Time Heist - Ice Breaker Game
π― Quick Summary
Team members propose outrageous time travel heist schemes, then discuss and vote on the most creative or hilarious plans.
β Why This Ice Breaker Game Works
- β’This ice breaker has been used by 1,780 teams worldwide
- β’Rated 4.6/5.0 by 170 facilitators who used this icebreaker game
- β’Perfect ice breaker for: Fun, Creative
π How to Play Time Heist Ice Breaker (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Setup & Brainstorm
3 min㪠Say This:
"Imagine you have a time machine and can pull off any heist throughout history - what would you do? Maybe steal the Declaration of Independence before it was signed? Convince cavemen you invented fire? The more outrageous, the better! You have 3 minutes to write your time heist plan on this paper. Don't put your name - we'll draw them randomly. Get creative!"
π What to Do:
- 1.Give each participant a scrap of paper or index card and pen
- 2.Explain the concept: if you could time travel, what scheme would you pull off?
- 3.Emphasize creativity and humor over realism
- 4.Set timer for 3 minutes
- 5.Remind them NOT to write their names - plans should be anonymous
- 6.Collect all papers in a bowl or container
π‘ Pro Tips:
- β’Share an example to spark ideas: 'I'd go back to 1950 and patent the internet'
- β’Encourage wild ideas - this isn't about historical accuracy!
- β’For those stuck, prompt: 'What historical mystery would you solve? What would you steal? Who would you meet?'
- β’Virtual adaptation: use chat or a shared Google Doc for submissions
- β’Keep energy high with upbeat music during writing time
Step 2: Draw & Discuss
10 min㪠Say This:
"Alright, let's see what schemes we've got! I'll pass around the bowl - everyone draws one plan that's NOT your own. Read it aloud, then we'll discuss: Could this actually work? What would go wrong? What ripple effects might it cause? Who wants to go first?"
π What to Do:
- 1.Pass the container around - each person draws a random plan (not their own)
- 2.Have participants read the plans aloud one by one
- 3.After each plan, facilitate brief discussion (1-2 minutes)
- 4.Ask questions: 'Could this work?' 'What would be the consequences?' 'What's the biggest flaw in this plan?'
- 5.Encourage the group to build on ideas or poke holes in the logic
- 6.After all plans are shared, prepare for voting
π‘ Pro Tips:
- β’If someone draws their own plan, let them swap with the bowl
- β’The discussions are where the magic happens - let people riff on the ideas!
- β’Watch for participants who seem to know whose plan is whose - the mystery adds fun
- β’Great follow-up questions: 'What year would you travel to?' 'What's your escape plan?' 'How would you avoid a time paradox?'
- β’Some plans will be silly, some clever, some surprisingly thoughtful - celebrate all types!
Step 3: Vote & Reveal
2 min㪠Say This:
"Time to vote! Let's award prizes for: Most Creative Plan, Most Likely to Succeed, and Most Likely to Destroy the Timeline. Raise your hands for each category! [After voting] Now, who wants to confess which plan was theirs?"
π What to Do:
- 1.Create 3-4 voting categories (Most Creative, Funniest, Most Feasible, Most Chaotic, etc.)
- 2.Have everyone vote by raising hands for each category
- 3.Award imaginary (or real small) prizes to winners
- 4.Invite participants to reveal which plans were theirs
- 5.React and follow up on surprising revelations
- 6.Thank everyone for their creativity
π‘ Pro Tips:
- β’Voting categories can be tailored to your group: 'Most Historical Knowledge', 'Biggest Butterfly Effect', 'Best Get-Rich Scheme'
- β’The reveal often leads to laughs: 'I knew that was yours!' or 'You came up with THAT?!'
- β’Optional: declare a 'Time Heist Champion' who wins the most votes across categories
- β’Some people may want to stay anonymous - don't force reveals
- β’End by asking: 'If you could REALLY time travel, would you? What's one thing you'd want to see or change?'
β οΈ Common Questions (Avoid Problems)
Q: What if people's plans are too similar or too serious?
A: If plans are similar, highlight the differences and what makes each unique. If too serious, inject humor: 'But what if the dinosaurs unionize?' or 'How do you deal with the language barrier in ancient Rome?' You can also seed the game with one funny example to set the tone. The goal is creativity and fun, not a history lesson!
Q: Can we play this virtually?
A: Absolutely! Have participants type their schemes in the Zoom chat (set to host only) or use a form/shared doc. Then use a random number generator to assign plans to different people to read aloud. The discussion works just as well over video - use reactions and breakout rooms if needed for larger groups.
Q: What if someone's plan is offensive or inappropriate?
A: Set ground rules upfront: 'Keep it PG-13 and respectful - no schemes that harm real people or mock tragedies.' If an inappropriate plan slips through, simply say 'Let's skip this one and draw another' without dwelling on it. You can also preview submissions quickly before the reveal phase if you're concerned about your group's judgment.
π Free Tools for This Game
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PDF Handout
Print-ready participant guide + host notes
β Professional layout
β Branded (optional)
β Instant download
PPT Deck
Editable slides with rules & examples
β Fully customizable
β Add your branding
β Save as template
Smart Timer
Auto-paced with sound alerts
β Step-by-step timing
β Visual countdown
β Share screen ready
Adapt this game to your team culture, industry, or goals
Export clean files without FreeIceBreaker branding
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