One of the benefits is that we break-down what could otherwise be silo's across teams, as we play each other.

Another is that we get to engage and interact with each other in a fun and light (although competitive) activity that doesn't involve deliverables, budgets, and action items. It's a great way to really get to know each other in a different forum.

Also: It might be taboo or uncomfortable to play billiards or ping-pong during work hours, especially of there are meeting or other actions competing for our time and attention, so we hold our "Halftime Hoopla" at lunchtime when we have free time and other groups can't point fingers at our 'frivolous' activity.

Finally: We make our time at work more enjoyable. Playing, games, competition, interaction, socializing -- it makes us more human, less stressed, lowers barriers, increases our commitment to each other, and just plain enriches our work and our relationships and our lives -- and what could be more important than that?

M.