13 Best Online Group Games to Turn Cameras ON and Minds ON

Remote teams face a hidden productivity killer: disconnection. When colleagues feel isolated, collaboration suffers. But one research study^{1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8715357/}found something remarkable—virtual teams who played online group games together for just 45 minutes showed a 20% increase in productivity on subsequent tasks compared to control groups.

That’s not a typo. Playing fun games at work can make your team measurably better at their jobs.

The mechanism? Researchers call it “team flow”—the rapid formation of communication norms and shared understanding that happens when people solve problems together in low-stakes environments. Games create psychological safety that transfers directly to work tasks.

So what games can you play in a group online? This guide covers 13 of the best online group games organized by what they build: deeper connection, cooperative problem-solving, healthy competition, party energy, or creative thinking. Whether you’re looking for what online games to play with friends or need team building activities for remote teams, you’ll find options that work on Zoom, Google Meet, or any video platform.

Game Type	Game Name	What It Builds	Best For
Connection	The Google Association Game	Getting to know each other	Small groups (3-4)
Connection	Fridge & Feed	Vulnerability and detective work	Medium groups (4-12)
Connection	Bucket List Matching	Emotional connection	Medium groups (4-12)
Cooperative	Online Escape Room	Teamwork and problem-solving	Teams up to 10
Cooperative	Fill in the Map	Collaboration and learning	Any size, best 4-6
Competitive	Codenames	Critical thinking and wordplay	4-8 players
Competitive	Skribbl.io	Creativity and quick thinking	4-12 players
Competitive	Trivia	Knowledge and friendly rivalry	Large groups
Party	Sidewalk Tag	Energy boost and play	4-20 players
Party	Scattergories	Quick thinking and creativity	4-12 players
Creativity	Collective Chronicles	Storytelling and imagination	2-10 players
Creativity	Geometric Guesswork	Communication and listening	5-7 per group
Creativity	Picture Puzzles	Observation and creativity	4-20 players

Why Online Group Games Matter for Remote Teams

Remote work has transformed how teams collaborate, but it’s also created new challenges. According to research^{1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8715357/}, remote workers experience feelings of isolation at significantly higher rates than their in-office counterparts. This disconnection doesn’t just affect morale—it impacts productivity, creativity, and retention.

Online group games address this gap by creating shared experiences that build trust and communication patterns. When team members solve puzzles together in virtual escape rooms or laugh through rounds of Skribbl.io, they develop problem-solving skills and rapport that transfer directly to work projects.

The benefits extend beyond feel-good moments:

• Improved communication: Games require clear, quick communication—skills that strengthen workplace collaboration
• Psychological safety: Low-stakes play creates space for risk-taking that carries into brainstorming sessions
• Cultural cohesion: Shared experiences build the “inside jokes” and memories that define team culture
• Energy renewal: Brief game breaks combat Zoom fatigue and restore focus for remote teams

As Brian Elliott from Future Forum^{2https://futureforum.com/}notes, “Connection doesn’t happen by accident in remote environments. Leaders need to be intentional about creating moments for teams to bond.”

How to Plan an Engaging Virtual Game Night

What makes a virtual game night successful? Planning matters more than you might think. Here’s how to host an online game session that people actually enjoy:

Choose the right timing. Schedule games when energy is naturally higher—mid-morning or early afternoon typically works better than end-of-day. Keep sessions to 30-45 minutes to maintain engagement without causing fatigue.

Test your technology first. Nothing kills momentum like technical difficulties. The host should test screen sharing, game links, and breakout rooms before the session. Have backup plans ready.

Match games to your group. Consider team size, comfort levels, and goals. New teams benefit from lower-vulnerability games like trivia or Skribbl.io. Established teams can try deeper connection games like Bucket List Matching.

Set clear expectations. Explain rules briefly and make participation optional. Frame games as opportunities, not requirements. Some people need time to warm up to group activities.

Create the right atmosphere. Encourage cameras on (but don’t mandate), use music during transitions, and bring genuine enthusiasm as the host. Your energy sets the tone.

