Introduction
It’s about that time of year again: Christmas songs taking over the airwaves, peppermint mocha Starbucks cups adorning hands, and tired workers flocking to the annual holiday party. As twinkling lights adorn the streets and the chill in the air brings people closer, another tradition is making its presence felt in the modern workplace: the rise of remote team building through virtual team games. These digital gatherings are becoming the new norm, offering a way to bridge distances and bring some holiday cheer to our screens. Just imagine swapping those awkward office party moments for an online game night where laughs are guaranteed, and no one has to worry about spilling eggnog on their keyboard. This year, let's dive into how these virtual team games are not just about having fun; they're a lifeline to staying connected, sharing a few laughs, and keeping the holiday spirit alive, even if we're miles apart.
When selecting the perfect virtual team building game, aim for a balance of fun and functionality that encapsulates the holiday spirit. Key factors include inclusivity, ensuring the game is accessible and enjoyable for all, from interns to CEOs, regardless of their location. Ease of use is crucial; opt for games with straightforward rules and minimal technical complications. Look for games that encourage collaboration and interaction, fostering a sense of togetherness and team spirit. Flexibility and customization options are important, allowing for a personal touch in the game, such as holiday-themed trivia or customizable avatars. Finally, choose a game with an engaging level that keeps everyone's interest peaked without being overly complex, ensuring a delightful and inclusive experience for the whole team.
The 3 Best Team Building Games
CrowdParty
CrowdParty is like the Santa Claus of remote team building games – it delivers joy right to your digital doorstep. It stands out as an exceptionally versatile team building game, suitable for both remote and in-person gatherings. The platform's unique capability allows games to be hosted from various devices, making it highly accessible and easy to set up. Similar to how players use their smartphones as controllers in JackBox games, CrowdParty offers a seamless experience where everyone can participate effortlessly, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity.
What sets CrowdParty apart is its range of social icebreakers, meticulously designed to foster deeper connections among teammates. These activities are not just fun; they're also instrumental in helping team members get to know each other better in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. CrowdParty's game library includes a wide variety of options, catering to different group dynamics and preferences. The platform's inclusivity is evident in its game selection, offering everything from trivia to activities like "Most Likely To" and "Pick Who". This diversity ensures that every team member, regardless of their interests or background, can find something engaging. Moreover, CrowdParty's commitment to inclusivity is reflected in its content, which is curated to be suitable for workplaces, classrooms, and family settings alike.
CrowdParty is at the forefront of celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The platform offers an array of seasonal and DEI-themed games, providing an innovative and engaging approach to celebrate and acknowledge the diverse makeup of your team. These games not only add to the fun but also play a crucial role in building a more inclusive and understanding workplace culture.
Key Features:
Diverse Game Selection: From trivia to "Pick Who", suitable for various group sizes and preferences.
Customization: Create custom games using AI technology for unique experiences.
Ease of Use: Simple joining process via QR code, game PIN, or browser link.
Inclusive Environment: Games designed for various group settings, ensuring no one feels left out.
Pricing
Crowdparty offers individual games and party packs at varying prices. The official website provides detailed pricing and package options.
- Free Pass: Ideal for casual play. Supports 10 players per room.
- Team Pass: Enhance team bonding at $16/month. Accommodates 50 players.
- Crowd Pass: Perfect for larger events at $30/month, allowing 200 players.
- Class Pass: Tailored for education at $4/month with 50 players.
- Corp Pass: Custom solutions for large-scale engagement. Contact for pricing.
Each pass offers unlimited rounds and access to all game modes.
Jackbox Games
Jackbox Games offers a rich collection of party games, ideal for team-building activities that focus on fun and creativity. Their diverse game library includes trivia, drawing challenges, word play, and more, ensuring that there's a suitable game for every team member. The platform is especially popular for its ability to foster light-hearted competition and encourage creative thinking, making it a great choice for both formal team-building sessions and informal team get-togethers.
The games are designed with accessibility in mind. Players can join using their smartphones as controllers, which simplifies the setup and makes it easy for anyone to participate. This feature is particularly useful for remote teams or when integrating new members into a group. However, it's important to note that some of the games on Jackbox may contain mature content, which might not be appropriate for all corporate environments. The platform is more geared towards entertainment than skill-building, which may not align with certain team-building objectives.
Key Features
Variety of Games: A range of games catering to different interests and preferences.
Easy Accessibility: Join using smartphones, no need for additional gaming equipment.
Engagement: Games designed to encourage laughter and creativity in a relaxed atmosphere.
Content Suitability: Some games feature mature content; selection should be mindful of the team's composition.
Pricing
Jackbox Games offers individual games and party packs at varying prices. The official website provides detailed pricing and package options.
Kahoot!
Kahoot! is renowned for its ability to turn learning and team-building into an engaging, fun experience. Its interactive, game-based format is particularly effective in corporate and educational settings for quizzes, presentations, and team competitions. With its customizable quizzes and real-time response system, Kahoot! makes it easy to create an engaging and competitive atmosphere that encourages active participation from all team members.
The platform's versatility is one of its key strengths. It can be used for a wide range of activities, from educational quizzes to team bonding exercises, and is adaptable to both in-person and remote settings. Creating quizzes and surveys on Kahoot! is straightforward, but it does require a stable internet connection and individual devices for each participant. This reliance on technology could pose challenges in some settings, especially where internet connectivity is inconsistent.
Key Features:
Customizable Quizzes: Wide range of options for creating engaging quizzes.
Active Engagement: Real-time responses foster a competitive and interactive atmosphere.
Adaptability: Suitable for various team-building scenarios, both in-person and remote.
Technical Requirements: Relies on stable internet and individual devices.
Pricing:
Kahoot! offers several pricing plans, including free versions with basic features and more comprehensive premium options. Visit their website for detailed pricing information.
Embracing the Holiday Spirit Through Virtual Team Building
As the holiday season approaches, it's an opportune moment for teams, especially those working remotely, to strengthen their bonds and uplift spirits. The games highlighted above – CrowdParty, Jackbox Games, and Kahoot! – each offer unique pathways to foster collaboration, creativity, and camaraderie among team members. These games not only serve as a source of entertainment but also act as catalysts for enhancing team dynamics, communication, and mutual understanding.
In today's increasingly digital workplace, such interactive and engaging online games are more than just a temporary escape; they are essential tools for building a cohesive and vibrant team culture. By carefully selecting games that align with the diverse needs and preferences of your team, you can ensure that everyone feels included and valued. This holiday season, let's leverage the power of these virtual platforms to create memorable, enjoyable, and meaningful team-building experiences. In doing so, we not only celebrate the festive spirit but also lay the foundation for a more connected, collaborative, and productive team environment in the year ahead.
