Hey you!
We are officially halfway through the year! That means there’s plenty of time left in the year to introduce some play into your team, and at a discount, even.
The following games are available to play on a Windows or Mac, may be played in person or online by purchasing copies for the whole team or using Steam’s Remote Together feature using only one copy. But everyone will need a free Steam account at a minimum.
Four options you can jump into based on goals:
#1 Casual
Golf with Your Friends is essentially chaotic mini-golf for up to 12 players. Play with your team in person on one screen, or play online for the whopping price of $1.49 per copy! It’s currently 90% off.
I love this game because it’s perfect for a range of players. New to playing digital games or an expert? Doesn’t matter! There’s fun to be had with wacky and wackier courses. Teams will practice patience, taking turns, and encouragement. It’s also a great way to observe how your team performs in a lightly competitive environment.
#2 Communication clarity
In Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes, your team is the bomb squad. One person gets to disarm it, but they can’t do it alone. Choose one or more people to read through the manual and explain what needs to happen. Simple sounding, but an incredibly fun and complex communication game! Screenshare and start and you’re on your way to working on active listening, trust, and staying calm under pressure.
Only one copy is needed, as the bomb defusing manual is available online for free. If you want several people to try defusing, the easiest way to get a copy for each person, or try Steam Remote Together. Right now, it’s 70% off, at $4.49.
#3 Team building skills
For $6.24, you can watch your team unravel and rebuild itself again. You might think I’m being dramatic, but I assure you – I am not! In Overcooked! 2, teams work a restaurant kitchen, fulfilling orders correctly and quickly. Sounds easy, but the kitchen environments present some challenges…Only 4 people can play at a time, but you can switch roles between players, observers, or note takers. There’s a role for everyone.
Some folks call this game the “Relationship Killer,” because it requires incredible communication, grace, prioritization, flexibility, time management, and even leadership skills. Try it, and you’ll see what I mean!
#4 Experimentation and problem solving
Get your squad comfortable with failing as they laugh their way through Human Fall Flat, a physics puzzle game. Also just $5.99. This is a pretty silly game where 8 players trip over themselves trying to solve puzzles and figuring out their environments, physics, and each other.
So how can you incorporate these games?
- Try a different one every Friday or once a month.
- Play together over a catered lunch hour
- Make a whole day out of it!
These types of games fall under Enablement in the SPACE for Play framework, meaning they’re all about upskilling your team in a stealth learning environment. Overall, these are opportunities for your team to build memories and positive experiences that create connection.
Good luck, have fun!
Lissy
P.S. Questions on how to run any of these? I’ve picked some low-prep options but they do require a little know-how. Find some time on my calendar and I’m happy to help you out!
