Fun and Engaging Games Over Video Calls that Boost Team Collaboration
Remote work has become the norm for many of us, and keeping team spirit high is more important than ever. One fantastic way to bond with your colleagues and have a good laugh is by playing games together over video calls. Here are some top picks that are sure to bring your team closer, foster collaboration, and inject some fun into your workweek.
You Don’t Know Jack
You Don’t Know Jack is a trivia game that blends wit and challenging questions. Created by Jackbox Games, it serves up a quirky mix of pop culture, history, and random facts, all wrapped in a hilarious package.
How to Play:
- One person hosts the game and shares their screen.
- Team members join using their smartphones or computers by entering a game code on the Jackbox website.
- Players answer trivia questions and compete for the highest score, often leading to belly laughs thanks to the game’s snarky commentary.
Why It’s Great:
- Easy to set up and play.
- The humor keeps everyone engaged.
- Encourages quick thinking and a friendly competitive spirit.
Fun Fact: According to cognitive neuroscience, humor activates the brain’s reward system, increasing dopamine levels and enhancing mood and motivation. So, a game that makes you laugh can actually make you more productive!
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is a team game where communication is key. One player has a virtual bomb they need to defuse, and the rest of the team has the manual to help them do it.
How to Play:
- The “Defuser” describes the bomb to the “Experts,” who have the manual.
- The Experts must provide instructions to defuse the bomb, based solely on the Defuser’s descriptions.
- The team races against the clock to prevent the bomb from exploding.
Why It’s Great:
- Enhances communication skills and teamwork.
- Creates high-pressure, hilarious scenarios.
- Encourages clear and concise communication.
Fun Fact: Research shows that high-pressure team activities can improve problem-solving skills and group cohesion. The adrenaline rush from these scenarios can boost team bonding and trust.
Choose Happiness @ Work Online
Choose Happiness @ Work Online is an interactive game designed to boost workplace happiness and team collaboration. Developed by Happy Brain Science (that’s us!), it uses scientific principles to enhance well-being and productivity.
How to Play:
- Participants join a video call where a host sets up a game and shares a link for others to join.
- Each player picks a problem they would like everyone to solve and everyone discusses and votes on the best and most creative (or funny) science-based solutions offered.
- The game includes scenarios, problem-solving tasks, and collaborative exercises.
Why It’s Great:
- Directly improves workplace happiness and team dynamics.
- Smooth gameplay and valuable takeaways.
- Builds stronger relationships and fosters a positive work environment.
Fun Fact: Studies in positive psychology show that happier employees are more productive, creative, and resilient. Activities that promote happiness can lead to better job performance and lower turnover rates.
Among Us
Among Us is a popular multiplayer game. In this game, team members are either Crewmates or Impostors aboard a spaceship. Crewmates complete tasks while Impostors try to eliminate them without getting caught.
How to Play:
- Team members join a game using a shared code.
- Players complete tasks and hold meetings to discuss and vote on who they think the Impostors are.
- The goal for Crewmates is to finish all tasks or identify all Impostors, while Impostors aim to eliminate all Crewmates.
Why It’s Great:
- Encourages strategic thinking and deduction.
- Fun and suspenseful, with plenty of opportunities for humor.
- Helps team members understand each other’s communication styles and strategies.
Fun Fact: Engaging in strategic games like Among Us can enhance critical thinking and decision-making skills. The social deduction aspect also helps improve emotional intelligence and empathy.
Skribbl.io
Skribbl.io is an online drawing and guessing game that’s great for a quick, fun break. Players take turns drawing a word or phrase while others guess what it is.
How to Play:
- One player draws a word or phrase on their screen.
- Other team members guess the word through the chat function.
- Points are awarded for correct guesses and the quality of the drawings.
Why It’s Great:
- Simple to set up and play.
- Encourages creativity and quick thinking.
- Provides a relaxed and informal way for team members to interact.
Fun Fact: Drawing and guessing games like Skribbl.io can enhance creative thinking and visual communication skills. Plus, they activate the brain’s right hemisphere, associated with creativity and imagination.
Get Your Game On!
Playing games over video calls isn’t just a way to kill time; it’s a powerful tool for team building, communication, and boosting morale. Whether you’re laughing over trivia in You Don’t Know Jack, defusing bombs in Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes, promoting happiness with Choose Happiness @ Work Online, strategizing in Among Us, or drawing your heart out in Skribbl.io, these games are sure to bring your team closer and make remote work a lot more fun. So, gather your team, pick a game, and let the good times roll!
Featured image from Freepik