What are Virtual Games to Play with Coworkers?

Virtual games to play with coworkers are interactive online activities designed to build team connections, boost morale, and create shared experiences when your team can't be in the same room. These games range from quick icebreakers to elaborate team competitions. They've become essential for keeping remote and hybrid teams engaged and connected.

Here's the thing: virtual team games aren't just "fun breaks" from work. They're strategic tools that build trust, improve communication, and reduce the isolation that remote workers often feel. The best virtual games create genuine moments of laughter and connection—even through a screen.

Key Characteristics of Virtual Games to Play with Coworkers

• Platform Accessibility: Games work across common video conferencing tools like Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet. No special software downloads required for most options.
• Scalable Participation: Activities adapt to groups of 5 or 500. Good virtual games include breakout room options for larger teams.
• Time Flexibility: Games range from 5-minute energizers to hour-long competitions. You can fit them into any meeting schedule.
• Low Barrier to Entry: The best games require zero prep from participants. Everyone can jump in regardless of tech skills.
• Inclusive Design: Quality virtual games don't favor extroverts or require physical abilities. Everyone participates equally.
• Real-Time Interaction: Unlike asynchronous activities, these games create live moments of connection and spontaneous reactions.

Virtual Games vs. Related Team Activities

Virtual Team Building Events

• Scope: Comprehensive experiences lasting 1-3 hours with professional facilitation
• Focus: Deep relationship building and skill development
• Timeline: Quarterly or annual occurrences
• Channels: Dedicated platforms with specialized features
• Goal: Transform team dynamics and culture

Virtual Icebreakers

• Scope: Quick 5-15 minute activities at meeting starts
• Focus: Warming up conversation and energy
• Timeline: Weekly or per-meeting basis
• Channels: Standard video conferencing tools
• Goal: Break awkward silence and spark engagement

Virtual Happy Hours

• Scope: Casual social gatherings lasting 30-60 minutes
• Focus: Informal bonding without structured activities
• Timeline: Weekly or monthly
• Channels: Video calls with optional themes
• Goal: Replicate watercooler conversations

Virtual games sit in the sweet spot between structured team building events and casual hangouts. They provide enough structure to keep everyone engaged while staying fun and low-pressure.

Popular Types of Virtual Games for Teams

Trivia and Quiz Games

Trivia works brilliantly for remote teams. You can use free tools like Kahoot or create custom questions about your company, industry, or pop culture.

Pro tip: Mix in questions about team members. "Who has a pet iguana?" gets people laughing and learning about each other.

Virtual Escape Rooms

Online escape rooms challenge teams to solve puzzles together under time pressure. They're perfect for building problem-solving skills and communication.

• Sessions typically run 45-60 minutes
• Teams of 4-8 work best
• Difficulty levels range from beginner to expert
• Many providers offer custom corporate themes

Drawing and Guessing Games

Games like Skribbl.io or Drawasaurus bring out creativity and laughter. One person draws while others guess the word. Terrible artists often create the funniest moments.

Word Association and Storytelling

These games test quick thinking and create hilarious results. Try "Two Truths and a Lie" or collaborative storytelling where each person adds one sentence.

Virtual Scavenger Hunts

Send teammates racing through their homes to find specific items. First person back with "something purple" or "your most embarrassing photo" wins. It's chaotic and wonderful.

How to Run Virtual Games Successfully

Choose the Right Game for Your Team

Consider your team's size, personalities, and comfort levels. Introverts might prefer trivia over improv games. New teams need simpler activities than established groups.

Match game length to your available time. Don't squeeze a 30-minute game into a 15-minute slot.

Test Your Technology First

Nothing kills momentum like technical difficulties. Run through the game yourself before the team call. Check that screen sharing works and everyone can access any needed links.

• Send game links 10 minutes early
• Have a backup game ready
• Assign a co-host to handle tech issues

Set Clear Rules and Expectations

Explain the game quickly and clearly. Keep instructions under 2 minutes. Confused participants disengage fast.

Establish whether cameras should be on. Most games work better with video, but respect individual preferences.

Keep Energy High Throughout

Your enthusiasm sets the tone. Celebrate wins loudly. Laugh at mistakes. Keep the pace moving so energy doesn't drop.

For longer games, build in short breaks. Even 2 minutes helps people reset.

