New York Times Enters Multiplayer Mode with New Word Game ‘Crossplay’
Long known for its single-player puzzle and word games, The New York Times has now taken a new path. For the first time in its history, the institution has launched a multiplayer word game designed for two players, titled Crossplay. Released as a standalone app, the game is now available to both Android and iOS users, according to GameSpot.
For those familiar with games like Words With Friends or Scrabble, the mechanics of Crossplay will feel intuitive. The game begins with each player receiving seven letters on a shared board. The objective is to form words—or connect with existing ones on the board—to score as many points as possible. Points are calculated based on the rarity of letters and their placement on the board.
One of the game’s defining features is its limited tile bag. With each letter placed on the board, a tile is permanently removed from the bag. Once all tiles are exhausted, the game enters a final phase, giving both players one last opportunity to secure victory.
Jonathan Knight of The New York Times Games division explained that traditional word games often tend to drag on without a clear end. To address this monotony, Crossplay introduces a new rule called the “Last Turn,” which gives the game a distinct identity and ensures a decisive conclusion.
To promote the game, The New York Times has partnered with musicians Leslie Odom Jr., BRELAND, and Amy Allen. They will compete directly with players both online and at select in-person locations in New York and Nashville.
All in all, Crossplay marks the beginning of a new chapter in The New York Times’ expanding games portfolio.
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