Debrief afterward. Spend 5 minutes discussing what worked. This reflection deepens the team building impact and helps you improve future sessions.

For Zoom-specific tips: Use breakout rooms for smaller group games, the annotation feature for collaborative drawing, and polls for quick voting. Most online group games work seamlessly on Zoom with minimal setup.

Free vs Paid Online Group Games

Wondering what are some good games to play online for free as a group? Budget shouldn’t limit your team building options. Here’s how the games in this guide break down:

Completely Free Options:

• Skribbl.io – Free browser-based drawing game
• Codenames – Free online version at codenames.game
• Scattergories Online – Free at scattergoriesonline.net
• The Google Association Game – No tools required
• Bucket List Matching – No tools required
• Fridge & Feed – No tools required
• Collective Chronicles – No tools required
• Geometric Guesswork – No tools required
• Picture Puzzles – No tools required
• Fill in the Map – Free with downloadable blank maps

Paid Options:

• Virtual Escape Rooms – Typically $20-35 per person through platforms like TheEscapeGame.com^{3https://theescapegame.com/}
• Kumospace Sidewalk Tag – Free for up to 5 players, $16/month for larger teams

DIY Trivia: Create your own virtual trivia for free using our 376 trivia questions, or explore 25 virtual trivia games for more options.

The best online group games don’t require big budgets—they require thoughtful facilitation and genuine engagement.

Games For Deeper Connection

These games prioritize social interaction over competition. They work best for teams looking to strengthen interpersonal relationships and build trust.

A note on vulnerability: Some connection games ask participants to share personal information. Always frame these as “challenge by choice”—team members can skip any activity that feels uncomfortable. Never pressure anyone to participate.

1. The Google Association Game

What would happen if Google had access to all your memories? What would surface if you searched “the one that got away” or “piñata”?

This game simulates that experience with teammates. One person asks another, “What happens when I Google [Person’s Name] and [random topic]?” The person then free-associates, sharing whatever comes to mind.

No one actually uses Google. The question simply prompts people to think deeply about a topic and share authentically.

Best for: Teams that enjoy open-ended conversation and creative thinking. Works well for breaking the ice or mixing up usual team dynamics.

Number of players: Groups of 3 work best, but 2 or 4 also works.

How to play:

1. Divide into groups: Use breakout rooms to split into trios.
2. Decide order: Each trio picks who asks first, second, and third.
3. Start the inquiry: Person 1 asks, “What happens when I Google Person 2 and [topic]?” The topic can be anything—”tacos,” “commitment,” “childhood summers.”
4. Share freely: Person 2 responds with whatever comes to mind. Keep shares under 3 minutes.
5. Rotate: Person 2 asks Person 3 a similar question. Continue for about 10 minutes.
6. Debrief (optional): Take 3 minutes to discuss what surprised you.
7. Reconvene: Bring everyone back to share highlights.

2. Fridge & Feed

This game blends gentle vulnerability with detective skills. Each team member shares a photo of the inside of their refrigerator and a screenshot of their YouTube homepage recommendations. Everyone else guesses who each set belongs to.

The results reveal surprising insights about colleagues—what they eat, what they watch, and what algorithms think they care about.

Best for: Teams looking to connect on a personal level and those who enjoy detective work.

Number of players: 4-12 (more players make guessing more challenging).

How to play:

1. Choose a game host: This person collects and presents the photos.
2. Capture images: Each player photographs their fridge (no tidying allowed!) and screenshots their YouTube homepage (no refreshing for a “better” one). Team members can skip either part if uncomfortable.
3. Send to the host: Players send images privately to the host.
4. Anonymize: The host renames files to hide identities and arranges them in a slideshow.
5. Play: During the meeting, the host displays one fridge photo and one YouTube screenshot side by side. Everyone guesses who they belong to.
6. Reveal and discuss: After all guesses, reveal the true owners. This often sparks conversations about shared interests.
7. Keep score (optional): Award points for correct guesses. The winner gets a small prize like a restaurant gift card.

3. Bucket List Matching

Each person creates a list of ten things they want to accomplish in their lifetime. The group tries to match anonymous lists to their creators.

