How to Build Stronger Remote Teams with 4 Engaging Connection Games

Let’s be honest: working remotely has its perks—flexible hours, no commute, and working in comfy clothes. But it also has a dark side that’s easy to overlook: loneliness.

Sure, your team has Slack, email, and daily stand-ups. But real, human connection? That often falls through the cracks.

After working with over 5,000 small businesses and scaling our own remote team across three continents, here’s one thing we’ve learned:

Connection isn’t a luxury—it’s the foundation of high-performing remote teams.

How to Build Stronger Remote Teams with 4 Engaging Connection Games

In this blog post, we’ll reveal 4 of our favorite online games that turn remote work from soul-crushing to soul-connecting. These aren’t just fun distractions—they’re team chemistry, collaboration, and creativity in digital form.


🎮 Game 1: Jackbox — The Ultimate Connection Generator

Let’s start with a crowd-pleaser. If your team needs a break full of laughs, Jackbox is the way to go.

Why Jackbox?

Because how your team plays together reveals how they work together. It helps you spot:

  • The creative genius 💡
  • The quick decision maker ⚡
  • The glue that holds the team together 🤝

How it works:

  • One person hosts the game by purchasing a Jackbox Party Pack (~$25) from Jackbox.tv.
  • They share their screen via Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams.
  • Everyone else joins using their smartphones as controllers—no app install needed.

Game Modes We Love:

  • Quiplash – hilarious prompts + funny answers = instant inside jokes
  • Drawful – crazy drawing challenges (no art skill required)
  • Fibbage – a bluffing game that shows who’s quick and clever
  • Trivia Murder Party – trivia meets suspenseful fun

Pro Tip:

Rotate the host each time. It gives different team members a chance to shine and lead the fun!

⏱ Game time: 15–30 minutes
👥 Players: 3–8
💡 Outcome: Team bonding in minutes, not months


🧠 Game 2: Codenames — A Window into Team Communication

Ready to test how well your team communicates under pressure?

What is Codenames?

Codenames is a word association game that turns communication into a strategy. It’s perfect for creative thinkers, marketers, and product teams.

Now available for free online at horsepaste.com, it offers the same experience as the physical board game—without the mess.

How to play:

  • Divide into 2 teams (4–8 players is ideal).
  • Each team has a Spymaster who knows the secret words.
  • Using only one-word clues, the Spymaster helps teammates guess the correct words on a 5×5 word grid.
  • Avoid the assassin word at all costs!

Set Up:

  • Use Horsepaste.com to share the game screen.
  • Spymasters communicate word locations privately.
  • Teams collaborate via voice or video chat.

💡 Watch how people interpret clues:
Literal vs. abstract thinkers emerge quickly—it’s a masterclass in team communication styles.

⏱ Game time: 15–20 minutes
👥 Players: 4–8
🧩 Outcome: Sharper communication, creative collaboration


🏰 Game 3: Dominion Online — Strategy Meets Fun

For strategic planners and long-term thinkers, Dominion is a goldmine.

What is Dominion?

A deck-building strategy game set in a medieval kingdom. You manage resources, build your economy, and outwit opponents—all while having fun.

Play for free at Dominion.Games.
No need to set up physical cards—it’s all online!

Why it’s perfect for remote teams:

  • Reveals who plans five steps ahead 🧠
  • Shows who adapts quickly under pressure ⏱
  • Encourages leadership thinking and resource management

How to play:

  • 2 to 4 players build their own card decks.
  • Choose action, treasure, and victory cards to gain points.
  • Every decision changes your path to victory.

🎧 Voice chat is recommended for banter and collaboration.

⏱ Game time: 30–45 minutes
👥 Players: 2–4
📈 Outcome: Strategic insights that last beyond game time


🖌 Game 4: Paper Telephone (via Gartic Phone) — Pure Creative Chaos

Sometimes, all your team needs is a good laugh. That’s where Gartic Phone comes in.

What is it?

A free online version of the classic “telephone game” with drawings and text misinterpretations.

Play now at GarticPhone.com.

How it works:

  • One player writes a phrase → the next draws it 🎨
  • Another player describes the drawing → and so on
  • It creates a hilarious chain of interpretations

📷 Screenshots of each round = instant memes for the team

Why we love it:

  • Zero skills needed
  • Breaks down formal work barriers
  • Reveals hidden talents and humor
  • Leaves everyone in splits

⏱ Game time: 20–30 minutes
👥 Players: 4–8
😂 Outcome: Creativity, bonding, and laughter therapy


💬 FAQs

Q: Do we need to install software for any of these games?
A: Only Jackbox (host only). Others run directly in your browser.

Q: Can these games work with hybrid teams?
A: Absolutely. As long as everyone is on a video call and can access the internet, you’re good to go.

Q: Are these games suitable for serious business teams?
A: 100%. The goal isn’t just fun—it’s to strengthen communication, leadership, and collaboration.


📝 Tags:

remote work games, team building, online games for teams, jackbox setup, dominion online, codenames remote, gartic phone, remote collaboration, virtual team fun, communication games


🔥 Hashtags:

#RemoteWork #TeamBuilding #OnlineGames #VirtualTeams #JackboxGames #CodenamesOnline #GarticPhone #DominionGame #TeamFun #RemoteCulture


Disclaimer:
While these games are ideal for remote team bonding, always be mindful of your team’s work-life balance, preferences, and diversity. Ensure the activities are inclusive, optional, and fun—not forced or overwhelming.


So now it’s your turn:
Which game are you most excited to try with your team?
Have a favorite that’s not on the list? Let us know—we’d love to hear from you!

Until then, keep your teams not just connected—but truly engaged. ✨

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Jonathan Reed

Jonathan is a US-based gaming journalist with more than 10 years in the industry. He has written for online magazines and covered topics ranging from PC performance benchmarks to emulator testing. His expertise lies in connecting hardware reviews with real gaming performance, helping readers choose the best setups for play.

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