Here is our guide to playing virtual Guess Who.
We put this guide together after becoming pros at running fun, interactive, informative, and challenging virtual team building activities.
Virtual Guess Who is a digital adaptation of the classic guessing game in which players attempt to identify their opponent’s hidden character through a series of yes or no questions. In this virtual version, teams collaborate to deduce characters’ identities while strategizing and communicating effectively. This activity fosters teamwork, enhances communication skills, and encourages critical thinking. Virtual Guess Who is an engaging and beneficial experience for remote teams seeking to strengthen their cohesion and problem-solving abilities.
Ideal group size:
4 to 8 players
Activity duration:
30 to 60 minutes
Cost:
Free
What you’ll need:
- Video conferencing software (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet)
- Virtual Guess Who game platform or printable character sheets
How to play:
Step 1: Set Up the Virtual Meeting
Before the game, schedule a virtual meeting using a platform like Zoom or Google Meet and invite all participants.
Step 2: Introduce the Game
You can begin the meeting by explaining the rules and objectives of virtual Guess Who. Each player selects a character card from a set of faces, and the objective is to guess which character the opponent has chosen by asking yes or no questions. Throughout the game, emphasize the importance of teamwork, communication, and critical thinking.
Step 3: Distribute Character Sheets or Access the Game Platform
If using printable character sheets, then distribute them to each team or provide access to the virtual game platform. All participants should have a clear view of the characters and their corresponding traits.
Step 4: Start the Game
Players begin the game by randomly selecting a character from the pool. Each team takes turns asking yes or no questions to narrow down the possibilities and guess their opponent’s character.
Step 5: Encourage Collaboration
Teams can collaborate and discuss potential questions before asking them. It is important to use active listening and share information within the team to make informed guesses.
Step 6: Monitor Progress
As the game progresses, monitor each team’s progress and offer guidance or clarification when needed. To ensure the game remains engaging, keep track of time.
Step 7: Declare a Winner
Once a team successfully guesses their opponent’s character, declare them the winner of the round. In the end, celebrate the team’s achievement and encourage friendly competition.
Examples of games or activities:
1. Character Mashup Guess Who
In this variation, players combine two character cards to create a unique mashup character, and opponents must guess the combined identities.
- Each player selects two character cards from the Guess Who board without showing them to their opponents.
- Players secretly combine the two characters to create a mashup character, keeping the combination confidential.
- Players take turns asking yes or no questions to guess their opponent’s mashup character.
- As players receive answers, they eliminate characters from their board that do not match the criteria provided.
- The first player to correctly guess their opponent’s mashup character wins the round.
Tip: Encourage creativity with the mashup characters to make the game more engaging and entertaining.
2. Reverse Guess Who
In this reversed version, players give clues about their own character, and opponents must guess which character they are describing.
- Each player secretly selects a character card from the Guess Who board.
- Players take turns providing clues about their chosen character without revealing their identity.
- Opponents ask yes or no questions based on the clues provided to guess the player’s character.
- As players receive answers, they use deductive reasoning to narrow down their guesses.
- The player who correctly guesses the character based on the clues wins the round.
Tip: Encourage players to give descriptive but challenging clues to make the game more interesting.
3. Celebrity Guess Who
In this themed version, players select famous celebrities or fictional characters as their secret identities for a twist on the classic game.
- Each player secretly chooses a celebrity or fictional character as their identity and writes it down.
- Players take turns asking yes or no questions to guess their opponent’s chosen celebrity or character.
- As players receive answers, they eliminate potential identities from their list.
- The first player to correctly guess their opponent’s celebrity or character wins the round.
Tip: Encourage players to choose a wide range of celebrities or characters to make the game more challenging and enjoyable.
4. Customized Guess Who:
In this personalized version, players create their own character cards based on family members, friends, or colleagues for a more personalized experience.
- Each player creates customized character cards featuring the faces of family members, friends, or colleagues.
- Players shuffle and randomly select a set number of character cards to use for the game.
- Players take turns asking yes or no questions to guess their opponent’s chosen character.
- As players receive answers, they eliminate potential characters from their list.
- The first player to correctly guess their opponent’s customized character wins the round.
Tip: Encourage players to include a diverse range of faces and personalities on their custom character cards for added fun and inclusivity.
Tips:
- Be strategic with questions: Ask questions that eliminate the maximum number of characters with each answer to narrow down your guesses efficiently.
- Focus on unique traits: Prioritize asking about unique physical features or characteristics to quickly differentiate between characters.
- Keep track of answers: Take note of your opponent’s responses to avoid asking redundant questions and to make informed guesses.
- Pay attention to facial expressions: Observe your opponent’s reactions to your questions to gauge whether you are on the right track with your guesses.
- Use the process of elimination: Continuously update your character board based on the answers you receive to eliminate potential options and refine your guesses.
- Stay flexible: Be prepared to adjust your strategy based on the information you gather throughout the game, remaining adaptable to changing circumstances.
- Practice deductive reasoning: Use deductive reasoning to infer information from your opponent’s responses, helping you make educated guesses and ultimately win the game.
Final Thoughts
Playing virtual Guess Who offers a delightful opportunity for remote teams to bond, communicate, and exercise their critical thinking skills in a fun and engaging way. Whether customizing characters, trying out themed variations, or simply enjoying the classic game, the experience fosters teamwork and camaraderie among participants. By using technology and creativity, teams can enjoy the timeless charm of Guess Who while building stronger connections across virtual distances.
Want more ideas? Check out our post on virtual games for large groups.
