Evolution Game

Purpose

The Evolution Game is a wildly energetic icebreaker that combines rock-paper-scissors with physical comedy. Participants start as "eggs" and must win RPS matches to evolve through stages (egg, chicken, dinosaur, superhero). Each stage has its own pose and sound. The game fills the room with movement and laughter.

At a glance

• Group size: 10–60
• Duration: 10 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Facilitation style: Self-organising with facilitator setup
• Setting: In-person only

How to run

1. Teach the four evolution stages and their poses: Egg (squat, arms wrapped), Chicken (arms flapping), Dinosaur (arms out, stomping), Superhero (fist in the air, standing tall).
2. Everyone starts as an Egg.
3. Find another player at the same evolution stage and play RPS. Winner evolves up one stage; loser devolves down one stage (Eggs stay Eggs).
4. Players can only play against someone at the same stage.
5. First person to become a Superhero wins (or play until several do).

Materials needed

• None

Pitfalls & common mistakes

• Confusing the stages: Practice the poses together before starting.
• Players can't find same-stage partners: Encourage moving around and looking for matching poses.
• Devolving feels bad: Frame it positively — "you're just taking another path!"
• Ending unclear: Decide in advance whether the game ends when the first Superhero appears or after a set time.

Inclusion & accessibility

• Adapt poses for seated participants (e.g., arm movements only).
• Ensure the space allows free movement.
• The game is very physical — provide an observer role for anyone who prefers not to participate.
• Not suitable for virtual settings.

Variations

• Custom stages: Replace the stages with theme-appropriate ones (e.g., Intern > Manager > Director > CEO).
• No devolution: Losers stay at their current stage instead of going down.
• Team evolution: Pairs evolve together.

When NOT to use this

• In virtual or hybrid settings.
• In very formal environments.
• When the group has limited mobility and adapted poses are not prepared.

Source & further reading

• A popular camp and conference energiser with many regional variations.
• Sometimes called "Evolution Rock Paper Scissors."