On Aug. 24, 2014, New York Times launched New York Times Games. Since then, the launch has grown in popularity. SCHS students and staff believe the variety of games engages their minds in different ways.
NYTG offers students and staff a multitude of diverse games to keep them entertained throughout the day. Junior Aafiyah Khan expressed how the games keep her mind active.
“I like to play New York Times games because I like the excitement. I like thinking. I like how it’s new every day,” Khan said. “I like how there are many different games that once I finish the Wordle, I can move on to the Connections.”
With the variety of games, students and staff are able to learn new things. NYTG provides hints in their games that require deeper thinking due to their complexity.
Junior Ivana Fonkwo explained that the crosswords have opened a new gate for her.
“I would say the crosswords particularly have helped me to be more aware in terms of pop culture,” Fonkwo said. “Learning more about different kinds of music and different books just based on different hints and stuff to give you in the crosswords.”
According to science teacher Suzanne Miller-Moody, NYTG allows students to work together as they complete the tasks, bringing them closer. She also embraces the fun she has while playing with her family.
“I used to have a contest with my in-laws. We would all play the Wordle, and then we would send each other our scores, like how quickly we got it done,” Miller-Moody said.
The importance of brain growth and learning new things is important for junior Parker Bradford. He found that NYTG helped him to develop more skills.
“Every time I try to do Connections, I feel like I learned something new,” Bradford said. “I feel like I even get a little bit smarter.”
The games reset every night, leaving players with enthusiasm to play the next morning. Having new games to play everyday can help exercise the brain and prepare students for the day. Fonkwo will play late at night or bright and early due to the excitement of the games.
“I will either play them at midnight when they’re released, or when I wake up to get my brain going,” Fonkwo said.
Like Fonkwo, Bradford said the NYTG gives him joy and entertainment. He looks forward to playing them and enjoys the games keeping him occupied.
“They give me something to look forward to when they refresh,” Bradford said. “It’s really just super enjoyable to play, and it gives me something to do during class.”