This game builds emotional connection through shared aspirations. When someone reveals their list includes “learn to sail” or “write a children’s book,” colleagues see them differently.

Best for: Teams aiming to build deeper emotional connections and open dialogue about personal goals.

Number of players: 4-12 (smaller groups allow more discussion after each reveal).

How to play:

1. Assign a facilitator: One person guides the game and presents lists.
2. Create lists: Before the game, each team member privately writes ten bucket list items—travel goals, skills to learn, personal milestones.
3. Submit anonymously: Players send lists to the facilitator.
4. Prepare slides: The facilitator creates a slideshow with each anonymous list.
5. Guess: During the meeting, display each list. Players guess who wrote it.
6. Share stories: After revealing each list’s owner, invite them to share the story behind any item.
7. Score (optional): Award points for correct guesses. Consider a prize that aligns with someone’s bucket list—a travel guide or cooking class voucher.

These connection games build what Priya Parker^{4https://priyaparker.com/}, author of The Art of Gathering, calls “psychological togetherness”—the feeling of being truly present with others even when physically apart.

These games are a great way to improve your connection skills. And if you’d like to take these people skills to the next level, you might enjoy this course:

Cooperative Online Group Games

Cooperative games put everyone on the same team working toward a shared goal. These games excel at building problem-solving skills and collaboration because success depends on working together effectively.

Research from ResearchGate^{5https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311792939_The_effects_of_playing_cooperative_and_competitive_video_games_on_teamwork_and_team_performance}examined how different gaming experiences affect teamwork. The study divided participants into three groups: those who played a video game cooperatively for two hours, those who played competitively, and those who didn’t play. Two weeks later, participants were paired with someone from their same group and played the Prisoner’s Dilemma—a classic psychological test measuring cooperative versus self-interested behavior.

The results were striking: those who had played cooperatively were most likely to cooperate in subsequent tasks. Those who played competitively were least likely to cooperate. This suggests that the type of game matters—cooperative formats may build lasting collaborative mindsets.

(Note: This study used middle school students as participants. While the psychological principles apply broadly, adult workplace dynamics differ. The finding supports cooperative gaming as a team building tool, but results may vary.)

As BYU^{6https://byu.edu/}Professor Greg Anderson put it: “Companies are spending thousands and thousands of dollars on team-building activities, and I’m thinking, go buy an Xbox.”

Cooperative games work especially well for virtual teams because they require the same skills needed for remote collaboration: clear communication, role distribution, and collective problem-solving. When your team successfully escapes a virtual escape room or completes a collaborative puzzle, those coordination patterns carry over to real projects.

4. Fill in the Map

How well does your team know world geography? This game tests geographical knowledge while sparking conversations about travel experiences and building collaboration skills.

Fill in the Map works particularly well for global or distributed teams. As players label countries, they often share stories: “I visited that country last year” or “My family is from there.” These organic conversations build connection while the collaborative challenge builds teamwork.

The game also reveals interesting dynamics about how teams share knowledge. Some groups divide regions by expertise. Others work systematically from one area to another. Watching how your team organizes itself provides insights into natural collaboration patterns.

Best for: Groups who enjoy teamwork mixed with learning. Especially effective for international teams.

Number of players: Any number, though groups of 4-6 are most manageable.

How to play:

1. Share a blank map: Provide a blank world map via screen-share or downloadable file. Free printable maps are available online.
2. Divide into teams: For larger groups, split into smaller teams using breakout rooms.
3. Set a timer: Allocate 20 minutes for the main challenge.
4. Fill it in: Teams work together to label as many countries as possible. Encourage discussion and knowledge-sharing.
5. Compare results: When time ends, teams share their maps via screen share.
6. Score and discuss: Reveal correct answers. Award prizes for accuracy or speed.
7. Bonus round: Share travel stories connected to countries that came up during the game.

5. Online Escape Room

Virtual escape rooms combine intense problem-solving with teamwork. Teams work together to solve puzzles, find clues, and “escape” within a time limit. These experiences have become one of the most popular online group games for corporate team building.

