Work Hard, Play Harder: Top Online Games for Your Office Crew

Why Finding the Right Online Game to Play with Coworkers Matters More Than Ever

Online game to play with coworkers have become essential tools for building connection in today's distributed workplace. Here's what you need to know:

Top Online Games for Coworkers:

• Quick Icebreakers (5-15 min): Two Truths & a Lie, Virtual Scavenger Hunt, Gratitude Shoutouts
• Team-Building Games (30-60 min): Guided Team Quests, Gratitude Bingo, Growth Challenges
• Social & Competitive: Gamified Trivia, Generosity Challenges, AI-powered Recognition Games

Key Benefits:

• Reduces Zoom fatigue and improves team morale
• Builds trust and strengthens remote team dynamics
• Increases employee engagement and retention

If you've been leading teams through the remote work revolution, you've likely felt the challenge firsthand. As Forbes notes in their remote work study, 48% of remote workers find the virtual environment makes it more difficult to work with others. Even more concerning, a recent Gallup study revealed that only 28% of remote workers feel strongly connected to their organization's purpose.

These statistics are warning signs of a culture crisis that video meetings alone can't solve. The solution isn't more meetings, but more meaningful interaction.

Successful remote and hybrid teams aren't just working together—they're playing together. The right online game to play with coworkers can transform awkward video calls into genuine moments of connection, laughter, and team bonding.

This isn't about frivolous distraction. Strategic play builds the psychological safety, trust, and camaraderie that high-performing teams need to thrive. When employees feel genuinely connected to their colleagues, they're more engaged, more productive, and significantly less likely to burn out or leave.

I'm Meghan Calhoun, Co-Founder of Give River. With over two decades of experience building high-performing teams, I've learned that choosing the right online game to play with coworkers isn't just about fun; it's about creating genuine human connection that drives both fulfillment and performance.

This guide will explore the best online games for your team and show you how to implement them for maximum impact.

Basic online game to play with coworkers vocab:

• Virtual happy hour games
• Online office party games

The Ultimate List of Online Games to Play with Coworkers

Play is a powerfully connective force, especially for remote and hybrid teams. The right online game to play with coworkers can transform a mundane meeting into a memorable moment, fostering relationships and building the connections needed to steer everyday work challenges. Let's explore some top picks, categorized by the kind of engagement you're looking for.

Quick Icebreakers & Energizers (5-15 Minutes)

Sometimes, all you need is a quick spark to kick off a meeting or re-energize a sleepy afternoon. These games are designed for minimal setup and maximum impact.

• Two Truths & a Lie (Give River Version): This classic helps team members learn fun facts about each other. Each person shares two truths and one lie, and the team guesses the lie. For the "Give River Version," encourage truths related to personal growth or generous acts, adding a layer of positive sharing.

• Virtual Scavenger Hunt (Give River Challenge): A quick game that gets people moving. Call out items (e.g., "something blue," "your favorite mug"), and the first to show it on camera wins. For a Give River twist, include prompts like "something you're grateful for" or "a book you're reading for growth." These are great for Virtual Ice Breakers and Fun Activities for Online Meetings.

• Gratitude Shoutouts: A simple but powerful activity. Encourage everyone to quickly share one thing they're grateful for or thank a colleague for a specific action. This boosts morale and reinforces a culture of appreciation.

• "Guess the Desk" or "Guess the Refrigerator": Team members anonymously submit a photo of their desk or refrigerator. During a meeting, share the photos and have everyone guess the owner. It's a lighthearted way to get a glimpse into colleagues' lives.

Collaborative & Team-Building Games (30-60 Minutes)

When you have more time, dedicated team-building games can help your colleagues develop crucial skills like communication and problem-solving while strengthening their bonds.

• Give River’s Guided Team Quests: Our platform offers structured "Quests" like virtual escape rooms that foster collaboration. Teams must pool their skills to solve puzzles and achieve a common goal, mirroring real-world projects. They are excellent Digital Games for Team Building.

• Online Escape Rooms: These games challenge teams to solve intricate puzzles under pressure, requiring effective communication and delegation. Many platforms are designed for remote teams, and while some require a fee, the collaborative payoff is immense.

• Codenames: This word-association game is brilliant for understanding how teammates think. Two teams compete to identify their agents from a grid of words, guided by one-word clues from their spymaster. A free online version is readily available and great for Activities That Build Teamwork.

• Gartic Phone: A hilarious mix of "Telephone" and "Pictionary." One person writes a phrase, the next draws it, the next describes the drawing, and so on. It's a fun way to highlight communication gaps and laugh together.

Competitive & Social Fun: The Best Online Game to Play with Coworkers for a Laugh

Sometimes, the goal is simply to let loose and enjoy some friendly competition. These games are perfect for virtual happy hours or team social events.

