How to Play This Icebreaker Game
- 1Give each team four pictures.
- 2Teams have 8–10 minutes to build a coherent story.
- 3Share stories; optional vote for ‘best plot’ or ‘funniest twist’.
Facilitator Guide
Opening Script:
Here are 4 scene descriptions. They are the only clues to a story that never happened... until now. You have 8 minutes to connect them into a coherent narrative. Assign roles: Facilitator, Scribe, Storyteller.
Closing Script:
What connective device worked—theme, character, or setting? Reuse it in our next narrative task.
Why This Works
Why this icebreaker game works: Forced connections nudge divergent thinking into a coherent narrative. Light roles ensure contribution without over‑structuring.
Best For
Ideal icebreaker situations for this game include:
- Storytelling practice
- Creative sprints
- Workshop icebreakers
Important Notes
- Curate neutral images; avoid sensitive topics
- Timebox build and share
- Rotate speakers across rounds
Ideas & Prompts
Adventure Set
Image: A rocket launching into deep space
Image: A dinosaur skeleton in a museum
Image: An antique violin covered in dust
Image: A tornado touching down on a farm
Mystery Set
Image: A shadow of a detective in a doorway
Image: An old rusty key on a table
Image: A half-eaten slice of pizza
Image: A spooky castle on a hill
Office Set
Image: An overflowing briefcase
Image: A deserted tropical island
Image: An alarm clock ringing at 3 AM
Image: A penguin wearing a tie
Sci-Fi Set
Image: A friendly alien waving hello
Image: A bicycle floating in zero gravity
Image: A flashlight beam revealing a secret
Image: A glowing cactus in the desert
Romance(?) Set
Image: A sealed love letter
Image: Cupid's bow and arrow
Image: A box of chocolates left on a bench
Image: A rain cloud over a picnic
Game FAQ
Do we have to use the images in order?
No, you can rearrange them however you like to fit your plot.
Do we have to use the images in order?
No, you can rearrange them however you like to fit your plot.
Are there genre restrictions?
None! Sci-fi, horror, rom-com... anything goes as long as it connects the scenes.
Are there genre restrictions?
None! Sci-fi, horror, rom-com... anything goes as long as it connects the scenes.
