The wait is finally over! In our last post, we introduced the Rising Stars Awards, a celebration of innovation, creativity, and resilience of emerging publishers in the mobile word puzzle genre. Despite an intensely competitive market, how ambitious teams continue to push the boundaries of what a simple word game can be.
After evaluating over 200 emerging publishers on their game mechanics, design, player engagement and other parameters, we have narrowed it down to the best of the best.
We are thrilled to officially announce the 5 Finalists for the title of Emerging Word Puzzle Game of the Year. These titles have stood out not just for their gameplay, but for the unique experiences they offer, from spiritual reflection to modern twists on classic formulas.
Here are the games competing for the crown:
1. Classics – Word Search & more
App/Play store link
Country of origin : Germany
Published by: Lotum two GmbH
Why settle for one game when you can have a collection? Classics is not just a standalone title; it is a comprehensive puzzle hub. The app brings together WORD SEARCH, COLOR SORT, BRICK BLAST, and MARBLE MERGE, creating a seamless experience for fans of variety. With more titles planned for the future, it delivers a unified, polished UI and consistent styling across all games. It’s the perfect “all-in-one” destination that keeps players coming back for a fresh fix of their favorite logic and word challenges.
2. Bible Crossword – Word Puzzle
App/ Play store link
Country: USA
Published by: Rankhamb Venkatesh
Faith meets fun in this uplifting take on the genre. Bible Crossword blends classic crossword mechanics with inspirational themes, allowing players to connect letters and uncover meaningful verses. Designed for calm, reflective play, it offers a mix of relaxing challenges and scripture-based clues that deepen both vocabulary and biblical knowledge. It is a standout title for players seeking a spiritual touch to their daily brain training.
3. Word Revel: Cross Words Puzzle
App/Play store link
Country: Malaysia
Published by: Treauretech co Pte. Ltd.
Word Revel is a modern word-building experience that feels as good to play as it looks. Blending swipe-based discovery with traditional crossword grids, the game offers a satisfying sense of progression—as you slot words into place, the puzzle gradually “reveals” itself. With clean visuals, smooth animations, and levels that test logic and pattern recognition, it delivers a refreshing, brain-training journey for those who love a modern twist on the classics.
4. Word Search Master!
App/Play store link
Country: NA
Published by: Wonderful Entertainment Co. Ltd.
Sometimes, you just want a fast, satisfying puzzle to clear your head. Word Search Master! delivers exactly that. It’s a dynamic take on the word-search format where players swipe to find hidden words in horizontal, vertical, or diagonal layouts. The grid clears and reshuffles as you progress, creating a smooth “flow state” that is hard to put down. With bright animations and increasingly challenging word lists, it’s the perfect pick-up-and-play title for a quick mental refresh.
5. Crossword Challenge
App/Play store link
Country: Turkey
Published by: Nocturnal Games
Clean, accessible, and effortlessly engaging. Crossword Challenge strips away the clutter to offer a pure modern crossword experience. Players fill in grids using short, accessible hints, making the solving process feel light and satisfying. The game is designed for smooth transitions and quick completion, perfect for casual play. Yet, as you progress, the difficulty ramps up, offering a genuine workout for your brain while maintaining a relaxed vibe.
What’s Next? The Verdict Awaits.
These five titles represent the creativity and diversity of the rising word puzzle market. But there can only be one winner.
Who will decide?
We have assembled an esteemed panel of industry experts to judge these finalists. They will be evaluating the games based on design, mechanics, and their potential to shape the future of the genre.
Keep your eyes on this space! We will shortly be announcing the Jury who will have the tough job of choosing the Emerging Word Puzzle Game from these incredible shortlisted titles.
