Team video game sessions

Activity Description

Team video game sessions are a fun and engaging way for colleagues to connect in a virtual world full of surprises, bluffing, and strategic alliances. Inspired by games like Town of Salem, each participant takes on a secret role in a virtual town and must work together (or not) to achieve their objectives. The activity is played online, involves multiple rounds, and creates a light-hearted atmosphere filled with laughter and unexpected twists.

What does this impact?

• Strengthening communication and sense of belonging: Players must talk, debate, and persuade — often while bluffing — encouraging spontaneous and lively interactions.
• Boosting innovation and creativity: With changing roles and fast-paced decisions, participants improve their adaptability, strategic thinking, and creative improvisation.

What should the organizer prepare?

• A link to the chosen game platform (e.g. townofsalem.io)
• Create a private room with a password
• Set a clear schedule (plan 45–60 minutes)
• A video call running in parallel for live reactions (Zoom, Teams, etc.)
• Simple instructions for first-time players
• An optional game master to facilitate the rounds

How to reach our goals on the big day?

• Start with a warm-up round where everyone creates a fake identity for their character
• Give out fun awards at the end (e.g. “Best Manipulator,” “Most Gullible,” “Silent Genius”)
• Host a collective debrief to guess who played which role
• Add mini-challenges between rounds (e.g. convince others you’re the doctor — even if you’re not)
• Encourage players to use funny accents or wear symbolic costumes
• Rotate the role of facilitator so every round feels different

When should you do this activity?

• When your team is remote and looking for a quick, fun way to connect
• After a period of high stress or intense deadlines
• When interactions or team spirit feel a bit low
• To break the ice between new hires and seasoned employees
• As a light-hearted reward after reaching a goal

Other Benefits

• Can be organized last-minute with minimal effort
• Requires no physical equipment
• Includes everyone regardless of their location
• Encourages laughter, creativity, and bonding

See what others have done 👋

• At ChocoTech (Belgium), one employee fooled the entire team for three rounds by pretending to be an innocent grandma — while actually being the serial killer. The team still talks about it.
• A Toronto-based HR team used regional accents for every character. The director laughed so hard during his Texan cowboy impersonation that he spilled coffee on his keyboard.
• At NeonData (France), a developer won four games in a row… while barely speaking. She’s now known as “The Ghost of Salem.”
• One employee at Solarium Inc. (Switzerland) took the game so seriously that he printed fake ID cards for his character. Later, they discovered he made one for everyone else too.
• At Ping&Co (Canada), a match turned into political theatre as two colleagues ran full campaigns to be elected “Mayor of Salem” — in a game with no mayor.
• A logistics company in Rotterdam created such a strong in-game alliance that it lasted beyond the game: the three teammates now have a private Slack group called “The Wolf League.”
• At VividAnalytics (Germany), the CEO was mistakenly voted out in the first round. The nickname “Default Suspect” has stuck ever since.
• During a session at Talento (Spain), only one player remained — someone who had misunderstood the rules but still managed to win. It’s now a team legend.