An online team game for 20 people

Planning a remote team social for 20 colleagues? Try Starts With J: everyone answers category prompts with words beginning with the same letter, then votes on the answers. You can play in your browser while keeping your usual video call open.

This is a good fit for a group that enjoys word games and light competition. It involves typing and reading other people’s answers, so check that the format and shared language work for your colleagues. Make participation optional.

Check the fit before you invite everyone

• Group size: Starts With J is listed for 2–24 players. Count the host if they are playing. A group of 20 fits; a single game for 50 does not.
• What you need: a browser for each player and your own video-call link. Keep that call open for conversation; the game link is separate.
• Time: allow 15–20 minutes in your meeting agenda for joining, explaining and playing. That is a suggested allowance, not a time limit: answering is timed, but voting can take longer with a large group.
• Access: the host needs available game credits or paid access. Check your account before the meeting, and try opening the site on your work network.

Set up the lobby

1. Open TeamBridge and create a lobby. Sign in or register when prompted, then choose Starts With J.
2. Copy the lobby link into your meeting chat. Ask players to open it in their own browsers while staying on the video call.
3. Check that everyone who wants to play has joined. Keep the total at 24 or fewer, including yourself.
4. For a short first game, try 5 prompts and a 90-second time limit in the game options. These are suggested settings; the default is 10 prompts and 90 seconds.
5. Explain the rules below before starting. Give people a moment to read the prompts and understand how voting works.

Explain the game in one minute

Each prompt is a category, such as movies or foods. Write one answer that begins with the letter shown. Try to be specific and original: matching answers from different players do not count. Articles such as “a” or “the” cannot be used just to make an answer start with the right letter.

For example, with the letter J and the category “movies,” you might answer “Jaws.” When the answering timer ends, review the answers and vote on whether they follow the rules. Keep disagreements friendly and brief, then look at the results together.

Keep a 20-person session moving

Use the first game to learn the format. With 20 people there are many answers to review, so fewer prompts can make the first session easier to follow. Leave room in the agenda for voting and a quick wrap-up. Do not promise that the whole game will finish when the answering timer does.

Check credits and pricing

Starts With J is a non-premium game that can be hosted with credits. Credits are limited. Once used up, your balance refreshes to 1 credit after a waiting period; check your current balance before relying on a free session. Paid access is two one-time passes: the Team Event Pass ($199, one event, 7 days of access) and the Team Year Pass ($299, 12 months). Both cover every game for up to 200 players, with no subscription. See the passes.

Want to review the rules first? Open the Starts With J game page.