Escape rooms test how teams communicate under pressure. Who takes charge? Who notices small details? How does the group handle disagreement about solutions? The answers reveal team dynamics that matter for real work.

Best for: Teams who thrive under pressure and love intellectual challenges.

Number of players: Up to 10.

How to play:

1. Select a platform: TheEscapeGame.com^{3https://theescapegame.com/}offers several virtual options with different themes and difficulty levels.
2. Book a time: Schedule when everyone can participate. Most sessions run 60-90 minutes.
3. Play together: Log in at the scheduled time and solve puzzles as a team. Most platforms provide hints when needed.
4. Debrief afterward: Discuss what strategies worked, what didn’t, and how team dynamics played out under pressure.

Virtual escape rooms reveal how teams think, collaborate, and handle stress—valuable insights that transfer to real work challenges.

Competitive Games

Healthy competition energizes teams and builds camaraderie. These games pit individuals or small teams against each other while keeping stakes low and fun high.

6. Codenames

Codenames^{7https://codenames.game/}is a classic word association game. Two teams compete to identify their secret words based on one-word clues from their “Spymaster.”

The game tests how well teammates understand each other’s thought patterns. A Spymaster might say “Ocean 2,” hoping their team picks “Beach” and “Whale” from the grid—but will they?

Research from the APA^{8https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/amp-a0034857.pdf}shows board games can help people learn more effectively and improve memory and attention.

Best for: Teams that enjoy critical thinking and wordplay.

Number of players: 4-8 (can adapt for larger groups).

How to play:

1. Create a game: Visit codenames.game^{7https://codenames.game/}and generate a link. Share it with your team.
2. Divide into teams: Each team gets a Spymaster and one or more guessers.
3. Give clues: Spymasters take turns giving one-word clues followed by a number indicating how many words relate to that clue.
4. Guess carefully: Guessers try to identify their team’s words without picking the other team’s words—or the “assassin” word that ends the game immediately.
5. Win: The first team to identify all their words wins.

7. Skribbl.io

Skribbl.io^{9https://skribbl.io/}is digital Pictionary. One player draws a word while others race to guess it. The faster you guess correctly, the more points you earn.

Artistic skill is irrelevant—stick figures and squiggly lines often produce the biggest laughs and most creative solutions.

Best for: Teams wanting creativity, competition, and humor.

Number of players: 4-12.

How to play:

1. Create a room: Go to Skribbl.io^{9https://skribbl.io/}and create a private room. Share the link.
2. Customize: Set the number of rounds, drawing time, and optionally add custom words relevant to your team or industry.
3. Draw and guess: Players take turns drawing. Pick one of three words, then sketch while others guess.
4. Score automatically: The game tracks points based on speed and accuracy.
5. Celebrate: After all rounds, congratulate the winner and share the most memorable drawings.

8. Virtual Trivia

Virtual trivia games test knowledge across categories while building friendly rivalry. They work especially well for large groups because everyone can participate simultaneously.

For DIY trivia, here are 376 trivia questions to pull from. For hosted options, explore 25 virtual trivia games. You can also create custom trivia about your company, industry, or team members for a personalized experience.

To host virtual trivia effectively, prepare 20-30 questions across varied categories. Use screen sharing to display questions, and give teams 30-60 seconds to discuss answers. Keep score visibly and build in time for friendly banter between rounds. The best trivia hosts bring energy and humor to keep engagement high.

Party Games

Party games are light, fast, and accommodate large groups. They work as icebreakers or energy boosters during long meetings.

Research from the American Psychological Association^{8https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/amp-a0034857.pdf}found that video games can positively affect social skills and cognition—including spatial navigation, reasoning, and problem-solving.

9. Sidewalk Tag

Kumospace^{10https://www.kumospace.com/}offers Sidewalk Tag, which brings the childhood game of tag into a virtual space. Players control avatars, chasing or fleeing through a digital environment.

The game is free for teams of five or fewer, and $16/month for the Business plan with larger teams.

Best for: Teams needing a quick energy boost.

Number of players: 4-20.