• Give River’s Gamified Trivia: Our platform offers customizable trivia perfect for team competition. Create quizzes about company history, pop culture, or fun facts about your team. It’s a fantastic Virtual Happy Hour Games option.

• Jackbox Games: A staple for virtual social events, Jackbox Games offers a suite of hilarious party games like Quiplash and Drawful 2. Players use their phones as controllers, making it highly accessible. Just remember to use the "safe for work" setting! They are among the best Fun Games to Play with Work Team Online.

• Skribbl.io: A free online Pictionary-style game where players take turns drawing a word while others guess. It’s , requires no drawing talent, and is great for large groups.

• Microsoft Teams Games: If your team uses Microsoft Teams, many games are integrated or easily playable within the platform. Options include "Microsoft Teams Bingo," "Emoji Self-Portrait," and "Charades," leveraging tools you already use.

• Weavr: This social game uses prompts and GIF/text responses to reveal team culture and inside jokes. Questions deepen over rounds, helping teams laugh together and build camaraderie.

How to Host a Winning Virtual Game Session

Simply picking an online game to play with coworkers isn't enough; successful implementation is key to ensuring these experiences are joyful, inclusive, and contribute to your team's well-being.

Choosing the Right Online Game to Play with Coworkers

Selecting the perfect game involves a bit of strategy. Consider these key factors:

• Group Size: Some games work best with specific numbers, while others accommodate large groups. Use breakout rooms for larger teams to allow for more intimate interaction.
• Time Available: Choose games that fit your schedule, whether it's a 5-minute energizer or a 60-minute social event. Short, impactful sessions are often best for virtual settings.
• Team Goals: Align the game with your objective. Are you aiming for fun, skill-building, or personal connection? Choose accordingly. For example, online escape rooms are great for problem-solving.
• Inclusivity: Consider your team's diverse backgrounds and comfort levels. Opt for games that are easy for everyone to understand and enjoy.
• Team Personality: Choose games that resonate with your team's vibe, whether competitive, creative, or laid-back.

Here's a list of key questions to ask before choosing a game:

1. What's our primary goal for this activity (fun, team bonding, skill development)?
2. How much time can we realistically dedicate?
3. How many people will be participating?
4. What are the technical requirements (downloads, specific platforms)?
5. Is this game accessible and enjoyable for everyone on the team?

For more guidance, explore our resources on Team Building Activities for Online Meetings.

Tips for a Successful and Inclusive Game Night

Once you've chosen your game, smooth facilitation and a focus on inclusivity are paramount.

• Bring a Facilitator: Designate a host who knows the rules, keeps time, and encourages participation to ensure the game runs smoothly.
• Clear Instructions, Simple Rules: Explain the game clearly and keep rules simple. A quick demo is often more effective than a long explanation.
• Leverage Breakout Rooms: For larger groups, use breakout rooms to foster smaller, more intimate discussions and ensure everyone can participate. This is a key tip for effective Team Bonding Exercises on Zoom.
• Encourage All Forms of Participation: Allow engagement through chat, emojis, and reactions so quieter team members can contribute comfortably.
• Focus on Fun, Not Perfection: The goal is connection, not winning. Foster a lighthearted atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable.
• Tech Checks Ahead of Time: Do a quick tech check and share links in advance to prevent frustrating delays.
• Pass the "Baton": In turn-based games, verbally pass the turn to the next person to keep the activity moving and avoid awkward silences.
• Connect to Culture: Use these moments to reinforce company values, such as highlighting great collaboration. This helps in Culture Building Activities Virtual.

The Future of Play: AI, Hybrid-Ready Games, and Gamification

The landscape of virtual team building is constantly evolving. Here are three major forces at play:

• AI-Facilitated Games: AI is enhancing virtual games by generating custom trivia, adapting difficulty, and personalizing experiences. Give River leverages AI to create dynamic experiences that cater to team growth.

• Hybrid-Ready Games: As hybrid work grows, so does the demand for games that work seamlessly for both remote and in-office staff. The future is inclusive play, regardless of physical location. Our approach to Hybrid Work Team Building focuses on bridging this gap.

• Purpose-Driven Play and Gamification: While platforms like Bonusly and Kudos focus on recognition and rewards, Give River offers a more holistic approach. Our 5G Method—Guided, Gamified, Gratitude, Growth, and Generosity—integrates fun with professional development, ensuring play contributes to employee fulfillment. Explore how Gamification in the Workplace can transform your team.

Effective games aren’t distractions; they’re powerful engagement tools. A well-designed session can recharge attention, spark creativity, and increase productivity. Shared play builds stronger working relationships and reinforces key values.

As we continue to innovate, we invite you to explore Give River's comprehensive team-building solutions. We're dedicated to helping you build happier, high-performing teams, one engaging game at a time.