Office Paper Toss Game: The Ultimate Classic of Corporate Culture

If you've ever had a job in an office, chances are you've stood across the room, paper ball in hand, crumpled up paper in the trash can, wondering, Can I get this one? Next thing you know, you've lined up, wrist-flicked, and seen that paper ball fly through the air, greeted by either victory or failure.

This mundane activity of tossing paper into a waste basket has evolved beyond boredom and become an outright game—the office paper toss game. But what is it about it that is so popular, and why has it been a corporate culture mainstay for so long?

In this article, we'll discover the origins, rules, variations, and even online versions of this vintage paper toss game, including its existence in the online world with the paper toss original mobile game.

What is the Office Game Where You Throw Paper Balls?

The paper toss in the office is just that, a casual, entertaining game where workers toss crumpled up paper into a wastebasket, usually from different distances. It's a stress-releaser, a boredom-killer, and sometimes a heated contest between co-workers.

But why is it so popular?

Simplicity – No fancy equipment is required, just paper and a trash can.

Quick and Fun – A round takes only seconds, making it the perfect work break.

Office Camaraderie – It fosters friendly competition and lighthearted bonding between coworkers.

A Mental Reset – Taking a break to play can refresh your mind and boost productivity.

The game is also known informally as the paper throw game or simply paper toss.

Origins of the Paper Toss Game

Way before smartphones and digital diversions, office staff had their creative ways of entertaining themselves. Paper toss games must have begun as a spontaneous means of making paper scrap disposal more enjoyable and then developed into an office craze.

But it wasn't until mobile gaming introduced Paper Toss original to the smartphone that it went global. The game's popularity exploded, bringing the paper toss game to those who never worked in an office.

Need more classic activities? Try the ever-popular Human Knot team-building game to get everyone moving and laughing.

How to Play the Office Paper Toss Game

Classic Version

• Place a trash can at a decent distance.
• Crumple up a piece of paper into a ball.
• Take your shot—but it's not as easy as it looks!
• Challenge your colleagues to surpass your score.

Variations

Wind Factor – Get a colleague to blow on it or use a fan to make it more challenging.

Difficult Angles – Experiment with throwing the paper over your shoulder or behind you.

Blindfolded Toss – Introduce an element of uncertainty.

Trick Shots – Bounce off walls, chairs, or desks before finally going into the bin.

Some offices even have a scoreboard, making this humble game a serious office competition.

The Digital Version: Paper Toss Original

Backflip Studios released Paper Toss Original in 2009, a mobile game that simulated the actual experience of tossing paper into a waste bin. The game added features such as wind speed and direction to make the game realistic, as well as demanding.

The paper toss game on the mobile phone gained popularity very quickly, particularly among office workers whose actual paper throwing may not have been allowed in the workplace. The game was easy but so addictive, and it had harder levels and alternative office environments.

Although Backflip Studios closed its doors in 2019, the original paper toss legacy still lives on. Its newer releases and other throw paper games are still widely popular among office users seeking a rapid digital diversion.

Need more quick games? Explore our Guess the Word team challenge for another brain-stimulating office distraction.

Why the Paper Toss Game is an Office Staple

The office paper toss game has lingered in offices for generations, and there are some very good reasons for that.

Fosters Movement – Sitting at a desk all day long can be draining. This game offers an instant method of moving and stretching.

Raises Morals – A little competition makes the workday more enjoyable.

Encourages Creativity – Experimenting with new shots or challenges keeps the mind active.

Aids in Stress Relief – Flinging paper into a trash can is strangely satisfying.

No wonder when someone inquires, "What is the game where you throw items at colleagues?", some sneaky workers may joke about paper toss. (Just don't throw at your boss!)

Tips for Mastering the Office Paper Toss Game

Want to be the office paper toss game's undisputed champion? Try these pro tips:

Master Your Flick – A wrist-flick motion provides more accuracy than a full-arm throw.

Consider Air Resistance – Even in an office, air conditioning or fans can influence the flight path.

Select Your Paper Carefully – Thicker paper balls travel in a straight line compared to lightweight ones.

Adjust Your Distance – Begin close and gradually move back for an authentic challenge.

The Paper Toss Game's Future

Irrespective of technological advancements, paper toss games will always be fashionable. Either in real life in offices or virtually through mobile applications, the process of taking aim, releasing the ball with a perfect shot, and succeeding stays ever so satisfying.

In a world of fast-paced corporate life, where stress is a daily reality, it’s the little things—like a perfectly executed paper toss original shot—that bring joy to the workplace.

So, the next time you find yourself bored at work, grab a paper ball, aim for the bin, and start a game. Just make sure your boss isn’t watching!

Unless, of course, your boss joins in—then follow up with a Work Anniversary eCard to keep the good vibes rolling.