Zoom Games for 2025: Quick, Team Building Ideas for Large Groups
COVID-19 forced companies to adopt remote and hybrid working arrangements and digitize work activities. This led to meetings being conducted via Zoom and other video conferencing platforms. The setup has been convenient for many and costs far less than going to the office. However, the manner in which work is applied has caused mental and emotional stress among regular employees and even managers.
According to a recent study on how work-from-home arrangements are making employees feel, 72% feel less attached to their teams and tasks (The Offsite Co, n.d.). A study on the neuroscience of social pain also indicates that social pain takes place when a person feels excluded, and it triggers the same brain regions as physical pain. These discoveries imply that lack of social interaction can negatively impact a remote worker’s mental wellbeing. (Petrova, 2019).
Employees who feel lonely and isolated will not feel comfortable working remotely and participating in other work-related tasks (Time Doctor, n.d.). Here, we will focus on how Zoom games for work can inspire both employees and managers, their diverse categories, how they make the new normal interesting and manageable, and why these games are viable employee perks.
Zoom Games Table of Contents
- Quick Zoom Games
- Zoom Games for Large Groups
- Zoom Team Building Ideas to Deepen Professional Relationships
- Zoom Games to Promote Teamwork and Problem-Solving Skills
- Other Fun Games to Play on Zoom with Coworkers
- How Can You Measure the Impact of Zoom Games on Team Engagement and Performance?
- How to Choose the Right Zoom Game for Your Team
- How to Leverage Technology and Innovation in Virtual Team Building
- What Pitfalls Should You Avoid in Virtual Team Building Sessions?
- How Can You Ensure Inclusive Participation in Virtual Team Building Sessions?
- How Can Virtual Team Building Enhance Professional Growth and Career Development?
- How Can Virtual Team Building Strengthen Organizational Culture Over Time?
- How Can Virtual Team Building Promote Continuous Learning and Academic Advancement?
- How Can Virtual Team Building Foster Employee Retention and Increase Job Satisfaction?
Why Play Zoom Games
Whether a company is operating fully remote or just partially remote, playing Zoom games is crucial in engaging remote employees and building a solid foundation for the company. Unfortunately, many companies are ignoring the importance of these activities and missing out on a lot of opportunities. It doesn’t have to exactly be Zoom. Many of the games also work with other video conferencing platforms. Organizers can refer to Capterra and Capterra alternatives for options.
For Employees
Current employees will feel supported and valued, while newly hired ones will feel welcomed and excited to start their first day of work. Teams will be given a chance to work on tasks in a healthy work environment, which nurtures efficiency and innovation. Solving a problem with a team also paves the way for establishing rapport and stronger professional relationships, leading to higher employee satisfaction (Time Doctor, n.d.).
For Managers
Zoom fatigue is real, and managers may experience it, too. Through Zoom games, managers can figure out the strengths and weaknesses of their employees. This instance makes managing and distributing assignments more effective. It also allows them to identify what workers need to be able to perform their jobs well (Time Doctor, n.d.).

Quick Zoom Games
Quick Zoom games are simple games that will not be time-consuming for employees. These games do not also require much effort from them as they are just designed to break the ice and elicit quick bursts of laughter right before a meeting.
Five Things
Five Things is an impromptu game that encourages team building. To start, ask one employee to think of a topic. Give him or her 15 seconds to come up with 5 items belonging to the topic. Afterward, he or she must choose another coworker to continue the game.
Guess That Movie
Before playing Guess That Movie, create a playlist with movie scenes first. During the game, mute all the Zoom meeting participants and play each movie scene for them to guess. Let them submit their guesses in the chatbox. Whoever guesses the correct movie first wins.
Virtual Pictionary
Pictionary is an all-time favorite board game, which can be easily adapted for virtual meetings. Share screens and choose the whiteboard app in Zoom. The employee who will be tasked to draw will receive instructions, while the rest of the team has a minute to guess the image. If the team does not guess the correct answer before the time is up, the other team gets to steal (Alexis, 2021).
Zoom Masked Singer
Zoom Masked Singer is the online adaptation of the popular show “The Masked Singer". Enter the Zoom call with all videos turned off and alias as everyone’s names. Let each employee sing for a minute or two; then, have the rest of the team vote for their favorite singer. Once everyone has picked their favorite, let them guess who that singer is.
