Those Interesting Games on News Websites

Have you ever visited a news website to read an article and somehow ended up spending ten minutes playing a word game?

These days, news websites do more than just give us something to read or watch. Many of them have something for our brains too- puzzles, quizzes, word games and number games.

But these games aren’t just for us. They are for the publishers too. They keep us hooked. They give us a reason to come back tomorrow. They make the website or app feel more interesting and engaging.

In other words, they are part of the strategy.

Crosswords, Sudoku, word searches, quizzes- Newspapers have had puzzles for decades. But the experience feels different on digital platforms, where websites and apps can turn these simple puzzles more creative and into daily habits.

And there is a business reason behind it. Games can encourage news consumption, improve reader retention, support subscriptions, increase app engagement, attract new audiences and create additional opportunities for revenue. Some publishers even use daily streaks and challenges to make sure readers return regularly.

But forget the strategy for a moment. Let’s have some fun.

Explore these pages for games by news websites.

1. The New York Times

The New York Times has one of the most prominent digital games offerings among news publishers. Its collection goes far beyond the traditional crossword. It includes Wordle, Spelling Bee, Connections, Strands, Sudoku and several other games and puzzles.

The games have become such a recognisable part of the NYT experience that many people now visit the site specifically to play them.

2. Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles Times also has a dedicated games section. Beyond the familiar crossword and Sudoku, it offers games such as Jigsaw, Time Stack, Putt Putt Problems, Down Words and others.

It is another example of how a traditional newspaper puzzle section has evolved into a much broader digital games offering.

3. The Atlantic

The Atlantic takes a slightly different approach to its games. Its puzzles are designed not only to entertain but also to challenge the reader’s thinking. Its collection includes Rabbithole, Bracket City and Trivia. They also have a crossword.

Most of its games also combine puzzles with interesting facts and ideas, making the experience feel closer to learning while playing.

In India

Indian news publishers have also embraced the idea.

1. The Hindu

The Hindu offers several games and puzzles, including Spot the Lie, topic quizzes and India-themed challenges. It also has familiar favourites such as word search, Word Flower, Sudoku and more.

2. Manorama Online

Manorama Online takes an interesting approach by creating games for both general audiences and Malayali readers. Its collection includes Flower Doku, Uriyadi, Kalamudakkal Game, Malayala Aksharamala, Brick Breaker, Eye Test Game, Number Pop, Maze Game, Tic Tac Toe and many more.

The interesting thing here is the localisation. Games can be built around language and culture, rather than simply reproducing the same puzzles found on other news websites.

And these aren’t the only ones. Publishers like CNN, Fox News, Seattle Times, Indian Express, Times Of India etc. also have dedicated sections for puzzles and games on their websites.

Now, go play…!

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