Managers of remote teams of employees may arrange online games to promote team building. Remote workers will join forces to find hidden clues, solve puzzles, and escape the virtual room before time runs out! Online companies offer these virtual escape room games customized for particular business clients.
One of the pieces of the workplace experience that can be missing when all of your team members are virtual is the opportunity to engage in team-building activities. Fortunately, many team-building events can take place either in person or virtually.
A virtual escape room experience is a fantastic chance to bring your staff together to work on teamwork, problem-solving, and relationship-building.
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What Is A Virtual Escape Room?
A virtual escape room works much like an in-person escape room. The game master leads you to the escape room and explains the task to those participating. Online escape rooms became popular during the pandemic when people suddenly could not gather in large group settings. Although people were spending time at home, there was still a desire to participate in social activities.
Just like companies started to hold meetings through Zoom video conferencing, they likewise recognized that there must be ways to get people together virtually for recreational reasons. This need is how virtual escape games were created.
It should be noted that while escape rooms are typically seen as a group experience, there are games designed for one person. Soloing is what the virtual escape room world calls a game one person tackles alone.
Smaller groups of 2-4 can complete escape rooms, and many virtual escape rooms are popular for their ability to handle larger groups since you are not all gathering in a live space.
Why Would A Company Set One Up For Its Workforce?
There are many reasons why a company would send workers to a virtual or physical escape room.
- Creativity: Whether you are working your way through a murder mystery or other type of virtual problem, the team has to think creatively to solve the problem.
- Critical Thinking: Fictional situations can mimic real life in how one must think critically while problem-solving to win the game.
- Communication: Remote adventures force a team to talk to one another as they work through the task at hand, which can improve communication.
- Leadership: In any given situation, individuals will step forward into leadership roles. Team building games are an excellent way to take people outside their comfort zone and see who has raw leadership your company may still need to find.
- Lessons in Time Management: Escape rooms come with time limits which force those involved to watch the clock and accomplish more with less time.
- Recreation: Sometimes, playing the game is just about rewarding your team with a fun experience! Of course, it is a bonus if the escape game also doubles as a team-building exercise, but it can simply be a great time.
- Team Building: Virtual team building can be a very valuable experience as the small group you have put together riddles their way through an escape room challenge.
How Do You Play Escape Room Virtually?
Typically, the escape room takes place while the group is in a video conference such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet. This enables them to communicate with one another as they complete the scavenger hunt, solve the murder mystery or break out of the prison. Regardless of the group size, you want everyone to be able to participate in the interactive game.
The game master sometimes will ask the group if they need a hint or a clue when they have been struggling for any length of time. Don’t be afraid to accept that clue!
Consider having a pen and paper nearby when participating in an escape room. A lot of information may be flying at you, and writing it down could prove helpful.
Have someone in your group designated as the timekeeper. If you don’t watch the timer, you might end up running out of time unintentionally.
What Type Of Games Are Available For Virtual Escape Rooms?
- Bank Heist Escape Rooms
- Hogwarts Digital Escape Room
- Minecraft Escape Room
- Mystery Escape Rooms
- Nancy Drew Theme Escape Room
- Prison Break Escape Rooms
- Sherlock Holmes Escape Rooms
Is There A Virtual Escape Room For Android?
Many virtual escape rooms are compatible with Android for those looking to hone their problem-solving skills. Here are five to check out that are free (or nearly free).
How Much Does It Cost For A Virtual Escape Room, Or Is It Free?
There are both free versions of virtual escape rooms and ones one must pay for. For those wishing to enter the world of Harry Potter, there is a Hogwarts Digital Escape Room that is absolutely free. Of course, this is just one example of a virtual event you can find online and participate in without cost.
People seeking a virtual escape room experience who do not mind paying for it will find many different opportunities at varying prices. Escape rooms sometimes charge by the participant, and other times it is one set fee for the program. Costs range from $5 per person to $45 per person. The group purchases different escape rooms for anywhere from $50-$200 per booking.
Are Online Virtual Escape Rooms Successful In Bonding Remote Workers?
Virtual escape room team building can be very successful in bringing teams closer together and helping them learn to work together. As with anything, it depends on the mindset and investment level of those participating. A group of people who enter the team building experience with a growth mindset is far more likely to gain from it than someone with a poor attitude.
