Parallel Universe Pictionary - Ice Breaker Game
🎯 Quick Summary
Players draw fantastical scenes from parallel universes with made-up objects, challenging teams to use creativity and communication to guess imaginary concepts.
✅ Why This Ice Breaker Game Works
- •This ice breaker has been used by 2,551 teams worldwide
- •Rated 4.8/5.0 by 205 facilitators who used this icebreaker game
- •Perfect ice breaker for: Creative, Fun, Team Building
📝 How to Play Parallel Universe Pictionary Ice Breaker (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Setup
3 min💬 Say This:
"Welcome to Parallel Universe Pictionary! This is like regular Pictionary, but instead of drawing normal objects, you'll be drawing things from alternate realities—things that don't exist in our world. This will test your imagination and communication skills. Let me explain the rules!"
📋 What to Do:
- 1.Divide participants into teams of 4-6 players
- 2.Prepare parallel universe prompts in advance (examples: 'A world where plants walk and talk,' 'Vehicles powered by emotions,' 'Houses that float on clouds')
- 3.Set up a whiteboard or digital drawing tool for remote teams
- 4.Explain the rules: One person draws for 2 minutes while their team guesses. No talking, writing words, or pointing for the drawer
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Make prompts specific enough to be drawable but weird enough to require creativity
- •For remote teams, use tools like Zoom whiteboard, Miro, or skribbl.io
- •Emphasize that there's no 'wrong' interpretation—the goal is creative thinking
Step 2: Main Activity
25 min💬 Say This:
"Team 1, your drawer is up first! Here's your parallel universe prompt: [whisper prompt]. You have 2 minutes to draw—no words, no gestures, just drawing. Everyone else, start guessing! Timer starts... now!"
📋 What to Do:
- 1.Give the first drawer a parallel universe prompt (show only to them)
- 2.Start a 2-minute timer
- 3.The drawer sketches the scene while their team shouts guesses
- 4.If the team guesses correctly before time runs out, they get a point
- 5.If time expires, allow 30 seconds for the drawer to explain their drawing and the concept
- 6.Rotate to the next team and repeat
- 7.Continue for 5-8 rounds (or until each player has drawn once)
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Example prompts: 'A restaurant where food eats humans,' 'Schools where teachers are students and students are teachers,' 'A world where time runs backward'
- •Encourage wild guesses—sometimes the craziest idea is right!
- •If a team is stuck, allow the drawer to use one hand gesture as a hint
- •Keep score, but emphasize that the most creative interpretations should also be celebrated
Step 3: Closing
2 min💬 Say This:
"Wow, your imaginations were incredible! Let's celebrate the winning team, but also give a shout-out to the most creative drawing we saw. What was your favorite parallel universe concept today?"
📋 What to Do:
- 1.Announce the winning team (most correct guesses)
- 2.Award a 'Most Creative Drawing' prize to the most imaginative interpretation
- 3.Ask participants to share which parallel universe they'd most want to visit
- 4.Reflect on how communication and creativity intersect
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Take photos of the best drawings for a team gallery
- •Discuss what made certain drawings easier or harder to guess
- •Connect to work: 'Just like in this game, we often need to communicate abstract ideas visually'
⚠️ Common Questions (Avoid Problems)
Q: What if the drawer's concept is too abstract and no one can guess it?
A: That's okay! After the timer, give the drawer 30 seconds to explain their vision. Then, ask the team: 'Now that you know what it is, what would have helped you guess it?' This creates a learning moment about communication. The goal isn't perfection—it's creative problem-solving.
Q: How do I come up with good parallel universe prompts?
A: Start with a normal concept and flip it: 'What if gravity worked differently?', 'What if animals were in charge?', 'What if emotions were visible?' Good prompts are specific enough to draw but require imagination. Examples: 'A grocery store in a world without money,' 'Transportation in a world with no ground,' 'A library where books read themselves.'
Q: Can this work for remote teams?
A: Absolutely! Use Zoom's whiteboard feature, Miro, Google Jamboard, or dedicated online Pictionary tools like skribbl.io or Drawasaurus. Screen share the drawing area so everyone can see in real-time. The guessing happens via voice or chat, depending on your setup.
🎁 Free Tools for This Game
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PDF Handout
Print-ready participant guide + host notes
✓ Professional layout
✓ Branded (optional)
✓ Instant download
PPT Deck
Editable slides with rules & examples
✓ Fully customizable
✓ Add your branding
✓ Save as template
Smart Timer
Auto-paced with sound alerts
✓ Step-by-step timing
✓ Visual countdown
✓ Share screen ready
Adapt this game to your team culture, industry, or goals
Export clean files without FreeIceBreaker branding
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