How To Play Games on Slack - A Beginners’ Guide

Slack is a great tool for remote teams.

It’s an easy way to work on projects, chat, share files and play games together as a team.

In fact, some companies have even created their own Slack bots that allow employees to engage with each other with by playing games during the work day.

But, you do not have to go this far.

There are enough apps available out of the box that you can easily download and use straight away.

In fact, games on Slack are a simple way to increase office productivity, company culture and employee morale.

Sweet, right?

Before you learn how to play games on slack, I will clarify what this new tool actually is and how it works.

What is Slack, and why does it matter?

Slack is a team messaging app that allows you to send instant messages, voice and video calls, share documents, create groups with your teams and more.

“Technology… is dramatically changing the way people work, facilitating 24/7 collaboration with colleagues who are dispersed across time zones, countries, and continents. ”
— Michael Dell of Dell

It’s rapidly growing in popularity among remote companies because it makes communication easier than ever before.

The simple interface means less time spent navigating menus and writing emails and more time communicating with your team members.

Another benefit is, that Slack seamlessly integrates with the tools you use every day like project management, CRM, or email tools.

Whether you’re running an international business or just want to chat with co-workers in another office, Slack will help you do it faster without having to set up complex new technology.

But, Slack is not only used for communication.

It’s also used for team engaging purposes by playing games.

Now, I will show you how this is done.

How to Play Games on Slack

Games are a great way to have fun with your team, while also encouraging collaboration and teamwork.

Slack is an excellent platform for playing games because it’s easy to use and has a huge library of apps and extensions.

If you want to play games on Slack you have to follow these steps:

Head over to Slack.com and install Slack
Search for a Slack App in the official library
Install a Slack App - make sure to check whether the app has a free or paid plan
Have fun 🎉

Not sure where to start exactly?

Try one of these games

3 Fun Free Slack Games

Game #1 - Tic-Tac-Toe

Tic-tac-toe is a fun and easy game that can be played by anyone.

If you’re looking for a way to pass the time, or even if you just want to have some friendly competition with your coworkers or friends, then tic-tac-toe is perfect for you!

How to play tic-tact-toe on slack

Install the Slack app tic-tac-toe
Use the /ttt @mention command on slack to find a teammate to play against
Each user choosing an ‘X’ and ‘O’. The first player who has a straight, or diagonal row wins
Repeat :)

Game #2 - Rock-Paper-Scissors

Rock paper scissors is an incredibly popular game.

It’s so popular that it even has its own World Rock Paper Scissors Society.

The game is played by throwing out one of three hand signs:

✊🏾 rock (a fist),
✋🏾 paper (an open palm), or
✌🏾 scissors (a closed fist with a pointing finger).

The rules are fairly simple, but there are a few catches to keep in mind as you play. If both players throw the same sign, then it’s considered a tie, and they have to go again until someone wins.

In addition, if both players choose ‘paper’ then you must also use another form of attack such as using your teeth or feet to win the round.

Because you will be playing on Slack, you do not have to worry too much about the rules.

How to play rock paper scissors on slack

Install the Slack App Rock-Paper-Scissors
Type /rps @mention into slack and choose your teammate to play against
Play & repeat :)

Game #3 - Words Game

This game is a fun and engaging way to test your vocabulary skills.

You receive a letter and have 60 seconds to name as many words as you can that start with the letter.

How to play words game on Slack

Install the Slack Ap p Words Game
Select a Channel to play in, or create a dedicated one
Type /wordsgame and the game starts
Repeat :)

3 Tips and Reminder for playing Games on Slack

Some games have free and paid plans, make sure to check out what suits your needs
Keep in mind that your team might have a busy schedule. It’s your task as a leader to make sure the team is in good spirits. Show them that it’s ok, to spend some time during the day playing and engaging
Try and test as many games as you like and keep track of how you and your team is reacting

Concluding Thoughts

If you’re looking for a way to increase office productivity, company culture and employee morale without breaking the bank, games on Slack might be right up your alley.

You can play from any device with an internet connection which makes it easy to get started no matter where employees are located or what they’re working on at that moment.

Games also allow people to take a break from their work by socializing with co-workers in a different setting than usual.

I know how important it is for companies to provide fun ways for employees to connect while still getting things done – after all, I love playing games myself.

How To Play Games on Slack - A Beginners' Guide