reinforce healthy habits. A virtual team building activity can further support these efforts.

Regular engagement in virtual wellness activities can significantly boost employee morale and productivity. These activities can include anything from hydration games to mindfulness sessions, all aimed at promoting overall well-being.

Health-focused games foster team cohesion by encouraging collective participation in wellness challenges.

Let’s explore some specific games that promote health and wellness.

 

13. Employee Virtual Wellness Sessions

Employee Virtual Wellness Sessions include health and wellness activities, icebreakers, guided insights, and exercises. These sessions can feature mindfulness exercises like five-minute guided meditations, promoting calmness and reducing stress.

In mindfulness sessions, an expert explains the concept and benefits of mindfulness. These sessions can help reduce meeting jitters and foster a sense of calm among participants.

Wellness sessions in your team’s routine enhance employee morale and well-being.

Link: Workplace Wellness Australia

Cost: Pricing varies depending on the program and the number of participants. Contact for a tailored quote

Link: Healthworks

Cost: Virtual wellness sessions start from around $800 per session, depending on the session type and group size

 

14. Virtual Dinner Party

While in-person dinner gatherings are a staple for many teams, remote teams face challenges in creating the same experience, especially with social distancing measures in place. A virtual dinner party offers a fun and unique solution.

To host one, simply send an invite via email, asking everyone to join a video call while enjoying their favorite meal and drink. It’s a great chance for team members to relax and bond outside of work-related discussions. Don’t forget to prepare some light-hearted icebreaker questions to keep the conversation flowing!

If you have a team budget, consider ordering food for everyone. You could arrange for pizza deliveries, or let the team choose their own meals, all while sharing the experience virtually.

Price: Free – Moderate ($ – $$)

 

15. Run Club

If your team is embracing the perks of remote work, like extra flexibility and saved commuting time, why not channel some of that into fitness activities like running?

Try creating a virtual running group with apps such as Strava, where team members can log their runs, track their routes, and encourage one another to stay active.

Add an element of fun by organising challenges—who can log the longest distance, the fastest mile, or the most consistent runs? Sweeten the deal with small prizes or friendly recognition to keep motivation high.

Link: Strava

Cost: Free for basic features. The premium version starts at $7.99/month

 

Tips for Successful Online Team Building

Effective communication tools support virtual teams and enhance engagement. Successful virtual team building requires clear instructions and thoughtful planning. Dedicating time to games is crucial in online team building. Consider scheduling, meeting length, and engagement to maximise the benefits of virtual team building.

Mindfulness sessions alleviate stress and foster calm among participants. Activities in wellness sessions can include guided meditations and physical exercises to enhance overall well-being.

Here are specific tips for successful online team building, including some virtual team building ideas.

 

Include the Introverts

When planning team-building activities, it’s crucial to create an environment where introverts feel comfortable participating and bonding with their teammates. Small group dynamics help introverts engage more easily, reducing the pressure of speaking in front of a large audience.

Introverts appreciate activities requiring less verbal interaction, allowing for more thoughtful contributions. Sending meeting agendas in advance gives introverts time to prepare and feel less put on the spot.

Games like ‘One Question Icebreaker’ allow introverts to engage without extended dialogue pressure.

 

Make Team Building Part of Every Meeting

Add team building elements to every meeting, such as quick games or mini scavenger hunts. These activities keep the team engaged and make team building a regular part of the routine.

Ensure activities remain quick and easy to avoid stress. Regular small activities significantly maintain team morale and cohesion.

 

Use Breakout Rooms Effectively

Breakout rooms facilitate smaller group interactions, allowing for more intimate discussions and collaboration. Games like Jackbox or Virtual Escape Rooms excel in breakout rooms, encouraging teamwork and strategic problem-solving.

Icebreaker questions ease participants into breakout room discussions, fostering a friendly environment. Hosting activities like Virtual Pub Trivia in breakout rooms enhances engagement, allowing teams to bond over shared interests.

 

 

Online Team Games and Why They Are Important

Online team games are an invaluable tool for remote teams. They foster communication, enhance engagement, and build a sense of community that is often hard to achieve in virtual settings. By participating in these activities, team members can develop stronger bonds, improve their problem-solving skills, and have a lot of fun in the process.

Regular engagement in virtual team building activities can significantly boost morale and productivity. These games provide a break from the usual work routine, allowing team members to relax and enjoy each other’s company in a different context. Whether it’s a quick icebreaker or an elaborate virtual escape room, incorporating these games into your team’s routine can make a big difference.

The key to successful team building is consistency and inclusivity. By making team building a regular part of your meetings and ensuring that everyone feels comfortable participating, you can create a supportive and dynamic work environment. So, get started with these top 20 online team games and watch your remote team thrive!

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are online team games important for remote teams?

Online team games are crucial for remote teams as they enhance teamwork and communication, helping teammates connect despite physical distance. This creates a strong sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation.

What are some benefits of incorporating online team games?

Incorporating online team games can significantly boost team performance and morale by creating a cohesive and engaging environment. You’ll likely see improved productivity and reduced absenteeism as your team bonds and aligns on goals.

How can I organise free online team games for my remote team?

Organising free online team games is a breeze—just set up a video call, lay down some ground rules, and dive into fun options like trivia, guessing games, or even creative challenges like ‘Words with Friends.’ Your team will bond over these engaging activities!

What are some tips for including introverts in online team building activities?

To make introverts feel included in online team building, focus on small group activities and share agendas ahead of time. Try using games like ‘One Question Icebreaker’ where they can engage with minimal pressure.

How often should we incorporate team building activities into our meetings?

You should incorporate team building activities into every meeting to keep your team engaged and strengthen their bond. Even small games or quick activities can boost morale and create a positive routine.

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