How to play:

1. Set up Kumospace: Create a private room at Kumospace^{10https://www.kumospace.com/}.
2. Explain the rules: One person is “It” and tries to tag others by clicking on their avatar.
3. Choose who’s It: Randomly select the first person.
4. Play: Give a countdown, then let the chase begin. When someone gets tagged, they become It.
5. Set a time limit: Decide how long to play before starting.
6. Debrief: Share funny moments and give awards like “Most Elusive” or “Fastest Tag.”

10. Scattergories

Scattergories Online^{10https://www.kumospace.com/}challenges players to list unique words fitting specific categories—all starting with the same letter. You only score points for answers no one else wrote.

Best for: Teams wanting quick thinking and friendly competition.

Number of players: 4-12.

How to play:

1. Join the game: Everyone logs into scattergoriesonline.net^{11https://scattergoriesonline.net/}.
2. Set the timer: Typically 3 minutes per round.
3. Get your letter: The game randomly assigns a letter.
4. List words: Write items for each category starting with that letter. If the letter is “B,” you might need a food (Banana), a celebrity (Beyoncé), and a city (Boston).
5. Compare answers: When time ends, share answers. You only score for unique responses.
6. Tally points: Track scores across rounds. The highest scorer wins.

Creativity Games

Studies show^{12https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8305859/}that people who express creativity report higher happiness and life satisfaction. These games exercise creative muscles while building team bonds.

As Dr. Helen Keyes from Anglia Ruskin University^{13https://aru.ac.uk/}notes: “Crafting and other artistic activities showed a meaningful effect in predicting people’s sense that their life is worthwhile.”

11. Collective Chronicles

Each team member contributes one minute to an evolving story. One person starts, then the next picks up where they left off. The result is unpredictable, often hilarious, and entirely collaborative.

This game can also be adapted for tabletop role-playing game (RPG) style experiences. How can tabletop role-playing games be adapted for online group activities on platforms like Zoom? Simply add more structure: assign character roles, establish a setting with rules, and have one person serve as a “game master” who guides the narrative. Players can use dice-rolling apps for randomness and character sheets shared via Google Docs. The collaborative storytelling format translates naturally to virtual platforms.

Best for: Teams wanting to stretch creative muscles.

Number of players: 2-10.

How to play:

1. Choose a theme: Pick a setting—a distant galaxy, a haunted mansion, a corporate office in the year 3000.
2. Set the timer: Each person gets one minute to contribute.
3. Pick a starter: Choose who begins.
4. Build the story: After one minute, the next person continues. Build on previous elements while adding new twists.
5. Record (optional): Record audio or have someone transcribe in real-time.
6. Conclude: In the final round, wrap up loose ends.
7. Reflect: Discuss surprising turns and standout moments of creativity.

12. Geometric Guesswork

One player describes an object using only geometric terms (“draw a rectangle in the center, add a triangle on top”). Others sketch what they hear, then guess what the object is.

This game reveals how differently people interpret the same instructions—a powerful lesson in communication clarity.

Best for: Teams interested in improving communication skills.

Number of players: 5-7 per group (multiple groups can play simultaneously).

How to play:

1. Start a video call: Gather your team on Zoom or similar.
2. Divide into groups: Use breakout rooms for groups of 5-7.
3. Assign roles: One person is the “Geometric Guide,” others are “Sketchers.”
4. Get a word: The Guide uses a random word generator to pick an object.
5. Describe geometrically: The Guide describes the object using only shapes and positions.
6. Sketch and guess: Sketchers draw what they hear. Anyone can shout a guess at any time.
7. Reveal: Show all drawings on screen. Award points for correct guesses.
8. Rotate: The correct guesser (or random selection) becomes the next Guide.

13. Picture Puzzles

Everyone photographs an everyday object in a way that makes it almost unrecognizable. Close-ups, unusual angles, and creative lighting transform mundane items into visual puzzles and mysteries.

Best for: Teams with a keen eye for detail.

Number of players: 4-20.

