Laser Eyes

The Laser Eyes icebreaker game is an energetic and engaging activity that I enjoy using to make new friends and get to know people in a group setting. The objective of the game is for a designated “guesser” to identify the “laser” within the group, while the laser attempts to covertly wink at other players. This game encourages observation skills, strategy, and deductive reasoning, all while promoting a fun and lighthearted atmosphere. It’s suitable for medium to large groups of children and teenagers, and requires no preparation or materials. The group size is important, as a larger group makes the game more challenging and exciting. Overall, Laser Eyes is an excellent icebreaker that I highly recommend for anyone looking to bring energy and excitement to their next group event.

1. Designate one person to be the guesser who turns their back to the group while the group picks out a person to be the Lazer.
2. The guesser turns around to face the group and watches as they walk around.
3. The Lazer secretly makes eye contact with players and winks at them. Players who are winked at must fall to the floor or freeze.
4. The guesser has to try to pick out the Lazer before half of the players are out of the game. They get three chances to guess, but this may vary depending on the group size.
5. Alternatively, one person can be chosen as the Lazer by tapping them on the shoulder or drawing lots. The rest of the players (the Guessers) have to try to pick out the Lazer before half of the group is out of the game.
6. If a player calls another player to be the Lazer and it is not so, then both players are out and the Lazer gets more points. The Guessers have to be careful who they accuse.

• Large group of people: To play Lazer Eyes, you will need a large group of people who understand the rules and are willing to participate in the game.
• Designated playing area: It is important to designate an appropriate area for playing Lazer Eyes, such as a gymnasium or outdoor field, to ensure that there is enough space for the group to move around freely.
• Optional: Additional Lasers or Guessers: To add some variety to the game, you may choose to have more than one Lazer or give the Guesser only one guess to find the Lazer. However, these variations are not necessary to play the game.

To set up for the Laser Eyes icebreaker activity, you will need to make sure that you have a large group of people who are willing to participate and understand the rules of the game. It is important to ensure that everyone knows how to play before starting. No specific materials are needed for this activity, only a group of people.

Before beginning the game, it is recommended to designate rules that everyone agrees upon. Choose one person to be the guesser who will turn their back while the group picks out a person to be the Lazer. The guesser must watch as the group walks around, while the Lazer is secretly making eye contact with players and winking at them.

It is crucial to prepare the environment by ensuring that there is enough space for the group to walk or run around safely. If played indoors, make sure that there are no obstacles in the way that could cause injury. If played outdoors, choose a flat and open area where everyone can move freely.

Additionally, it is essential to communicate any specific boundaries or limits to the group before starting the game to ensure that everyone plays safely and respectfully. Once everything is set up and the rules are clear, you are ready to begin the Laser Eyes icebreaker activity!

1. Designate one person to be the guesser: I will turn my back to the group while you all choose someone to be the Lazer. Nobody else should know who this person is.
2. The Lazer makes eye contact and winks at other players: While we are all walking or running around, the Lazer will secretly make eye contact with other players and wink at them. Players who get winked at must freeze or fall to the ground.
3. Guess who the Lazer is: I have three chances (or one chance if there are fewer than 10 players) to guess who the Lazer is before half of the players are out of the game. If I guess correctly, the winked player(s) can rejoin the game.
4. Optional variations: To add some variety, we could agree to have more than one Lazer, have me walk around with the group, or give me only one guess to find the Lazer!
5. Alternative way to play: If we prefer not to choose the Lazer by vote, I can tap someone on the shoulder to choose them as the Lazer, while ensuring that nobody else knows who it is. The rest of the game remains the same.

Back to top

• Builds Observation Skills: Playing Lazer Eyes requires you to pay close attention to the movements and actions of those around you. This can help improve your observation skills and increase your overall awareness.
• Encourages Deductive Reasoning: To successfully identify the Lazer, you need to use deductive reasoning and make logical guesses based on the clues given. This can help strengthen your critical thinking abilities and problem-solving skills.
• Promotes Social Interaction: As a group game, Lazer Eyes provides an opportunity for social interaction and relationship building. It’s a fun and engaging way to get to know new people and make new friends.
• Boosts Energy and Mood: The fast-paced nature of the game can help increase your energy levels and boost your mood, making it a great activity to break the ice in a group setting.
• Improves Reaction Time: The need to quickly identify when someone has been winked at helps improve reaction time and reflexes.
• Enhances Strategic Thinking: Deciding who to accuse as the Lazer requires strategic thinking and planning, helping to sharpen these skills over time.
• Encourages Active Participation: The active nature of the game encourages everyone to participate and engage, ensuring no one feels left out or excluded.
• Provides a Fun and Memorable Experience: Playing Lazer Eyes creates a fun and memorable experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Back to top

