Many people experience idle time while waiting in video conferencing waiting rooms, particularly on platforms like Zoom. Though often brief, this downtime can feel unproductive or frustrating when repeated across multiple meetings. While some users might check emails or browse the web, there’s no dedicated, engaging activity designed specifically for this short waiting period.

Lightweight Entertainment for Waiting Rooms

One way to address this gap could be through a browser-based tool or app that integrates with video conferencing platforms. When a user joins a waiting room, the tool could detect this and offer a selection of simple, classic games—like Snake, Tetris, or Solitaire—playable directly within the waiting room interface. These games would be designed for minimal attention and quick pauses, allowing users to seamlessly transition when their meeting starts. Key features might include:

• Auto-detection: Recognizing when the user is in a waiting room and launching the game interface automatically.
• Quick-play design: Games that are short, easy to pause, and require no setup or tutorials.
• Minimal distraction: No sound effects and simple visuals to avoid pulling focus from the meeting.

Potential Stakeholders and Execution

Remote workers, students, and frequent video conferencing users could benefit most from such a tool. For platforms like Zoom, integrating this feature might enhance user satisfaction. A possible execution strategy could start with a simple MVP, such as a browser extension offering a single game (e.g., Snake) that users manually open while waiting. If demand is validated, deeper integration with Zoom’s SDK could allow for auto-launch functionality. Expansion might include multiplayer options or extending the tool to other platforms like Microsoft Teams.

While existing games like Google Chrome’s offline T-Rex runner or Among Us for Zoom provide entertainment, they aren’t optimized for the waiting room context. This idea’s strength lies in its specificity—offering lightweight, interruptible games tailored to a common but overlooked moment in digital communication.