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?'
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
-
Decade Photos: Specify a particular decade (like '80s, '90s)
-
Location Theme: Share photos from favorite places you've visited
-
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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