The New York Times Tech Guild’s strike-themed games are still listed on the Guild’s Guild Builds page, which now includes more than the five titles highlighted in a November 2024 story. The browser-game collection includes word guessing, category grouping, word search, memory matching and arcade-style options. The strike is over: it ran from November 4 to 11, 2024, and the Guild’s first contract was ratified that December.
What games can you play instead of Wordle?
The Guild’s current Guild Builds page lists these games. The page does not promise that every link is working, that each game receives a new puzzle daily, or that every title is available on every device, so check the live listings before choosing one.
| Game | Format |
|---|---|
| Strikle | Word-guessing game |
| Connections: Strike Edition | Group words by category |
| Word Search | Find words in a letter grid |
| Match Strike | Memory-matching game |
| Frogger 8th Ave | Arcade-style game |
| Scabby’s Fair Contract Builder | Listed by the Guild; format not stated on the page |
| STRIKEMAN | Listed by the Guild; format not stated on the page |
| Trivia and Jokes | Trivia and joke collection |
| Mini Crossword: Strike Edition | Crossword puzzle |
| Guild Adventure | Listed by the Guild; format not stated on the page |
| Wide Guild Brick Breaker | Brick-breaker arcade game |
The original Tech Times story, published November 7, 2024, named five games: Strikle, Connections: Strike Edition, Word Search, Match Strike and Frogger 8th Avenue. The Guild’s present listing is broader and uses the title “Frogger 8th Ave.” Because these are live links rather than a fixed game release, names and destinations may change. Tech Times’ 2024 report records what was available at the time; the Guild page is the place to check the current collection.
Who made the games, and are they official New York Times games?
The Guild says the games were built by union members and supporters and are not affiliated with The New York Times Company. Its page adds: “Please pardon any bugs.” Fast Company reported that Guild members made all the games it covered except Strikle, which came from an external supporter. The Guild’s broad description therefore should not be read as proof that every individual game was made by a Guild member.
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#1 Best Overall
- CLASSIC CROSSWORD GAME: Get family and friends together for a fun game night with the Scrabble board game! Put letters together, build words, and earn the most points to win
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Fast Company also reported that new versions might not arrive every day. NewsGuild of New York spokesperson Jen Sheehan said updates would come “when they can be.” That is a practical distinction for anyone looking for a Wordle-like daily routine: the collection offers alternatives, but daily refreshes are not established. Fast Company’s report includes the attribution and update context.
Why did the Tech Guild create a strike-themed games page?
The collection appeared during the New York Times Tech Guild strike in November 2024. The Times Tech Guild says 524 members—95% of voting members—authorized the strike. Those figures refer to the authorization vote, not the later vote on the contract.
Rank #2
- Wordle Experience in a Board Game – Love Wordle? Boardle brings the same addictive 5-letter word challenge to your table, no screens required. Compete in real life word-guessing duels that capture the fun of the online game in a social, face-to-face format. (This game is unaffiliated with NYT/Hasbro Wordle.)
- Head-to-Head 2-Player Word Duel – Challenge a friend or partner in a battle of wits. Boardle is a 2-player board game where each player takes turns secretly writing a 5-letter word while their partner deciphers the other’s word through strategic guesses. It’s perfect for couples’ game nights or a quick round of competitive fun with a buddy.
- Fun for Family Game Night & Parties – Bring family and friends together with this fast-paced word puzzle game. Play one-on-one or form teams for group play. Boardle spices up parties, classrooms, and family game nights by getting everyone thinking and laughing as they race to crack the code.
- Build Vocabulary & Brainpower – More than just a game, Boardle is an educational word puzzle that helps expand vocabulary and sharpen spelling skills. Great for English learners and word enthusiasts, it’s an engaging tool for teachers or parents to make learning fun. (Screen-free brain teaser!)
- Premium Quality & Complete Set – Boardle comes with a durable game board, letter tiles, color-coded clue pegs, and even a sand timer for timed rounds – everything you need for endless play. High-quality components ensure longevity, and the sleek design makes it a great gift for puzzle lovers. (Ages 14+)
The strike ran from November 4 through November 11, 2024. The Guild says its first contract was ratified on December 19, 2024, with 93% voting yes. The games page is therefore a remnant of a labor action that has concluded, not evidence of an ongoing strike. The Guild’s strike timeline records the dates and vote results.
How to choose one
- For a Wordle-like word puzzle: start with Strikle.
- For grouping and deduction: try Connections: Strike Edition.
- For a visual word hunt: choose Word Search.
- For a memory challenge: try Match Strike.
- For arcade play: look at Frogger 8th Ave or Wide Guild Brick Breaker.
- For a different puzzle format: the Guild also lists Mini Crossword: Strike Edition, Trivia and Jokes, and other titles whose format is not specified in the listing.
These are format-based suggestions, not a tested ranking. No guarantee is established for device compatibility, accessibility features, or whether a particular link will remain available.
Rank #3
- SPIN TO SOLVE: Race friends through mini crossword puzzles. A quick spin of the board reveals fresh angles on every clue, turning a classic word game into a fast, social party board game for 2-6 players.
- ANY ANSWER FITS: Every category answer can land in any word slot, opening multiple winning paths on the same grid. Clever thinking beats rote vocabulary in this fresh take on the crossword puzzle game.
- 160 CARDS, 10 BOARDS: Four card categories across 160 cards and 10 puzzle boards keep rounds varied, so no two games play the same and your family game night stays fresh week after week.
- BEGINNER TO CHALLENGER: 3-word puzzles welcome new players, while 5 and 6-word boards push word game fans. A flexible family board game and word game for adults at the same table.
- GAME NIGHT GIFT PICK: Quick to learn with deep gameplay, supports pair play and 2-6 players. A thoughtful gift for puzzle lovers, word nerds, and party game fans.
Do you need to buy anything?
No purchase is indicated for the Guild’s browser-game collection; the Guild page provides game links rather than a product checkout. A word search puzzle book can be an independent offline alternative if you want the same general puzzle format away from a screen, but the Guild does not mention or endorse one.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- THE ORIGINAL & GENUINE – Invented by Tom Sturdevant and available on the only official Q-Less store on Amazon. Don't settle for inferior knockoffs.
- ONE MINUTE TO LEARN, IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT DOWN – Roll 12 lettered dice, then use ALL of them to build connecting words of 3+ letters. No timer, no scoring, no opponent — just you and the dice.
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Rank #4
- ENGAGING WORD CHALLENGE: WordSnap brings a brain-boosting twist to traditional word games, letting players build words vertically, horizontally and diagonally, for an immersive gameplay experience that tests vocabulary and strategy skills
- FUN FOR EVERY SKILL LEVEL: Whether you're a word game enthusiast or just discovering them, this game is a fantastic choice for solo challenges, family game nights, fun learning tool for children, and cognitive memory aid for seniors; designed for 1-4 players ages 8 and up
- INNOVATIVE SOFT-SNAP TILES: Features 100 durable, flexible pieces with large easy-to-read letters; tiles snap together keeping words securely in place letting you easily rotate the word grid, ensuring every player gets a clear view of the game
- BOARD-FREE, LIMITLESS PLAY: Create a dynamic crossword puzzle-like layout without the confines of a game board; as words are built, unique patterns emerge, offering players unlimited scoring opportunities; download a free timer app to add an extra layer of excitement to your word-building sessions
- COMPACT BOX: Packaged in a collectible tin, WordSnap is easy to store, take on road trips or vacations, or gift as a stocking stuffer
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