Read My Lips
Read My Lips turns situations of unintentionally muting oneself into something enjoyable. Here, one participant will mute his or her mic and utter a word or phrase. The rest of the team has a minute to guess what the uttered word or phrase was. Clues may also be provided in the chatbox if needed.

Zoom Games for Large Groups
Holding virtual meetings is hard, and it is even harder when participants are plenty. The best Zoom meeting games for large groups aim to make these meetings more attainable and less awkward. Here are some of team building activities on zoom that you can use.
Building a Storyline
Building a Storyline is an old and exciting Zoom activity. Have the entire team virtually create a circle. The first employee starts the story with an opening sentence and another unfinished one. The next employee finishes the previous line and continues with another unfinished sentence. Each employee will contribute until everyone has joined.
This game must be able to develop a sensible story, encouraging employees to unleash their creativity and skills for effective communication (Time Doctor, n.d.). It may not be one of those quick games but it sure is engaging, provided that people participate wholeheartedly.
Guess the Emoji
Guess the Emoji is played by presenting a list of the Zoom meeting participants first. Next, have them guess the top five most-used emojis of each person within five minutes. Let them know if they have guessed the correct answers. The employee who guesses the most correct answers wins.
Language Class
Each employee will choose a word or phrase spoken in their native language. Together with some clues, these words or phrases will be presented to the rest of the team. Everyone else must guess what each item means by relying on the clues. The first employee with the most number of correct guesses wins.
Language Class is perfect for global teams who speak different languages across the workplace. It lets everyone learn new things while understanding other cultures (Harper, 2021).
Plane Ticket
Let everyone express their frustration about their canceled trips through this game. Encourage them to post a picture of their favorite trip or their next dream travel location. Plane Ticket will have everyone talking about their most unforgettable memories or aspirations in life (The Offsite Co, n.d.).
Meme Chat
Meme Chat makes it possible to talk in memes. Begin the game by choosing a theme. Then, send a related meme to the chatbox. The entire conversation must only go on through the exchange of memes.
Zoom Team Building Ideas to Deepen Professional Relationships
A deep professional relationship makes a team work. Featured below are Zoom team building ideas that will help employees recognize this facet.
Call of the Champions
Call of the Champions prompts the designation of roles during meetings. These roles may include:
- A cheerleader who will cheer everyone up during the meeting and persuade them to do the same
- A mover and shaker who acts like a cop, getting everyone back on track when something is not progressing
- A shade thrower who will politely boo others
- A photographer who will take snapshots of the team during the meeting
- A scribe who will take notes
Zoom Werewolf
Zoom Werewolf is the virtual version of the famous game of deception. Play this game by privately messaging everyone about their characters. These characters must include a werewolf, a doctor, a hunter, a seer, and villagers.
After declaring that the night has fallen, everyone must close their eyes. For each round, the werewolf must eat someone, the doctor must save someone, and the seer must predict who the werewolf is. Have these characters submit their answers privately to keep the mystery alive.
Announce the rising of the sun and confirm the success of the werewolf. Then, ask everyone to share who they think the werewolf is, and eliminate participants every round. They would win if the werewolf survives until the end (Alexis, 2021).
Zoom Cribs
Zoom Cribs, which is the virtual version of MTV Cribs or House Hunters, asks participants to show their homes to each other online. MuseumHack Marketing Associate Jesse Sussman believes that this game is an entertaining way to know more about the team and their personalities at home.
Aside from showing off their homes, employees may also show off their favorite items or spaces. This game promotes connection and camaraderie among the team (Time Doctor, n.d.).
Never Have I Ever: Zoom Edition
Make a list of general topics. Everyone begins with five points and loses one point for each item that they have done. The last person standing will be declared as the winner.
Never Have I Ever: Zoom Edition enables employees to find out new and fun information about each other and join a friendly competition at the same time (Time Doctor, n.d.).
A Channel for the Pets
A Channel for the Pets is one of the most favorite Zoom tasks of many employees. In this activity, a channel will be created solely for posting pictures of everyone’s pets. This is an almost effortless Zoom task but boosts team building and the workplace culture (Sussman, 2021).
