- The NYT Connections game puts players on edge.
- Just in time for April Fools’ Day, the puzzle has moved from words to emoji clues.
- Players were even more confused than usual (but don’t worry, we won’t give you any spoilers).
While visual learners might have better luck with Monday’s version of the New York Times game Connections, the surprise April Fool’s Day format change left many players with plenty to say.
The daily puzzle already inspires something of a love-hate relationship for fans. For those unfamiliar with the game, players must find connections between four groups of words.
Monday’s makeover, however, prompted them to link different emojis instead – the first time the layout has changed.
And the new emoji game left some users confused and even a little angry when they went to play Connections.
Usually, players aim to determine four sets of four connections between words (right). Monday’s game instead used emojis (left). New York Times
The complaints range from funny memes to serious threats against the person responsible.
“Nyt Connections Editor, I am within your walls,” one message read.
“Tell me where the mob is gathering to burn down the Connections headquarters at the New York Times,” another user saidalthough quickly followed by a message saying: “Ok, I got it, the crowd can disperse.”
Another person joked that everyone on the internet was mad at the publisher because of the “funny little idea.” One even pointed out that not all emojis appear on older devices.
Connections, however, has a habit of gently irritating its players. In the past, people have pointed out how difficult the game is, complaining about unique groupings like “homophones” or “words abbreviated with letters.” This sparked a lot of mockery on social media.
Yet it remains very popular and builds on the success of the better-known daily word game Wordle, which The New York Times purchased in 2022 for an undisclosed amount. The world spent more time on the NYT Games app than any other NYT-owned app in the final months of 2023, according to data from research firm Yipit.
But while puzzle publishers have been publicly begged to make the games easier, a small group of users said Monday’s emoji edition was the easiest connection yet.
And one person in pointed out: “By the way, no one is forcing you to make the connections to the New York Times.”
Still, we’ll stay tuned for Tuesday’s puzzle.
businessinsider