• Observation skills: Playing Lazer Eyes requires players to pay close attention to their surroundings and the behavior of others. This helps build observation skills as players must identify the “Lazer” who is secretly making eye contact with and winking at other players.
• Deductive reasoning: As a guesser, players must use deductive reasoning to figure out who the “Lazer” is based on the behaviors they observe during the game. This involves making logical connections between observations and forming conclusions about the identity of the “Lazer.”
• Strategy: Players must think strategically as they decide whether to freeze when winked at or continue moving around, potentially leading the guesser away from the “Lazer.” Additionally, as a guesser, players must determine who to accuse based on their observations and reasoning.
• Reaction time: Lazer Eyes is a fast-paced game that requires quick reflexes. Players must react quickly when winked at by the “Lazer” and freeze or fall to the ground before being noticed by the guesser.
• Active listening: As a guesser, players must actively listen for any clues from other players as they try to identify the “Lazer.” This helps build active listening skills as players pay close attention to what others are saying and doing during the game.

Back to top

I enjoy the Laser Eyes icebreaker because it’s an active and engaging way to get to know new people. The game encourages observation skills, strategy, and deductive reasoning, making it both fun and challenging. I appreciate that it requires no materials and has simple rules that are easy to understand, allowing for a quick setup and minimal preparation time.

What I like most about Laser Eyes is its suitability for medium to large groups of kids, teens, and young adults. The group dynamic creates a lively atmosphere, making it perfect for breaking the ice and getting everyone involved and laughing together. Additionally, the flexibility in gameplay options allows for varied experiences, keeping the game fresh and exciting each time.

The age range of 6+ ensures that players can understand and enjoy the game, while the indoor/outdoor setting makes it adaptable to various environments. Overall, Laser Eyes is an excellent icebreaker that effectively combines fun and interaction for a memorable group experience.

Back to top

• Tip: Use clear and simple language: When explaining the rules of the game, make sure to use language that is easy for everyone to understand. This will help ensure that all players, regardless of their language proficiency or background, can fully participate in the game.
• Tip: Modify the rules to accommodate different abilities: Consider making adjustments to the rules of the game to make it more accessible to players with different physical abilities. For example, you could allow players to use gestures instead of running or walking to move around the space.
• Tip: Encourage respectful communication: Remind players to be mindful of their words and actions during the game, and to avoid making assumptions or stereotypes about others based on their appearance or background. Encourage players to listen actively and respectfully to one another, and to avoid interrupting or talking over others.
• Tip: Provide options for participation: Consider offering different ways for players to participate in the game, such as allowing them to choose whether they want to be a guesser or the lazer, or giving them the option to sit out if they prefer. This can help ensure that everyone feels comfortable and included in the game.
• Tip: Foster a positive and inclusive environment: As the facilitator of the game, it’s important to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive for all players. Encourage players to support and uplift one another, and to treat each other with kindness and respect. By fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere, you can help make the Laser Eyes icebreaker a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Back to top

1. What did you enjoy most about playing Lazer Eyes? This question can help participants reflect on what they found enjoyable or fun about the game, which can be useful for facilitators to know in order to plan future activities.
2. Did you find it challenging to identify the Lazer Eyes while also avoiding being tagged? Why or why not? This question can help participants reflect on the strategic and observational aspects of the game, as well as their own decision-making processes.
3. How did you feel when you were chosen as the Lazer Eyes? How did you try to avoid being identified by the guessers? This question can help participants reflect on their experiences playing as the Lazer Eyes, including any strategies they used to remain undetected.
4. Did you find it easy or difficult to work together with your group to identify the Lazer Eyes? Why? This question can help participants reflect on the dynamics of working in a group and how they contributed to the success (or failure) of identifying the Lazer Eyes.
5. If you could change one thing about the game, what would it be and why? This question can help participants reflect on their overall experience playing Lazer Eyes and provide feedback for future iterations of the game.

Back to top