We’ve all been there. Your team lead says, “Who’s up for organizing the next virtual team social activity? Why don’t I just pick a name at random.”
Your heart starts racing. ‘Please not me, not me, not me…’
And then what do you know, you’ve been chosen to host an online team bonding activity.
If this scenario sounds familiar –– or you’re looking for a way to infuse some fun into a large event or sponsor activation –– don’t stress. Virtual games are a pretty easy lift and one of the best bonding activities out there.
But you need to make sure you dodge those pesky “forced fun” vibes. Fortunately, these virtual games pass the cringe test. They’re genuinely fun and will help you minimize any social awkwardness. Plus, they’re all large-group approved.
Read on to learn about 10 of the most engaging virtual games for your 2022 events.
Prepare to play
Typically, virtual games are played on online video platforms so all attendees can connect at once. Before you play, make sure everyone has:
- A strong internet connection
- A microphone and a camera (the versions built into many devices are usually fine)
- Depending on the game, a computer, smartphone, or both
- Any custom links or other digital or physical materials needed to play the game
1. GeoGuessr
GeoGuessr practically teleports your team to anywhere in the world. Your group will be split into teams and virtually dropped in a random location via Google Maps. You’re then left to figure out where you are. You can look for license plates, road signs, and other geographic indicators to get your bearings. The team that pins the closest location earns the most points.
Recommended group size: 2-20
Price: You can play for free but if you want to play with a group and access added features, it will set you back $1 USD per month.
What each player needs: A laptop and fast internet speed
Game time: 20-30 minutes
2. Virtual scavenger hunt
A virtual scavenger hunt brings a physical element to a virtual game and has many team bonding benefits including:
- Building problem-solving skills
- Teaching teamwork
- Exercising the body and the mind
Additionally, virtual scavenger hunts are easily customizable to meet the needs of your group’s goals. You can create your own version by requiring teams to snap photos and videos of certain items, actions, or events. You can also have them check in at certain locations via GPS, answer trivia questions, and even find hidden QR codes. Ensure teams keep track and stay connected by providing real-time leaderboards and photostreams.
If creating your own hunt is just too much, there are several virtual scavenger hunt platforms out there you can rely on.
- Recommended group size: Unlimited
- Price: Dependent on platform and pricing plan
- What each player needs: A laptop or smartphone (dependent on platform) and fast internet speed
- Game time: Generally around 30 minutes but you can make it last however long you’d like
3. Tap into apps
If your team works with a virtual events platform, you might be able to integrate virtual games directly into the platform via apps. This will keep your team and attendees engaged during an event or meeting without having to leave the platform.
One example is WeBooth, which has an ever-growing list of multi-user games such as Trivia Time, Sketchy (similar to Pictionary), Memory Match, Snake Escape, Asteroid Blaster, and more. Each game features a leaderboard, a remote host, and the ability to split attendees into teams.
- Recommended group size: Depends on the game but typically 10-30
- Price: Included with some virtual platforms (like RingCentral Events)
- What each player needs: A laptop and fast internet speed
- Game time: About 15-30 minutes depending on the app and specific game
4. Virtual murder mystery
Bring out your inner detective with a virtual murder mystery. As an added bonus, this game can be played again and again as the mystery changes each time. Most online packages provide all the necessary tools to play, including a guide.
This is an ideal option for large groups as even big teams can still work together to solve the mystery. Murder mystery games tend to require a lot of participation but it’s often structured, making it easy to ensure team members can interact –– minus any heavy mental lifting.
- Recommended group size: Depends on the game but often 9-300+
- Price: $30-50 USD per person
- What each player needs: A laptop and fast internet speed
- Game time: 90 minutes
5. Virtual pub quiz
Transport your team to a British pub (virtually, of course) for a trivia night. Split your group into as many teams as you wish and pit them against one another in a test of knowledge.
You can even tailor questions based on any subject. It could be trivia related to your company, team, geography, pop culture, Harry Potter, or anything else.
You can always come up with your own trivia questions, but to make things a little easier, download a quiz app.
- Recommended group size: Dependent on the limitations of your virtual platform
- Price: Free
- What each player needs: A laptop or smartphone and fast internet speed
- Game time: Usually 30-60 minutes
6. The Team Quest
The Team Quest is high on fun and low on stress, which makes your life as an event planner much easier. This “quest” is a mix of Family Feud-like games including emoji riddles, music games, karaoke, face mashup, and guess the celebrity. Teams will collaborate, laugh, chat, and learn interesting fun facts — a sure recipe for bonding.
The Team Quest package includes games, a platform, and a pro host.
- Recommended group size: Any size
- Price: $22 USD per person
- What each player needs: A laptop and fast internet speed
- Game time: 60 minutes
7. Psych!
From the creators of Heads Up, Psych! is another funny and engaging game to entertain a crowd. Outwit your teammates as they separate the real from the fake. This guessing game requires creativity and is sure to produce some laughter.
- Recommended group size: Dependent on the limitations of your virtual platform
- Price: Free
- What each player needs: A laptop, fast internet speed, and a smartphone with the app downloaded
- Game time: 60 minutes
8. Among Us
Among Us is all about teamwork –– and a bit of harmless deception. Each player is dropped into a virtual spaceship while the team works together to complete tasks before an ”imposter” (one of the teammates) foils the mission. The imposter’s goal is to be the last one standing after taking out each teammate one by one without drawing suspicion. Teamwork will be required to complete the tasks in time and to determine the trader among them.
- Recommended group size: Dependent on the limitations of your virtual platform
- Price: Free
- What each player needs: A laptop, fast internet speed, and a smartphone with the app downloaded
- Game time: Each game runs for about 5-10 minutes, so you can play multiple rounds
9. Coworker Feud
Family Feud has been around for decades and continues to be one of the most popular game shows. Coworker Feud is all the fun of Family Feud with a slight twist. In this game, a host will lead contestants through multiple rounds (including a lightning round) in a battle of the brains. Coworkers (or teams) will go head to head to guess the most popular answers for an assortment of questions. This game is specifically designed for teams in different locations with mixed technology, making it ideal for a hybrid event.
- Recommended group size: Each team can have up to 10 participants and the game can accommodate up to 40 people
- Price: Starts at $450 USD
- What each player needs: A laptop and fast internet speed (details here)
- Game time: 60 minutes
10. Online escape room
Being trapped in a room with a large group of people and trying to escape might not be your thing. But imagine if you could take the same concept and participate from the comfort of your couch. Your team can work together to beat the clock in a virtual escape room experience.
- Recommended group size: 2-5 people per team
- Price: $10-15 USD per person
- What each player needs: A laptop and fast internet speed (details here)
- Game time: 60 minutes
Find a platform that will support your game play
Bring your attendees together on a platform built for a digital-first world. Virtual games are easy to implement with the right online venue.
Even if your group is geographically distributed, they can still feel close through virtual experiences — and having a platform backing you up can make it all so much simpler to organize.
Chat with a member of our team to learn how you can incorporate all the fun of large-group virtual games on RingCentral Events.
Originally published Sep 01, 2022, updated Nov 08, 2023
