Few forms of play have stood the test of time like word puzzle games. They have evolved from simple pen-and-paper challenges into mobile experiences worldwide. And yet, the appeal remains the same: puzzles spark curiosity, reward creativity, and train the brain- all while feeling fun and effortless.
Word puzzle games are more than just fun. They sharpen memory, boost focus, and even expand vocabulary without us even noticing. For millions, they’re the perfect stress-buster, relaxing yet rewarding. And with leaderboards and multiplayer, they’ve also evolved into a social experience connecting players worldwide.
They are not just a way to spend time, they’re brain workouts cleverly disguised as entertainment. Doing word puzzles as little as once a month significantly bolsters focus and attention.
And the benefits are backed by research:
Whether you’re 8 or 80, puzzles don’t just entertain—they strengthen the mind. A few minutes a day can keep your brain sharper, longer.
With smartphones, word puzzles have exploded in reach thanks to accessible gameplay, bite-sized sessions, and endless variations. While word puzzles games are often dismissed as “casual, low ARPU,” in reality, they deliver some of the stickiest retention rates and highest ad monetization revenue in mobile gaming.
The results speak for themselves: word puzzle apps crossed 550M downloads in just the first 8 months of 2025, and players spend ~21 minutes daily in the category- among the highest across casual genres.
Several gaming studios have built global success stories in word puzzles. Zynga created social gaming experiences with Words With Friends that encourages players to connect with friends and family. This game is a global sensation. Playsimple Games portfolio of word games is downloaded more than 100 millions times. Words of Wonders, by Fugo Games and Wordsscape by People Fun have now become globally recognised brands.
While Word puzzles is a massive category, it is also highly competitive. Our research shows that over 50% of the publishers in the word puzzle category struggled to grow in 2025.
Yet, dozens of new publishers continue to enter the market each year. Most won’t survive long-term, but their creativity keeps the genre alive- pushing fresh mechanics, new monetization models, and genuine player value. Behind every success lies the challenge of balancing fun, retention, and monetization, a task that separates the good from the great.
This is why Crackle is proud to launch the Rising Stars Awards, a celebration of rising publishers whose innovation and creativity deserve recognition. These games, often from small and resourceful teams, stand out not just for their ideas, but for their impact, proving that passion can overcome limited resources.
Since the word puzzle category is so vast, we are starting by recognizing two classic yet highly relevant sub-categories: Word Wheel and Crossword- which continue to inspire engaging and innovative mobile experiences. Both have stood the test of time and continue to inspire fun, engaging, and innovative mobile experiences today.
From over 200+ games, we’ve shortlisted five standout titles, carefully reviewed across mechanics, design, growth, user reviews, and player feedback. What makes this list special is that these gems come from small but ambitious publishers, who are pushing boundaries and doing incredible work in the word puzzle space.
We will soon announce our list of finalists. Each game will be reviewed by our esteemed jury panel of industry experts, to be revealed shortly. These judges will evaluate the titles based on key criteria, including game design, mechanics, user feedback, engagement, and overall success potential. The ultimate winner will be celebrated as the top Rising Star in the word puzzle category.
Stay tuned for more announcements!
