Ice breaker games

Ice breaker games are played so members of newly-formed groups learn to know each other (to literally break the ice).

Most important is that the members of the team get to know each other. First, they should know each other's name (see the sub-category name learning games). Later, some "team building" should take place, so the group can develop an identity and a bond between each other. For that, see trust building games and group dynamics games.

Games
Some examples of group building games are listed here. For a complete list of such games in the GamesWiki, see Category:ice breaker game.

A funny game where the players learn each other's name and must react very quickly.
 * Name slapping

Two groups compete each other. From both groups, one player is selected. Both face each other, but can't see the other player due to a blanket (or opaque curtain) held between them. When the blanket is dropped, they have to shout the name of the other player.
 * Behind the curtain

A communication game where the players have to "contact" each other via a virtual radio transmitter. The players need to respond quickly and learn each other's names.
 * Radio

Several balls, possibly as many balls as participants, are passed among several people in a circle. Always, the name of the player the ball is thrown to has to be spoken out loudly.
 * Chain of balls

A very relaxed ice breaker game, where a group builds a network between each other using yarn and also learns each other's names.
 * Network of yarn

Kennenlernspiele