Why Virtual Games to Play with Coworkers Matter

For Event Success:

• Increased Engagement: Games transform passive attendees into active participants who remember the experience
• Better Networking: Shared activities give people natural conversation starters beyond awkward small talk
• Higher Attendance: Fun elements boost registration and reduce no-shows for virtual events
• Memorable Moments: Games create stories people share afterward, extending your event's impact
• Energy Management: Strategic game placement prevents the dreaded "Zoom fatigue" during long sessions

For Business Objectives:

• Team Cohesion: Regular games build relationships that improve daily collaboration
• Employee Retention: Connected employees stay longer—games help remote workers feel part of something
• Communication Skills: Many games naturally develop listening, clarity, and quick thinking
• Company Culture: Games reinforce values like creativity, teamwork, and healthy competition
• Cross-Department Connections: Mix teams from different departments to break down silos

Platforms like Guidebook help you organize virtual team activities alongside your other events. You can schedule games, share instructions, and track participation all in one place.

Virtual Games to Play with Coworkers Best Practices

1. Start Small and Build Up: Begin with 10-minute games before attempting hour-long activities. Let your team develop comfort with virtual play.
2. Rotate Game Types: Alternate between competitive, creative, and collaborative games. Variety keeps things fresh and includes different personality types.
3. Make Participation Optional: Forced fun isn't fun. Let people watch if they prefer. They often join in once they see others having a good time.
4. Schedule Consistently: Weekly or bi-weekly game sessions build anticipation. Random one-offs feel like interruptions rather than traditions.
5. Gather Feedback Regularly: Ask what games people enjoyed most. Your team's preferences will surprise you.
6. Include Remote-Friendly Prizes: Digital gift cards, extra PTO hours, or silly titles like "Trivia Champion" add stakes without shipping hassles.
7. Document the Fun: Screenshot funny moments. Share highlights in team channels. These become part of your team's shared history.
8. Respect Time Zones: Rotate game times so the same people aren't always playing at 6 AM or 10 PM.
9. Keep Games Work-Appropriate: Avoid anything that could make someone uncomfortable. When in doubt, choose something else.
10. Connect Games to Company Events: Tie trivia themes to product launches or company milestones. Games can reinforce important messages while staying fun.

Common Virtual Games to Play with Coworkers Mistakes

Choosing Overly Complex Games: Games with 10-minute rule explanations lose people before they start. Simple games with quick learning curves work best. Save elaborate activities for dedicated team building sessions.

Ignoring Time Zone Differences: Scheduling games only during headquarters' business hours excludes global team members. This creates an "in-group" and damages the inclusion you're trying to build.

Making Games Mandatory: Requiring participation turns fun into obligation. Some people genuinely don't enjoy games. Respect that while creating an inviting atmosphere.

Running Games Too Long: Virtual attention spans are shorter than in-person ones. A 20-minute game that ends with people wanting more beats a 60-minute game where people start checking email.

Forgetting Accessibility: Games requiring fast typing exclude some participants. Audio-only games leave out deaf colleagues. Always consider who might be unintentionally excluded.

No Warm-Up Period: Jumping straight into competition intimidates quieter team members. Start with a low-stakes practice round so everyone understands the format.

Neglecting Follow-Up: Games create connection in the moment. Without follow-up conversation or future activities, that connection fades quickly. Build games into a larger virtual event planning strategy.

Final Thoughts

Virtual games to play with coworkers have evolved from pandemic necessity to permanent team-building strategy. They solve a real problem: how do you build genuine human connections when your team is scattered across cities, countries, or continents?

The best remote teams don't just work together—they laugh together. Games create shared memories that make collaboration easier. When you've watched your manager fail hilariously at Pictionary, asking them a tough question feels less intimidating.

Don't overthink it. Start with one simple game at your next team meeting. Notice who lights up. Pay attention to what works. Build from there. Your team culture will thank you.

Ready to level up your virtual team experiences? Explore event management tips and event planning resources to create memorable moments for your team. Check out meeting themes for fresh ideas, or learn about event planning fundamentals. Book a demo with Guidebook to see how our platform helps teams stay connected and engaged—whether they're playing games or planning their next big event.

Because the best teams aren't just productive. They actually enjoy working together.