Zoom Games to Promote Teamwork and Problem-Solving Skills
This section enumerates Zoom games that promote teamwork and problem-solving skills. These games can be extensive and pretty complicated but can achieve impressive outcomes (Smart, 2020).
The Aliens Are Here
Divide the entire team into smaller ones, each with three or four members. Tell them that the aliens are here on Earth, but they only know how to communicate using their incomprehensible language. Thus, each team must choose five pictures or symbols that they think best describe the company.
This game helps managers understand how employees perceive the company and its culture. It also helps enhance problem-solving and communication skills (Time Doctor, n.d.).
The Counting Game
The Counting Game works by having employees count to 10. If any of them mentions a number randomly, then count to one again.
Understanding body language and eye contact is more interesting during Zoom meetings, and this skill is necessary for everyone to learn. Strategies can also be planned for this game to become more effective.
War of the Wizards
As a collaborative storytelling game, War of the Wizards has RPG and escape room elements. For a long time, a team of wizards has been fighting in this game. Then, the rest of the team becomes the minions of the wizards who collect resources and magical things to end the ongoing war.
This game lasts for about 90 minutes, in which players will make stories, take actions, play the “Chaos Wheel," and try to achieve results. It develops creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills (Alexis, 2021).
Desert Island
Let participants picture that they are stranded on a deserted island, and they have only brought seven items with them. These items must be mysterious and challenging, like fruit or vegetable seeds, a rope, a blanket, and so on. Then, divide the team into small groups and have them brainstorm on choosing the items. Once they are finished, conduct a team video meeting and talk about what they have planned.
This game will urge employees to use their critical thinking and strategic planning skills. It will also promote teamwork, friendly competition, and a sense of enthusiasm within the team (Time Doctor, n.d.).
Can You Hear Me Now?
Can You Hear Me Now? is played by assigning one person to be the speaker and the rest of the team will be the artists. The speaker uses an image from a random image generator. The mission is to have the artists draw that image successfully only by listening to the speaker’s description of the image. The twist is that the speaker must only describe the image through geometric shapes.
With limited instructions, this game improves communication skills and listening skills (Sussman, 2021).
Other Fun Games to Play on Zoom with Coworkers
Zoom games indeed require more effort, cooperation, and commitment from each employee. However, as time passes and they get more comfortable with each other, they will be more willing to join future activities and build more friendships (Time Doctor, n.d.). Here are other fun productivity meeting icebreakers to play on Zoom with coworkers. And some of the are good Zoom games for big groups.
Whose Office Is It Anyway?
Trying to get familiar with everyone in a remote setup is not easy. Whose Office Is It Anyway? lets employees know more about their coworkers (Harper, 2021). Ask them to take a picture of their home offices and upload them online. Then, have everyone guess whose office is being shown for each picture.
Arm’s Reach Show & Tell
Arm’s Reach Show & Tell is played by giving employees only a minute to search for something within their arms reach that is significant to them. Each of them must share why a certain item has that kind of significance to them.
Spreadsheet Wars
In Spreadsheet Wars, employees can show off their Google Sheets skills. Pick a theme like “most innovative calculation" or “create a recipe generator." Employees can only use the spreadsheet software to propose a solution. This game can level up employees’ skills on Google Sheets and similar tools while having fun performing it (Sussman, 2021).
Pin the Map
Much to everyone’s surprise, research on the cultural diversity of distributed teams claim that cultural diversity in the workplace can also be a barrier. Thus, it is important for everyone to be familiar with each other to stop individual differences from interfering with team performance (Harper, 2021).
To play Pin the Map, create an interactive world map first. Then, ask everyone to show where they are born and where they are currently residing by pinning their picture onto the map. While playing the game, the facilitator should ask questions, like what their dream vacation place would be, the best food they have tried, and so on.
Articulate
Provide everyone with a varied list of ten words. Set the timer for one minute. The first participant starts by describing the chosen word without mentioning the actual word. Then, the next participants go on. The winner will be the one who has the most correctly guessed words.
Articulate guarantees a great laugh for everyone.
How Can You Measure the Impact of Zoom Games on Team Engagement and Performance?
