Discover the origins of the New York Times’ Connections game—from its 2021 Game Jam pitch to billions of plays worldwide. Meet editor Wyna Liu, explore its inspirations, spin-offs, and controversies, and learn how this daily puzzle became a modern classic.
How the NYT Connections Game Was Born: From Game Jam to Beta Launch
The New York Times’ Connections game debuted in beta on June 12, 2023, developed in-house as part of an annual Game Jam, where the NYT Games team pitches and prototypes new ideas. It quickly became the Times’ second-most-played game, after Wordle.
Connections offered a fresh take on wordplay: players group 16 words into four categories, color-coded by difficulty: yellow (easiest) to purple (hardest).
Meet Wyna Liu: The Creative Editor Behind Connections
Wyna Liu, hired as a puzzle editor in 2020. She was assigned Connections after it was greenlit from Game Jam, as she was the only editor without a game at that point. Liu’s background in art and jewelry design informs her tactile, paper-first approach to puzzlemaking. She typically starts with word clusters jotted in a notebook, then builds puzzles in Google Sheets for flexibility and creative flow.
She is known for intentionally tricky and voicey categories, like “Words Misspelled in Nu Metal Band Names” or subtle personal references (like “Bad, Boy, Polo”—a nod to her rescue dog Polo). This has earned Connections the title of “the most controversial game on the internet,” with fans alternately obsessed and enraged. As Liu puts it, “I get it … it’s fun to be mad”.
Image: Wyna Liu, puzzle editor of NYT Connections: source: Instagram. @wynaliu
Is Connections Based on a TV Show? The “Only Connect” Comparison
Many have noted the similarity between Connections and the BBC’s Only Connect game show, specifically its “Connecting Wall” format. However, the NYT team insists their approach is independently constructed, with unique category mechanics and editorial voice.
Why Connections Worked: From Beta to Big Hit
According to NYT’s head of Games, successful new games must be “easy to learn, hard to master” and unmistakably human‑crafted. Connections exceeded retention expectations: within a month it was moved out of beta in August 2023 thanks to sustained engagement and organic virality via search and social sharing.
The Rise in Numbers: How Big Did It Get?
By 2024, Connections had 3.3 billion plays, solidifying its spot as a cornerstone of NYT Games. That year, NYT Games overall hit 11.1 billion plays, with Wordle at 5.3B, Connections at 3.3B, and its sister game Strands at 1.3B.
Spin-Off: Connections – Sports Edition
In September 2024, The Athletic collaborated with NYT Games to launch Connections: Sports Edition in beta). This version, fully released on February 9, 2025, added an optional timer and leaned into trivia-based, sports-themed categories under the editorial guidance of Mark Cooper.
Challenges & Legal Issues: The Archive Controversy
In November 2024, NYT sent a cease-and-desist letter to a third-party website run by Anthony Salazar that had been hosting an archive of past Connections puzzles. The Times claimed trademark and copyright infringement, emphasizing that archives are intended only for NYT subscribers via official platforms.
This sparked debate among fans about puzzle access, fair use, and the cultural impact of games that become part of daily routines.
Inside the NYT Games Strategy: Why Connections Matters
Games like Connections feed a broader NYT strategy to boost subscriber retention. Players who engage with both news and games are more likely to remain long-term subscribers. Connections’ success was significant, especially so just after the acquisition of Wordle.
Conclusion: A Human-Crafted Puzzle Phenomenon
Connections works because it blends creativity, personality, and challenge. It emerged from a creative process rooted in art, notebooks, and editorial intuition and went on to become a daily ritual for millions. It’s a compelling example of how thoughtful human design can spark joy, frustration, and viral engagement—all at the same time.
FAQ Section
Who invented the NYT Connections game?
- NYT Connections was conceived during an internal Game Jam and developed by the NYT Games team. Wyna Liu was the assigned puzzle editor and has created every daily board since its launch.
When was the NYT Connections game launched?
- Connections entered beta on June 12, 2023 and quickly moved to full release after its successful launch.
Is Connections based on the TV show Only Connect?
- Great question, decide for yourself!—while Connections resembles Only Connect’s “Connecting Wall,” the NYT team says it’s an original game with unique mechanics and editorial voice.
How many people have played NYT Connections?
- As of 2024, Connections has been played 3.3 billion times, making it the second-most-played NYT Games title.