Games for Online Meetings: The Essentials for Engaging Your Remote Team
Running a successful online meeting is a bit like hosting a dinner party—without the right ingredients, it can quickly fall flat. The key to keeping everyone engaged is incorporating the right games for online meetings. But not all games are created equal. Some have been so overused they’ve lost their charm, while others promise much but rarely deliver. Then there are the hidden gems—games that truly make your virtual meetings pop.
In this article, we’ll explore three categories: the most overplayed games that everyone has seen too many times, popular games that often fall short, and three standout options that can take your virtual meetings to the next level.
7 Most Overused Games for Online Meetings
These games have been around the block too many times. While they were once fresh and fun, their repeated use has made them feel tired and predictable. If you’re planning to use any of these, just hope that your participants have just discovered the internet or you’re trying to find another job.
1. Virtual Bingo
Virtual Bingo was novel when it first hit the scene, with participants eagerly ticking off boxes like “awkward silence” and “dog barking in the background.” But after multiple rounds, it’s become as exciting as watching grass grow. A sure shot buzz kill !
2. Online Pictionary
Online Pictionary was once a go-to for injecting fun into meetings, but it’s become a bit of a drag. Watching someone struggle to draw on a virtual whiteboard—yet again—loses its appeal after the umpteenth attempt.
3. Trivia Quizzes
Trivia quizzes used to bring out everyone’s competitive side, but they’ve become overdone. What was once a fun break has turned into a routine exercise that often leaves participants more bored than entertained. These will feature in a typical 5-minute list.
4. Two Truths and a Lie
Two Truths and a Lie was great for getting to know your teammates—three meetings ago. Now, it feels more like an obligatory icebreaker that everyone’s ready to skip.
5. Icebreaker Questions
Asking about someone’s favorite movie or hidden talent is fun the first time around. But after a while, these icebreaker questions start to feel more like small talk at a never-ending cocktail party rather than office games.
6. Online Charades
Charades might be a classic, but its overuse in virtual meetings has dulled its shine. Acting out clues over a video call is no longer the crowd-pleaser it once was, often leading to more frustration than fun.
7. Kahoot Quizzes
Kahoot! brought a new level of interaction to online meetings, but its frequent use has worn out its welcome. What was once a lively competition has become just another task to rush through.
5 Popular but Rarely Successful Games for Online Meetings
These games have a lot of potential, but they often fall short when put to the test. They sound fun in theory, but in practice, they rarely live up to expectations.
1. DIY Scavenger Hunt
A DIY scavenger hunt can sound like an exciting race to find household items. However, in reality, it often descends into chaos, with participants either struggling to find the items or losing focus on the meeting altogether.
2. Virtual Dance Party
Virtual dance parties might work well for extroverted teams, but for many, they lead to awkwardness and discomfort. Asking people to dance on camera can quickly turn a fun idea into an uncomfortable situation.
3. Word Association Games
Word association games are supposed to be quick and fun, but they often feel forced and fail to engage everyone. The idea is good, but the execution often falls flat, leaving participants more confused than entertained.
4. Online Polls
Online polls can be a useful tool, but when used as a game, they can feel more like a chore. If the questions aren’t captivating, the poll can quickly become just another checkbox in the meeting agenda.
5. Virtual Icebreaker Questions
Icebreaker questions are a staple in team meetings, intended to spark conversation and ease tension. But when used in a virtual setting, they often miss the mark. What starts as a well-meaning attempt to get to know each other can quickly become repetitive and even awkward, especially when the same questions are recycled meeting after meeting.
Participants might feel put on the spot, leading to forced or superficial answers. Instead of building connections, these questions can sometimes highlight the distance between team members, making them less effective than intended.
3 Games for Online Meetings That DEFINITELY Work
For a truly memorable and engaging online meeting, you need games that are fresh, exciting, and effective. These three games, offered by Virtual Escapes, stand out from the crowd.
1. Island Survivor by Virtual Escapes
Island Survivor isn’t just another game—it’s a fast-paced, high-stakes adventure that gets everyone involved. In this 5-minute challenge, your team is “stranded” on a virtual island and must quickly decide how to survive. It’s a game of strategy, quick thinking, and collaboration that turns a typical meeting into an exhilarating experience. Island Survivor is perfect for boosting energy and team spirit in a way that feels both fresh and fun.
2. The Detective Series
The Detective Series offers a unique twist on problem-solving. These bite-sized mystery games challenge your team to solve a case in just a few minutes. Each game is a thrilling race against the clock, where quick thinking and sharp observation skills are key. Exclusively available to companies that subscribe to Virtual Escapes, these detective games bring an element of excitement and exclusivity to your meetings, making them more engaging and interactive.
3. Virtual Tour
Break away from the usual meeting routine with a Virtual Tour. This game takes your team on a quick journey to some of India’s most iconic landmarks, such as Hampi. In just a few minutes, participants get to explore these beautiful monuments, learning fascinating facts and soaking in the culture. It’s a refreshing break from the norm, offering relaxation and cultural enrichment that can reinvigorate your team and provide a shared experience that’s both educational and enjoyable.
Why Choose Virtual Escapes for Games for Online Meetings?
Selecting the right games for online meetings can significantly enhance your team’s experience and productivity. Virtual Escapes offers unique and carefully designed games that go beyond the usual options, delivering memorable experiences that foster team bonding and engagement.
Whether you’re looking to energize your team with the strategic challenge of Island Survivor, engage them with the fast-paced thrill of the 5 Minute Detective Series, or offer a cultural escape with the Virtual Tour, Virtual Escapes has something special to offer. These games are not just time-fillers—they’re experiences that bring your team together, boost morale, and make your virtual meetings something everyone looks forward to.
So, why settle for the same old online meeting games when you can give your team something fresh and exciting? Sign up for Virtual Escapes and transform your online meetings into something everyone will look forward to. After all, the best teams play together—and the best games come from Virtual Escapes.