The creator of Wordle is back with a new game about cryptic crosswords
The quickest way to feel dumb, in my experience, is to attempt a cryptic crossword. As Simon Parkin explains in the New Yorker: American, or “concise,” crosswords are typically exercises in trivia more so than wit. A conventional clue might read: “Got up.” If the solution line has four letters, two answers might fit тАФ...
The creator of Wordle, Josh Wardle, has returned with a new game designed to help people understand the intricacies of cryptic crosswords. Known for their complex clues and challenging gameplay, cryptic crosswords can be a daunting experience for many puzzle enthusiasts. In a recent article for The New Yorker, Simon Parkin described the difference between American-style crosswords and cryptic ones, noting that the latter often require a deeper understanding of wordplay and mechanics.
American crosswords, or "concise" crosswords as Parkin calls them, typically rely on trivia and straightforward clues. For example, a clue might simply read "Got up," with possible answers like "rose" or "woke." However, cryptic crosswords take this concept to another level by using clues that require a more intricate process to solve. These clues often involve instructions, such as "Pairs of rowdy seagulls get up," which direct the solver to take specific letters from the words in the clue to arrive at the answer.
For many, cryptic crosswords can be frustrating due to their complexity. Solving them requires knowledge of the game's mechanics, which can be difficult to grasp without proper guidance. This is where Wardle's new game, Parseword, comes in. The name itself is a delightful nod to the challenges of cryptic crossword solvers, as it contains the word "arse," a synonym for the feeling of frustration one might experience while attempting these puzzles.
Wardle's decision to create Parseword is not without context. Games have become an increasingly important revenue stream for publishers, as evidenced by the success of Wordle itself. The New York Times acquired Wordle for an undisclosed price in the low seven figures in 2022, and since then, the publication has added more games to its offerings. In February, The New York Times introduced a "Mini" crossword size, catering to players who enjoy smaller, more manageable puzzles.
Meanwhile, Hearst has invested in the puzzle game site Puzzmo, which syndicates its games to other outlets. The New Yorker also has its own stable of games, further demonstrating the growing trend of publishers incorporating games into their content strategies.
Parseword, with its focus on teaching cryptic crossword mechanics, is poised to appeal to both casual gamers and seasoned crossword enthusiasts. By breaking down the complexities of cryptic crosswords into a more accessible format, Wardle's new game offers a fresh perspective on a classic puzzle form. As games continue to play a larger role in media, it's exciting to see innovative solutions like Parseword that expand the boundaries of traditional puzzles and make them more approachable for a wider audience.
