Hosting a virtual event for a large group of people sounds simple—until you’re staring at 20-plus faces, all waiting for something fun to happen. Virtual fatigue is accurate, and with so many distractions, it’s easy for energy to drop and for people to check out mentally. Without a plan, things can go off the rails fast.
The good news? There are innovative, fun ways to keep people interested and talking. Online games for large groups have become a go-to solution for team events, celebrations, and remote hangouts. They turn passive Zoom calls into interactive experiences where people connect, laugh, and stay present from start to finish.
1. Pick Simple, Fast-to-Learn Activities
Managing a large group is most effective when kept simple. No one wants to sit through lengthy instructions just to get started. The best games are easy to understand, quick to explain, and fun right away.
Try activities like:
- Word-guessing games – fast-paced and familiar to most people
- Trivia rounds – great for teams and friendly competition
- Drawing contests – no skills needed, just creativity and laughs
These options are low-tech, low-pressure, and encourage immediate participation. The less explaining you do, the more time people spend enjoying themselves.
2. Use Breakout Rooms to Create Smaller Moments
Significant calls can feel overwhelming if everyone’s trying to speak at once. That’s where breakout rooms come in handy. Splitting people into smaller groups allows for deeper interaction and more focused fun.
Each team can tackle a timed challenge or compete in a mini-game series. Then, regroup to share results, vote on winners, or laugh over hilarious answers. Breaking things up helps shy participants feel more comfortable, heard, and involved.
3. Keep the Energy Up by Rotating Hosts
One easy way to keep a virtual session from getting stale is to switch up who’s in charge. Instead of one person hosting the entire event, assign a new game master every round. This change in pace keeps people curious and invested.
Different voices and personalities bring flavor to the experience, giving everyone a break from the pressure of being “on” the whole time. You’ll be surprised how much energy this shift can bring.
4. Choose Tools That Make Large-Group Engagement Easy
Running a big virtual call is far smoother when you have the right tools. Look for platforms designed specifically for larger groups—ones that offer:
- Built-in scoreboards to track progress
- Chat and breakout features for easy group interaction
- Interactive challenges that keep things lively and fun
Some platforms even include ready-made prompts and activities for big teams. One stands out for maintaining games flowing and participants engaged—without hours of prep or tech stress.
5. Add Fun Surprises and Twists Mid-Game
Want to keep attention? Throw in a surprise. Midway through your event, shift gears—maybe a scavenger hunt around the house, a mini talent show, or a “most creative answer” bonus round.
These curveballs wake people up and get them excited for what’s next. You can even offer virtual badges or silly prizes to spice things up. People who don’t know what to expect to stay engaged longer and are more likely to return for future sessions.
Online games for large groups are the secret ingredient to making virtual calls feel fun, focused, and genuinely social. Blending simple, easy-to-learn activities with rotating hosts, unexpected twists, and user-friendly tools allows you to turn even the most ordinary call into something people look forward to. It doesn’t take fancy setups or complicated planning—just creativity and the proper structure. With that in place, a screen full of faces quickly transforms into an energized, connected, and lively group experience.
