An online icebreaker that embarrasses nobody
Instead of a round of introductions — a few questions, anonymous answers and shared guessing. Fifteen minutes is enough.
Warm-up questions
- 1
Who most likely has a cable in a drawer they cannot name?
- 2
Who volunteers first when nobody else will?
- 3
Whose mug is left in the sink most often?
Why does this work as an icebreaker?
Fox Tales works as a warm-up because nobody has to perform in front of the group — answers stay anonymous until the reveal, and a full round wraps up in about fifteen minutes. It works on a video call too, with no screen sharing. Free.
Short, not forced
A few rounds rather than an hour-long workshop. Nobody has to stand up in front of the group.
Anonymity lowers the bar
Answers stay anonymous until the reveal, so even the most reserved people take part.
Works over video
A distributed team plays exactly like one sitting in a single office — everyone from their own device.
A new team, a new group, a first evening together
Anywhere people do not know each other yet and the classic round of introductions drains the room more than it helps.
- Onboarding someone new to the team
- A first project meeting
- A workshop or training kickoff
- A group that only ever meets online
When an icebreaker is the wrong idea
A warm-up only helps when the group has room for it. Think twice when:
- The team is in the middle of a conflict or layoffs — a game then reads as avoidance.
- The meeting has a hard agenda and fifteen minutes would come out of the decision.
- The group already knows each other inside out — then it is not breaking the ice, it is a shared break. The game still works; just introduce it as something else.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take?
Fifteen minutes is enough for a decent round. You decide the length.
Does anyone have to speak in front of the group?
No. Everything is typed on your own device, and the only thing said out loud is a comment on what is already on everyone's screen. Nobody is put on the spot.
Does it work in an online meeting?
Yes. Nobody needs to share a screen — everyone just opens the game on their own device and joins the same room.
Do participants need accounts?
No. They can join as guests, with a code or a QR code.
See also
Break the ice without the awkwardness
A few questions and a group that was silent a moment ago starts talking.
Start the warm-upRepresenting a company or event agency? Check out our B2B cooperation offer.