Word Games

Question

News: Arts and Entertainment

In October 2021, Josh Wardle uploaded his creation to the world—Wordle™. This online game gives players six tries to identify a five-letter word. It offers clues about which letters go where. Wardle had designed Wordle as a gift for his sweetheart. But it turned into a hit game played by millions.

Many people love word games. Wordle follows in the grand tradition of other popular games. These include crossword puzzles, Scrabble®, and word searches. People young and old play word games to build their vocabulary and strengthen their brains. Research shows that word games are excellent ways to exercise the mind. Here's how a few favorites went from new ideas to household words.

Crossword Puzzles

Crossword fans owe the word puzzle to Arthur Wynne. He was a newspaper editor. In 1913, he wanted a new game for the FUN pages of the New York World. He drew rows of numbered squares and matched them with clues. He called it "FUN's Word-Cross Puzzle." A misprint renamed the game "Crossword Puzzle," and the name stuck. Wynne's winning creation quickly became a craze. Newspapers around the country copied his idea.

Scrabble

Alfred Mosher Butts claimed he wasn't good at spelling. But that didn't prevent him from creating a classic board game about words. The Great Depression of the 1930s left him jobless. So he began playing with ideas for a new game. He came up with a crossword-like word game. All of the different letters were given points so players could keep score. He called it "Criss-Cross Words." But game-makers turned him away. Then Butts met James Brunot. Together, they improved the game and came up with the catchier name it bears today: Scrabble.

The game scored big in 1952. That's when Macy's department stores began to stock it. In total, Scrabble has sold 150 million copies in 29 languages. It's found in more than half of the homes in the U.S., according to Hasbro, the game's manufacturer.

Word Search

In 1968, Norman E. Gibat created a word game. He published it in his small newspaper in Norman, Oklahoma. The game hid the names of Oklahoma cities in rows of letters. Readers had to find the names and circle them. Word Search was born. It quickly became popular among area teachers, who spread the word.

Other people started making word searches. They went by names like "Seek and Circle." These word games remain wildly popular. Many teachers use them to help students practice vocabulary.

Time will tell if Wordle becomes as famous. But the game's developer never had fame in mind. As Wardle told the New York Times: "I think people kind of appreciate that there's this thing online that's just fun."

Think about and discuss these questions:
Which word game sounds most interesting to you and why?
What do you think is the secret to making a popular word game?

Why do you think word games have been so popular? Use information from the article.

Answer 1

1. Which word game sounds most interesting to you and why?

   I find Wordle™ to be the most interesting word game. Its simple yet engaging format allows players to guess a five-letter word within six tries, combining elements of strategy and deduction. The daily challenge adds to the excitement, as everyone is trying to solve the same word, fostering a sense of community among players. Additionally, it provides instant feedback on guesses, making it both accessible for beginners and challenging for seasoned players.

2. What do you think is the secret to making a popular word game?

   The secret to making a popular word game likely lies in a few key factors: simplicity, engagement, and social connection. A successful word game should be easy to understand and play, like Wordle, which can attract players of all ages. Engagement is crucial; incorporating elements that challenge the player while still allowing for fun is important. Lastly, creating a social aspect, such as sharing results or competing with friends, can enhance the enjoyment and longevity of the game.

3. Why do you think word games have been so popular? Use information from the article.

   Word games have maintained their popularity for several reasons. First, they are excellent for building vocabulary and strengthening cognitive skills, making them valuable tools for learning and mental exercise. As the article mentions, "research shows that word games are excellent ways to exercise the mind." Additionally, the historical success of games like crossword puzzles, Scrabble, and word searches demonstrates that these types of games have established a significant place in both culture and education. People of all ages enjoy them, providing a broad audience that keeps the tradition alive. The interactive and collaborative nature of many word games also adds to their appeal, as players often share their experiences with friends and family.