Ice Breaker Games Ice Breaker Games
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#36 Easy

Never Have I Ever

Players take turns saying things they've never done. If you've done it, you lose a point. Simple way to discover surprising facts about your teammates.

work meeting adult team medium easy fun conversation

Group Size:

5-20 people

Duration:

15-30 minutes

Difficulty:

Easy

How to Play:

Never Have I Ever - How to Play
  1. 1

    Gather your team in a circle - everyone starts with 10 fingers up (or 10 points if virtual)

  2. 2

    First player says 'Never have I ever...' followed by something they've genuinely never done

  3. 3

    Anyone who HAS done that thing puts one finger down and loses 1 point

  4. 4

    Optional: Let people briefly share the story behind their answer (30 seconds max)

  5. 5

    Continue clockwise - each person takes a turn making a statement

  6. 6

    Game ends when someone reaches zero points, or after a set time limit

  7. 7

    Last person with fingers remaining wins - or play without winner, just for connection

Never Have I Ever

A classic party game adapted for the workplace. Players discover surprising things about their teammates by sharing experiences they haven’t had. Great for breaking down barriers and sparking conversations.

Best For:

Team bonding, getting to know coworkers, casual team meetings

Pro Tips

  • Keep it work-appropriate - avoid relationships, drinking, legal issues, or politics

  • Start with light topics like travel or food before going deeper

  • The best statements are things most people have done, but you haven't

  • Give people time to share stories behind their answers (but keep it brief)

  • Go first with a fun example to set the tone and expectations

  • Have 5-10 backup questions ready in case someone freezes

  • If a question makes people uncomfortable, allow them to skip

  • Example starters: traveled to another continent, tried sushi, met a celebrity, been camping

  • Work examples: presented to 50+ people, sent email to wrong person, fallen asleep in meeting

Variations

  • Speed Round: 5 fingers only, faster pace, 10-minute game

  • Theme Version: All statements must relate to work, travel, food, or specific topic

  • Reverse Mode: Say 'I have...' instead - people who haven't done it lose points

  • Team Edition: Play in small groups, combine scores for team competition

  • Getting-to-Know-You: Focus on life experiences like living abroad, broken bones, music festivals

FAQ

What topics should we avoid at work?
Skip anything about relationships, drinking, legal issues, or politics. Stick to travel, food, hobbies, childhood experiences, and work achievements.
How do I make good statements?
Think of unique experiences you haven't had - like 'Never have I ever been to Europe' or 'Never have I ever eaten sushi.' The goal is to find things others have done but you haven't.
Can this work online?
Yes! Use a point system instead of fingers. Everyone tracks their own score and announces when they lose a point. Use chat for quick story sharing.
Why does this game work so well for teams?
It flips typical icebreaker dynamics - instead of direct questions, people volunteer information naturally. This reduces pressure, reveals unexpected similarities, and creates conversation starters for future interactions.
What if someone is too shy to share?
Create a judgment-free zone, remind people to keep reactions positive, and allow skipping uncomfortable questions. Going first yourself with a fun example helps set expectations.
When is the best time to play this?
First 15 minutes of team off-sites, virtual meetings needing energy, onboarding new employees, breaking up long conferences, or department mixers.

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