To validate the effectiveness of Zoom games, implement performance metrics and targeted surveys both before and after activities to assess changes in employee engagement and morale. Evaluate quantitative indicators—such as participation rates, task completion speed, and communication frequency—alongside qualitative insights gathered during debriefing sessions. Utilize technology for real-time data collection and analysis to continuously refine game strategies. Moreover, expand your knowledge in game design and interactive engagement by exploring an online game development degree, which can further enhance the creation of meaningful and productive virtual experiences.
How to Choose the Right Zoom Game for Your Team
Choosing the right Zoom game for your team can significantly impact the engagement level and the activity's overall success. Different teams have different dynamics, preferences, and purposes for playing games—team-building, stress relief, or simply having fun. Here's how you can select the most appropriate game based on key factors like team size, energy levels, and the desired outcome of the activity.
- Consider Your Team's Size
- Why It Matters: The number of participants will determine the type of game you can organize. Some games work well for small groups, while others are designed for larger teams.
- What to Choose:
- Small Teams: Games like trivia, Pictionary, or charades are ideal for small groups where everyone can participate actively.
- Large Teams: To keep everyone engaged, opt for games that break participants into smaller groups, such as virtual scavenger hunts or team-based challenges.
- Assess the Team's Energy Level
- Why It Matters: Your team's energy level will dictate whether you should play a high-energy, competitive game or a more relaxed, casual game. Understanding this helps set the right tone for the session.
- What to Choose:
- High Energy: Games like virtual escape rooms or "Two Truths and a Lie" are great for teams that enjoy a competitive and fast-paced environment.
- Low Energy: If your team needs a more laid-back activity, games like virtual trivia, "Would You Rather," or "Guess the Sound" are great. These games are low-key but still engaging.
- Determine the Purpose of the Game
- Why It Matters: The purpose of the game will guide you toward the type of activity that best suits your team's goals, whether it's bonding, relaxation, or ice-breaking.
- What to Choose:
- Team Building: For a more collaborative approach, choose games like "Office Trivia," "Who's Who?" or team-based puzzles that require problem-solving and cooperation.
- Relaxation or Fun: If the goal is to unwind and have fun, games like "Kahoot!" quizzes or fun ice-breakers like "Name That Tune" work well.
- Take Into Account Team Preferences
- Why It Matters: Every team has different interests and preferences. Some might enjoy competitive activities, while others prefer creative or strategic games. Choosing something your team will enjoy is key to engagement.
- What to Choose:
- Creative Teams: Games like Pictionary, virtual art challenges, or "Story Builders" (where each person adds a sentence to a story) may suit teams that enjoy creative expression.
- Competitive Teams: Trivia quizzes or digital board games like Monopoly or Chess work best for competitive teams.
- Choose Games That Encourage Interaction
- Why It Matters: Zoom games can become monotonous if players are not encouraged to interact. The more interactive the game, the more it will help strengthen team dynamics.
- What to Choose:
- Highly Interactive: Games like "Virtual Scavenger Hunt," "Werewolf," or "Charades" require constant interaction and communication, fostering connections between team members.
- Less Interactive: Trivia or bingo games are less interactive but still promote engagement and can serve as fun, light-hearted distractions.
- Factor in Time Constraints
- Why It Matters: Not all teams have time for long games. Selecting a game that fits within your available time ensures the activity is enjoyable without feeling rushed or cut short.
- What to Choose:
- Short on Time: Games like "Two Truths and a Lie" or quick trivia rounds can be wrapped up in 10-20 minutes.
- More Time Available: Opt for longer games like virtual escape rooms or team challenges that may last 30 minutes or more.
How to Leverage Technology and Innovation in Virtual Team Building
As remote work becomes the norm, companies can further enhance team-building experiences through the integration of advanced technological solutions. For example, incorporating virtual reality platforms for immersive team-building activities or leveraging artificial intelligence tools to personalize games according to team dynamics can create a more engaging and tailored experience. Such innovations not only boost employee morale but also align with the evolving digital landscape that modern businesses operate in.
Moreover, organizations can encourage employees to upskill by promoting online educational opportunities. For example, team members who have a passion for cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence might be interested in pursuing an AI masters degree online to broaden their knowledge and stay ahead in their careers. Such initiatives promote both personal development and organizational growth.
By implementing tech-forward, innovative strategies, companies can ensure that remote team-building activities not only foster collaboration but also help employees thrive in a digitally-driven work environment.
