Party and drinking games to liven up a company welcome party
At many companies, when it comes to welcome mixers or onboarding parties, they often plan some kind of game as entertainment, don’t they?
It can be hard to break the ice just by eating together, so it’s great when a game helps deepen connections!
In this article, we’ll introduce not only classic party games that are sure to liven things up, but also games perfect for onboarding parties that double as self-introductions, as well as team-based cooperative games.
Use the ideas introduced here as inspiration to plan a wonderful event!
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Company Welcome Party Hype: Banquet and Party Games (41–50)
Telepathy Game
It’s a game where all participants simultaneously picture something that fits a given theme and try to match their answers.
The themes are broad, like “What’s a cute animal?”, and you see whether everyone’s on the same wavelength within that broad scope.
Because a wider range makes matching less likely, it’s recommended to narrow things down—for example by specifying a character limit or deciding whom to align with.
The joy when answers match and the sense of bonding are what make this game so appealing.
Balloon Tape Peeling Game
It’s a game where strips of tape are stuck onto a fully inflated balloon, and players take turns carefully peeling the tape off one by one without popping the balloon.
While it’s typically played as an individual competition, you can also make it a table-versus-table match by having each person peel one piece of tape from a balloon and compete on how many successful peels they achieve.
If a balloon pops, the loud noise can heighten the lively party atmosphere.
Adding a time limit for peeling the tape introduces the challenge of being both careful and quick, making the game even more exciting.
Chopstick-Using Game
It’s a game where you use chopsticks to transfer soybeans or adzuki beans onto a plate.
It’s a simple speed challenge, making it perfect for a company welcome party.
It’s also fun for spectators to watch the transferring action.
If new employees join in, it’s sure to liven things up and make conversations easier.
Rock-paper-scissors, then bop on the head
It’s one of those games everyone knows.
The chosen person steps forward, and the intensity of the serious showdown really gets everyone excited.
Also, if you use a helmet to wear and a paper slapstick (harisen) to hit, it becomes a more authentic version of “Tataite Kabutte Jankenpon,” so it’s a highly recommended game.
Balloon Battle
Attach balloons with strings to both feet.
Inflate the balloons as much as possible, and at the starting signal, everyone tries to pop each other’s balloons.
It’s a simple, easy-to-understand game that’s accessible even for large groups, where the person whose balloon remains until the end is the winner.
It can get a bit loud, so it might be a good idea to hand out earplugs to people who are sensitive to loud noises.
Stocking Sumo
Prepare two pairs of stockings and tie off the foot ends.
At the start signal, both players pull, and the one whose stocking doesn’t come off until the end wins.
Watching people wear stockings over their heads and tug against each other is guaranteed to get laughs.
However, it can be a lot of work to prepare if you have a large group.
To avoid such issues, decide in advance who will participate.
Let’s Guess Exactly! Game
This is a guessing game where you try to estimate the weight of candies in a box.
It might be a good idea to weigh the box beforehand.
Since it’s easy for many people to join, it’s perfect for a company welcome party.
If someone guesses the exact weight, you could prepare a small prize as well.
Whipped Cream Game
It’s a game where you compete to see how high you can stack whipped cream in 10 seconds.
If you add a slightly scary penalty like having the person with the lowest stack eat the whipped cream, it’ll get even more exciting.
Since it’s a quick game that wraps up in just 10 seconds, it’s highly recommended.
Mystery Box Game
It’s a game where you guess what’s inside a box without being able to see it from the outside.
Since you don’t know what’s in there, watching someone nervously put their hand into the box is sure to get everyone excited.
Slip in someone’s belongings secretly, and it’ll be an even bigger hit.
Lavinute to the Future Game
This is a rhythm game introduced by Hiroyuki Yagosima of the comedy duo 2700 on TV Tokyo’s “Zakkuri High Touch.” It’s a game that seems especially fun with a large group.
When the person controlling the overall rhythm says, “Lovin’ you to the future,” the chosen person responds, “Slowly.” When the rhythm leader says, “Lovin’ you to the fashion,” the chosen person responds, “Action.” You keep repeating this.