Ice Breaker Games Timeline Teleportation
Scroll to an old photo on your phone and share the story behind it. Gives people an easy way to open up about meaningful moments without feeling forced.
Group Size:
4-50 people
Duration:
5-20 minutes
Difficulty:
Easy
How to Play:
- 1
Tell people to open their phone and scroll to an older photo (give them a timeframe: 'pre-2020' or 'from 5 years ago')
- 2
Break into pairs or groups of 3-4
- 3
Each person shares their photo and the story that goes with it
- 4
Spend 5-20 minutes depending on group size and how deep you want to go
- 5
End with a quick debrief: 'What struck you about those conversations?'
Timeline Teleportation
Everyone’s phone is a time capsule full of memories. This game asks people to pull up one old photo and tell the story behind it. The result is instant depth and real connection without any awkward vulnerability.
Why It Works
Everyone carries decades of memories in their pocket. Photos are the ones they kept—the meaningful ones. When you ask for an older photo, you’re asking someone to step back into a moment that mattered. The photo does the work. It makes conversations naturally deep without any awkward prodding.
Perfect For
- Virtual Teams: Screen sharing makes this seamless for remote meetings
- New Teams: Helps people learn about each other beyond work roles
- Training Sessions: Energizes groups and builds psychological safety
- Team Reunions: Sparks nostalgia and shared memories
Facilitation Tips
Autonomy Matters: Let people choose their own photo. Some will share light stories, some will go deep. Both are perfect.
Timing: Groups bigger than 12? Use breakout rooms or smaller groups so everyone actually gets air time.
The Debrief: Ask, “What did you notice about our conversations?” People usually talk about openness, realness, and genuine connection. It’s powerful because it’s true.
Best For:
Team meetings, training sessions, virtual gatherings, getting to know each other deeply
Pro Tips
-
Give people 2-3 minutes to find their photo. Don't rush it
-
Push for stories, not descriptions. 'What was happening then?' beats 'Here's a picture of me'
-
Seamless for remote meetings—screen share and you're done
-
People always mention openness and genuine connection in the debrief. It's the magic of this game
Variations
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Decade Photos: Specify a particular decade (like '80s, '90s)
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Location Theme: Share photos from favorite places you've visited
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Achievement Moments: Photos of personal milestones or proud moments
FAQ
- What if someone doesn't have old photos on their phone?
- Let them share a recent photo and talk about what's been important to them lately. The story matters more than the age of the photo.
- How far back should photos be?
- Suggest 3-5 years ago for a good balance. Too recent feels mundane, too old and people struggle to find them.
- Is this appropriate for new teams?
- Absolutely. It's one of the best ways for new teams to connect beyond surface-level introductions.
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