Zoom Games: Making the New Normal Interesting and Manageable
At times, handling remote employees can be difficult for managers, but it is feasible. In fact, Upwork’s Third Annual “Future Workforce Report" says that 73% of companies will employ remote workers by 2028. With the right virtual activities, getting everyone on the same page on Zoom meetings will be just as easy as it is on face-to-face meetings (Time Doctor, n.d.).
Creating a virtual work environment that harbors collaboration, teamwork, and camaraderie is integral for companies, and there is no better way to achieve that than to facilitate Zoom team building games.
Key Insights
- Improved Communication Skills: Games like the one involving geometric shape descriptions help enhance employees' communication and listening skills.
- Increased Engagement: Zoom games require effort and cooperation, encouraging employees to participate more actively and build stronger relationships over time.
- Familiarization with Coworkers: Activities like "Whose Office Is It Anyway?" and "Pin the Map" help employees get to know each other better in a remote setting.
- Skill Development: Games such as "Spreadsheet Wars" not only entertain but also help employees improve their technical skills in tools like Google Sheets.
- Cultural Awareness: "Pin the Map" promotes cultural diversity awareness by encouraging employees to share their backgrounds and experiences.
- Fun and Laughter: Games like "Articulate" ensure that remote meetings are enjoyable and filled with laughter, contributing to a positive work environment.
What Pitfalls Should You Avoid in Virtual Team Building Sessions?
When designing virtual team-building initiatives, it is essential to avoid common pitfalls that can negate their benefits. Overloading sessions with too many activities may lead to fatigue rather than engagement, while poorly defined objectives can result in misaligned expectations. Inadequate facilitation or insufficient technical support may also hinder participation, leaving some team members feeling excluded. It is crucial to maintain a clear structure, set measurable goals, and conduct periodic reviews to ensure activities remain effective and inclusive. Additionally, customizing games to match the diverse skill sets and cultural backgrounds of participants can prevent disengagement and foster a more equitable team atmosphere. For teams seeking further development in technological fluency and management skills, exploring resources from online trade schools can offer valuable insights and practical training.
How Can You Ensure Inclusive Participation in Virtual Team Building Sessions?
To foster an environment where every remote team member feels valued, it is important to design initiatives that accommodate diverse needs and cultural backgrounds. Use platforms with built‐in accessibility features and coordinate session timings to consider different time zones. Besides integrating mixed modalities—such as real‐time and asynchronous activities—provide clear guidelines and role definitions that empower every participant with equal opportunities to contribute. Regular feedback and iterative adjustments are crucial to address areas that may unintentionally exclude certain voices. In addition, organizations can benefit from advanced leadership studies to enhance these practices; for instance, checking if are online masters degrees respected supports a commitment to professional development in remote team facilitation.
How Can Virtual Team Building Enhance Professional Growth and Career Development?
Structured virtual team-building activities can serve as catalysts for professional growth by fostering cross-functional collaboration, honing communication skills, and encouraging informal mentorship. Virtual games that involve role-switching or problem-solving can reveal hidden talents, paving the way for leadership opportunities and targeted upskilling. Data-driven approaches to these activities allow organizations to correlate engagement levels with potential career advancement, ensuring that team-building efforts align with long-term professional development goals. For professionals seeking to broaden their career horizons through practical training and skill enhancement, exploring the best trade school jobs can provide valuable industry insights.
How Can Virtual Team Building Strengthen Organizational Culture Over Time?
Virtual team building extends beyond immediate engagement by fostering long-term cultural transformation. By integrating structured games and collaborative challenges, organizations can reinforce core values, enhance trust, and promote transparency across remote settings. This strategy contributes to a unified company ethos while laying the groundwork for sustainable innovation and employee satisfaction. Moreover, embedding continuous learning into these practices—such as through participation in accelerated bachelor degree programs—can further empower teams with updated skills and a broader perspective on collaborative success.
How Can Virtual Team Building Promote Continuous Learning and Academic Advancement?
Virtual team building can extend its benefits by integrating continuous learning opportunities into routine team interactions. By embedding short, focused micro-learning segments within activities, organizations encourage skill enhancement and foster a culture of academic curiosity. For instance, dedicated knowledge-sharing sessions or collaborative problem‐solving challenges can lead team members to explore further educational opportunities that complement their professional growth. Such initiatives not only boost collective performance but also provide pathways for individual academic advancement, including programs like the easiest bachelor degree.
