How to Play This Icebreaker Game
- 1Mode 1: Storytelling. One person starts with a theme or an opening emoji.
- 2Each person takes a turn adding ONE emoji to continue the plot.
- 3Continue until the story reaches a conclusion, then try to narrate it back in words.
- 4Mode 2: Emoji Charades. One person picks a prompt (Movie, Song, etc.) and types it out using ONLY emojis.
- 5Others define what it is. The first to guess correctly wins a point.
Variations
Theme Challenge: Pick a theme ('Monday morning', 'project launch', 'coffee break') and tell that story.
Dual Stories: Split into two groups creating parallel emoji stories, then vote on the best.
Emoji Mystery: Create a story, then one person narrates a guess at what it means.
Facilitator Guide
Opening Script:
We'll tell a story using only emojis. I'll drop a starter theme (e.g., Vacation). Then, each of you adds ONE emoji to build the plot. Let's go!
Closing Script:
Great work! Emojis can spark creativity fast. Feel free to use this kind of playful approach in your team communications too.
Why This Works
Why this icebreaker game works: Visual symbols lower language barriers and speed ideation. The constraint keeps it playful and inclusive in chat‑first teams.
Best For
Ideal icebreaker situations for this game include:
- Remote async warm‑ups
- Cross‑language teams
- 5‑minute energizers
Important Notes
- Stick to work‑safe icons; avoid ambiguous or sensitive symbols
- Enforce one emoji per turn to maintain pace
- Offer a ‘pass’ to keep flow
Ideas & Prompts
Emoji Puzzles: Guess the Movie (Ready to Play)
🦖 🦕 🚙 🏝️ (Jurassic Park)
🦁 👑 🌅 🐗 (The Lion King)
🚢 🧊 🏊 🎻 (Titanic)
👻 🚫 🔫 🟢 (Ghostbusters)
🎈 🏠 👴 🐕 (Up)
🕶️ 💊 🟢 🐇 (The Matrix)
🧙♂️ ⚡️ 👓 🦉 (Harry Potter)
🕷️ 🕸️ 🏙️ 📸 (Spider-Man)
🍫 🎫 🏭 🎩 (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory)
🥊 🐅 👁️ 🏃 (Rocky / Eye of the Tiger)
Emoji Puzzles: Work Phrases (Hard Mode)
🔥 🕯️ 🌙 🛢️ (Burning the midnight oil)
🐘 🏠 🤫 👀 (Elephant in the room)
🧠 🌩️ 💡 📝 (Brainstorming)
🔄 🔙 🗣️ (Circle back)
📦 🧠 📤 💡 (Think outside the box)
📅 🥱 ➡️ 📧 (This meeting could have been an email)
🤠 🐈 🐈 🐈 (Herding cats)
🧊 🔨 🤝 (Icebreaker)
🚀 🌕 🌌 (Moonshot)
🦌 🔦 😳 (Deer in headlights)
Story Starters: Collaborative Scenarios
Our team gets stranded on a desert island... go!
A typical Monday morning until something weird happens...
The office printer becomes self-aware...
We simulate the company holiday party...
Describe your dream vacation using only emojis...
The plot of a movie directed by our boss...
Invent a new product launch story...
A day in the life of the office pet...
Charades: Describe These (Player Types Emojis)
Remote Work Struggles
Coffee Addiction
Technical Difficulties
Friday Afternoon Feeling
Winning the Lottery
First Date Disaster
Alien Invasion
Zombie Apocalypse
Time Travel
Super Hero Origin Story
Game FAQ
How many emojis should the story be?
8–12 emojis hits the sweet spot—enough for a mini-arc without dragging.
How many emojis should the story be?
8–12 emojis hits the sweet spot—enough for a mini-arc without dragging.
Can I use text?
Try to stick to emojis only! Use GIFs if strictly needed to convey a complex action.
Can I use text?
Try to stick to emojis only! Use GIFs if strictly needed to convey a complex action.
What if interpretations differ wildly?
That's the fun! Celebrate the different 'reads' and discuss how communication needs clarity.
What if interpretations differ wildly?
That's the fun! Celebrate the different 'reads' and discuss how communication needs clarity.
