What makes a good 5-minute game
A good short game has a one-sentence rule, a clear end, and little or no setup. If you spend three minutes explaining it, it stops being a 5-minute game. When choosing, look for:
- Rules you can say in one breath.
- No supplies, or supplies everyone already has.
- An obvious finish, like a timer or a fixed number of rounds.
- Room for everyone to take part, including those who prefer to stay quiet.
Conversation games
Two Truths and a Lie
Each person states three facts about themselves, two true and one false. The group votes on the lie. In five minutes, run it with a small group or in pairs.
Would You Rather
Read a dilemma, such as “Would you rather fly or be invisible?” Everyone picks a side, and a few people explain their choice. Keep it quick by limiting each answer to about 15 seconds.
One-word check-in
Everyone says one word that describes how their day is going. It takes about a minute for small groups and works well in meetings.
Marooned
Everyone names one item, book, album, or movie they would bring to a desert island and says why in a sentence or two.
Word and guessing games
5 Second Rule
Give a player a category, such as “three pizza toppings,” and they must name three things before five seconds are up. See category game ideas for more prompts. Pass the turn around the group.
One-breath pitch
Each person gets one breath to pitch a made-up product or describe their weekend. It is silly and fast.
Emoji quiz
Show a string of emojis that represents a song, film, or phrase and let people guess. This works well on a shared screen.
Caption this
Show a funny photo and ask people to write the best caption. Vote for a winner.
Draw your mood
Everyone sketches their mood in thirty seconds and shows it to the group. It suits video calls, where people hold their drawing up to the camera.
Silent line up
Players line up by birthday or height without speaking. See our guide to the silent line up game for prompts.
Quick physical challenges
These are minute-to-win-it style games that need only simple items.
- Coin stacking: Stack as many coins as possible using only your non-dominant hand in 60 seconds.
- Paper ball toss: Aim crumpled paper at a bin from a set line and count hits in a minute.
- Cup stack: Build a tower or pyramid of paper cups in 60 seconds.
- Rock paper scissors tournament: Losers become cheerleaders for the person who beat them, and the group narrows down to one winner. It is fast and noisy.
Keep movement low-risk, and offer seated versions where space is tight.
Meeting options
For in-person meetings, pick games that work seated: Would You Rather, one-word check-in, and caption this.
For video meetings, try emoji quizzes, draw your mood, or a quick poll. Use the chat so people who prefer to type can join in.
For a bigger structured activity, see morale boosting games for employees and remote teams.
Games for when you are bored at home
Some of these work solo or with one or two others. For longer evenings, see games to play with your roommate.
- Alphabet categories: Pick a category and name an item for each letter, A to Z.
- Story chain: Add one sentence at a time with a partner.
- Quick trivia: Pick a topic and take turns asking each other questions.
- Speed sketch: Draw an object in 30 seconds and have others guess.
For longer prop-free ideas, see team building games with no equipment.
Running tips
- Decide the timing in advance and stick to it.
- Demonstrate a first round if the rules are unusual.
- Let people pass.
- Stop while people still want more.
FAQ
What are some fun games to play during Teams meetings?
Emoji quizzes, draw your mood, Would You Rather, and one-word check-ins all work on video.
Can you provide examples of team building experiences?
Quick examples include Two Truths and a Lie, a silent line up, or a short trivia round. Longer ones include an office Olympics.
What are some fun activities to do at home?
Alphabet categories, story chains, and quick trivia need nothing but a few people or even just you and a friend.
What games can I play when bored?
Pick a short word game or sketch challenge, since both need no setup.