How Can Virtual Team Building Foster Employee Retention and Increase Job Satisfaction?
Effective virtual team building initiatives can play a pivotal role in reducing turnover by enhancing employees’ sense of belonging and value. When teams engage in carefully designed, interactive sessions, they experience improved communication and increased trust, leading to elevated job satisfaction. Tailoring activities to match diverse professional backgrounds and individual preferences not only bridges gaps created by remote work but also motivates team members to remain committed. Integrating regular feedback mechanisms with targeted development opportunities and measurable performance metrics ensures that the benefits of such activities endure over time. Furthermore, investing in continuous professional growth—such as through exploring bachelor's degrees that pay well—can empower employees and reinforce long-term retention strategies.
FAQ
- What is the purpose of Zoom games for coworkers? Zoom games are designed to improve communication, build relationships, and enhance teamwork among remote employees. They also make virtual meetings more engaging and enjoyable.
- How do Zoom games benefit remote teams? These games help break the ice, promote better understanding among team members, improve collaboration, and make virtual meetings more interactive. They also contribute to skill development and cultural awareness.
- What kind of items are suitable for the Arm’s Reach Show & Tell game? Items that are significant to the individual, such as personal mementos, favorite books, or unique gadgets, are ideal. The key is to choose something that has personal meaning and can be shared within a minute.
- How can "Spreadsheet Wars" help employees professionally? "Spreadsheet Wars" encourages employees to enhance their skills in spreadsheet software like Google Sheets. By tackling creative challenges, they learn to use these tools more effectively and innovatively, which can be beneficial for their professional tasks.
- What is the main objective of the game "Whose Office Is It Anyway?" The main objective is to help team members get to know each other better by guessing whose home office is shown in the pictures. This fosters familiarity and connection among remote coworkers.
- How does the game "Pin the Map" promote cultural diversity? By asking employees to pin their birthplaces and current residences on a map and share details about their cultural experiences, the game helps team members appreciate and understand each other's diverse backgrounds.
- What makes "Articulate" a great game for remote teams? "Articulate" is a fun and fast-paced game that encourages quick thinking and clear communication. It ensures a lot of laughter and enjoyment, making meetings more lively and engaging.
- Can these Zoom games be played with large groups? Yes, many of these games are suitable for large groups. They can be easily scaled and adapted to accommodate a bigger number of participants, ensuring everyone can join in the fun.
- What are some tips for facilitating successful Zoom games? Ensure clear instructions, keep the games simple, encourage participation from everyone, and maintain a light and fun atmosphere. Having a facilitator to guide the activities can also help in keeping the games on track and engaging.
- How often should companies organize Zoom games for their teams? The frequency can vary depending on the team's needs and preferences. Regularly scheduled games, such as monthly or bi-monthly, can help maintain team morale and engagement.
References
- Alexis, M. (2021, April 3). 27 Best Virtual Games to Play on Zoom with Adults in 2021. Teambuilding. https://teambuilding.com/blog/zoom-games
- Harper, H. (2021, February 26). 21 Fun Virtual Team Building Activities (Tried & Tested). Quizbreaker. https://www.quizbreaker.com/virtual-team-building-activities
- Petrova, S. (2019, April 17). Fun Without Borders: Agile Games for Distributed Teams. Adeva. https://adevait.com/blog/remote-work/agile-games-distributed-teams
- Smart, J. (2020, April 6). 20 online energizers for virtual teams and remote meetings. SessionLab. https://www.sessionlab.com/blog/online-energizers/#skills-based-online-energizers
- Sussman, J. (2021, March 10). 37 Best Virtual Team Building Activities for Remote Teams in 2021. Museum Hack. https://museumhack.com/virtual-team-building-for-remote-teams/
- The Offsite Co. (n.d.). 101 Awesome Virtual Team Building Activities for Remote Teams. Retrieved April 21, 2021, from https://www.theoffsiteco.com/news/100-unique-virtual-team-building-activities
- Time Doctor. (n.d.). 23 Virtual Team Building Activities Your Remote Team Will Love. Retrieved April 21, 2021, from https://biz30.timedoctor.com/virtual-team-building/
