The New York Times Games Craze

Sienna Sprague

If you have ever been in a middle school English class, chances are you’ve seen a kid slacking off and playing Wordle. Perhaps you were that kid, huddling with your friends to see who could win first. The New York Times Games are no new trend. Starting with standard crosswords, the company has managed to utilize games to boost its revenue and expand its audience. Its influence has reached people of all ages, from young children to teachers to grandparents. But how did this all come to be and, more importantly, what makes these games so appealing?

The New York Times Games’ first crossword puzzle was released in 1942. Its selection only expanded with the introduction of the Mini Crossword, Spelling Bee and a few others in 2014. While these games were incredibly popular, they would barely compare to the success of Wordle. Josh Wardle, a Brooklyn software developer, created Wordle in October 2021. The prototype managed to reach a vast audience through social media platforms. Its popularity caught the attention of The New York Times, which bought the app for over $1 million. With this new feature, along with the introduction of Connections in 2023, The New York Times Games was set for immense success. 

Since their introduction, The New York Times Games has made millions of dollars in revenue. During 2024, The New York Times’ Games section possessed over nine million subscribers. In 2025 alone, their puzzles were played 11.2 billion times. 

The games’ success can be credited to their refreshing and engaging nature. Despite having a diverse and large audience, the games lack ads or promotions. This sharply contrasts with the consumeristic culture the 2020s have brought. The games also manage to keep it simple yet engaging. Users are encouraged to think critically and methodically in order to succeed. Their ridiculous answers, while frustrating at first, require users to think outside the box. One might find themselves screaming from the difficulty but, in the end, shrugging it off and looking forward to the next one. The games have something special that keeps people coming back.

In an era where attention spans are shrinking and fewer people are thinking critically, The New York Times Games manages to combat these issues perfectly. Teens who spend hours scrolling stop to play Wordle. Adults tired from work make time for their daily round of Connections. Whether completed solo or with friends, the games are incredibly entertaining. The New York Times has built something impressive, with people across the country waiting to see what is next.