Key Highlights
- Pips is a puzzle game that debuted on the New York Times’ Games app in August 2025.
- The game challenges players to arrange dominos with pips (dots) inside a grid, matching numbers and symbols.
- Despite its complexity, Pips has become one of the best games available, providing unique solutions for each puzzle.
- Author Drew Magary endorses Pips as a standout among other games in the app, highlighting its asymmetrical grids and endless symbol combinations.
New York Times’ Games App: A Puzzle Haven
The New York Times has transformed from a traditional news publication into an engaging puzzle platform with their Games app. Launched in 2025, the app combines elements of Wordle and daily crosswords to create a comprehensive suite of games that have significantly boosted the company’s revenues.
The development process at The Times’ Games team is described as thoughtful and deliberate, with each game being meticulously crafted to offer unique challenges. Pips, one such game, has quickly risen to prominence among puzzle enthusiasts due to its innovative approach and captivating design.
Pips: A Game of Strategic Thinking
Developed by the Games app’s team in collaboration with editor Ian Livengood, Pips is a puzzle game that requires players to arrange dominos with pips inside a grid. The challenge lies not just in matching numbers and symbols but also in adapting to asymmetrical grids, which provide an ever-changing landscape for problem-solving.
According to Drew Magary, the game’s complexity and adaptability make it a standout among other offerings on the app. He highlights how Pips forces players to think strategically and logically, much like solving a Sudoku puzzle but with added spatial challenges due to its flexible grid system.
The A-Ha! Moments: Joy in Problem-Solving
Magary emphasizes that what makes Pips exceptional is the joy derived from figuring out how to solve each puzzle. Unlike other games on the app, which may become repetitive over time, Pips maintains its freshness by presenting new challenges with every playthrough.
“Unlike any puzzle game I’ve ever played, I actually like it when I need more time to solve a Pips,” Magary notes. “I don’t get frustrated; in fact, the longer I spend on each puzzle, the more engrossed I become.” This unique quality sets Pips apart and keeps players engaged for extended periods.
Conclusion
An App That Keeps Players Coming Back
The success of games like Pips on The New York Times’ Games app speaks volumes about the company’s ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences. By leveraging its existing brand reputation and innovative content, The Times has successfully transitioned into a new digital realm that combines entertainment with intellectual stimulation.
As more puzzle enthusiasts discover games like Pips, it is clear that the future of interactive media lies in creating experiences that challenge and delight users. With Pips as a prime example, The New York Times Games app continues to offer compelling content that keeps players coming back for more.