How to play:

1. Choose a host: This person guides each step.
2. Join the call: Get everyone on video.
3. Pick a platform: Decide where to share photos—Slack, email, or Google Drive.
4. Take photos: Give everyone 3 minutes to photograph something. Optionally, give prompts like “something in your kitchen” or “something blue.”
5. Share anonymously: Everyone uploads their mysterious photos.
6. Guess: Players write guesses under each photo.
7. Reveal: Photographers unveil their objects. Score points for correct guesses.
8. Repeat: Play as many rounds as time allows.
9. Award prizes: Consider small prizes for the most accurate guesser or most creative photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do online group games work?

Online group games use video conferencing platforms (like Zoom or Google Meet) combined with browser-based game websites or shared screens. Players join a video call, then access games through shared links or watch a host’s screen. Most games require minimal setup—just a stable internet connection and a device with a camera. The host typically shares their screen to display game boards, questions, or instructions while players interact through chat, voice, or the game’s interface.

How to play group games online?

To play group games online, start by choosing a game that matches your group size and goals. Send calendar invites with the video call link and any game links players need. Test your technology before the session. When everyone joins, explain rules briefly, demonstrate if needed, and keep energy high as the host. Use breakout rooms for smaller team activities and bring everyone back together for scoring and celebration.

What online games can I play with friends or coworkers?

The best options depend on your goals. For deeper connection, try The Google Association Game or Bucket List Matching. For teamwork, virtual escape rooms work well. For quick energy, Skribbl.io or Scattergories deliver. Codenames balances strategy with accessibility for most groups. All 13 games in this guide work equally well for friend groups and work teams.

What are some good online group games to play on Zoom?

All games in this guide work on Zoom. The best Zoom-compatible options include Skribbl.io (use screen share), Codenames (share the game link), Scattergories Online, and any of the connection games that just require conversation. Zoom’s breakout rooms make games like The Google Association Game and Geometric Guesswork easy to facilitate with larger groups.

How many people should play in my online game?

Most games work best with 4-10 players. Larger groups can split into smaller teams. Games like Scattergories and Codenames accommodate 4-12 players. Virtual escape rooms typically work best with 4-6. Connection games like Bucket List Matching become unwieldy above 12 participants. For large groups of 15+, consider running multiple simultaneous games in breakout rooms.

Are online games good for remote team building?

Yes. Studies show remote workers experience loneliness at significantly higher rates than onsite colleagues. Games address this by creating psychological togetherness. Companies investing in virtual team building rose dramatically after the shift to remote work, and leaders consistently report improved team communication after team-building activities.

What makes a virtual game night successful?

Successful virtual game nights combine good planning with genuine enthusiasm. Choose games that match your group’s comfort level and size. Test technology beforehand. Keep sessions to 30-45 minutes to maintain energy. Make participation optional and create a welcoming atmosphere. Most importantly, debrief afterward—discussing what worked deepens the team building impact.

Online Group Games Takeaway

Online group games aren’t frivolous additions to remote work—they’re strategic investments in team performance. The research is clear: playing together makes teams more productive, more cooperative, and more connected.

Here’s your action plan:

1. Start with connection: If your team hasn’t played together before, begin with a low-vulnerability game like Skribbl.io or Trivia to build comfort.
2. Match games to goals: Need better communication? Try Geometric Guesswork. Want deeper relationships? Use Bucket List Matching. Need energy? Play Sidewalk Tag.
3. Schedule regularly: One-off games help, but consistent play builds lasting team dynamics. Consider 30-45 minutes monthly.
4. Make participation optional: Never force “fun.” Frame games as opportunities, not requirements.
5. Debrief the experience: After playing, spend 5 minutes discussing what worked. This reflection deepens the team building impact.
6. Rotate game types: Vary between competitive, cooperative, and creative games to engage different team members.

For more ways to strengthen your team dynamics, explore these large group icebreakers or learn how to host an unforgettable game night in person.

Want to take your people skills beyond game night? Check out People School—our flagship course on mastering communication, connection, and influence in any setting.

Building stronger teams doesn’t require expensive retreats or elaborate programs. Sometimes it just takes 45 minutes, a shared screen, and permission to play the best online group games.