New York Times Games released Crossplay, a Scrabble-like multiplayer game, for iOS and Android, offering a streamlined, ad-free experience for casual word game enthusiasts. The app aims to provide a user-friendly alternative to existing social word games, addressing criticisms of intrusive advertising and complex interfaces.

Crossplay mirrors the core gameplay of Scrabble, but incorporates slight modifications to the game board, tile distribution, and end-game rules. These adjustments may have been implemented to differentiate the game legally from the established Scrabble format. According to TechCrunch, these differences are unlikely to be noticed by casual players.

The release of Crossplay signals New York Times Games' continued expansion into the mobile gaming market, leveraging its existing subscriber base and brand recognition. The company has successfully integrated word games into its digital subscription offerings, attracting a broad audience seeking intellectually stimulating entertainment.

The game allows users to invite and play against friends and family, fostering social interaction through asynchronous gameplay. This approach allows players to engage at their own pace, accommodating busy schedules and varying levels of commitment.

Crossplay is available now for download on the App Store and Google Play Store. New York Times Games has not yet announced specific plans for future updates or expansions to the game.