In the age of digital gaming, where high-speed action and flashy graphics dominate, a simple word puzzle is taking the world—and India—by storm. Connections, a daily word game by The New York Times (NYT), has become a favorite for puzzle lovers looking to test their logical thinking and vocabulary skills.
Whether you’re sipping chai in the morning or winding down after a long day, this game has become a part of many Indians’ routines. But what exactly makes Connections so special? And why is it making headlines for both its popularity and controversy? Let’s dive in.
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What is the NYT Connections Game?
If you love word puzzles, you might already be hooked on Connections. The game gives you 16 words and challenges you to group them into four sets of four based on common themes. These connections can be straightforward (like four words related to colors) or tricky (like four words that could all be names of TV shows).
The difficulty varies each day, with some puzzles being a breeze and others making players scratch their heads for hours. It’s like a mix of Wordle, Sudoku, and a quiz show—all packed into a quick daily challenge.
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Why is It Trending in India?
India has a long-standing love for puzzles—whether it’s crosswords in newspapers, Sudoku, or riddles in regional languages. Connections taps into this love by offering a game that is both challenging and easy to pick up.
Here’s why Indians are loving it:
A Quick Mental Workout – In a busy world, people want a short but satisfying brain exercise. Connections provides just that, in under 10 minutes.
Free and Accessible – Available on mobile and desktop, it’s a free game (at least for now) that anyone can play.
Social Media Buzz – Many players share their daily Connections results on social media, making it a trending topic among puzzle lovers.
With its simple format and deep engagement, Connections has become a staple for thousands of Indian gamers looking for a quick yet meaningful challenge.
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The Controversy: A Fan-Made Website vs. The NYT
Like any viral game, Connections has its share of drama. In late 2024, Anthony Salazar, a freelance web developer, created an unofficial “Connections Creator” website. This tool allowed people to:
✅ Make their own custom puzzles
✅ Play archived NYT puzzles for free
This was a hit among fans, especially since NYT started restricting access to older puzzles behind a paywall. However, The New York Times was not happy.
In November 2024, NYT sent a legal notice to Salazar, demanding that he shut down his website, claiming it violated copyright laws. The move sparked mixed reactions:
Some supported NYT, saying they had a right to protect their game.
Others criticized NYT, arguing that Salazar’s website was helping the game’s community grow.
Salazar eventually agreed to remove the archived puzzles but wanted to keep the puzzle creator feature. The battle between corporate rights vs. community creativity continues, raising questions about who truly owns a game once it becomes a public favorite.
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The Future of NYT Connections in India
With its rising fanbase in India, Connections shows no signs of slowing down. As more people join the trend, we might even see:
Regional Language Versions – Imagine playing Connections in Hindi, Tamil, or Bengali!
Indian-Themed Puzzles – A special category with Bollywood movies, Indian festivals, or cricket terms would make it even more exciting.
For now, though, Indian players continue to enjoy the daily dose of brain-teasing fun, one puzzle at a time.
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Want to Play? Here’s How!
1️⃣ Go to www.nytimes.com/games/connections
2️⃣ Start a new puzzle (refresh daily at midnight!)
3️⃣ Group words into 4 sets based on their hidden connection
4️⃣ Share your score and challenge your friends!
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, Connections is a game that promises to keep you thinking—and guessing—every day.
So, have you played today’s puzzle yet? Let us know your score in the comments!