Mumbai: Sideways Play, the innovative gaming studio behind the successful WordIt! franchise, has announced the launch of Crossoku, a first-of-its-kind word puzzle game that blends the best of crossword puzzles and Sudoku. This new addition to the WordIt! franchise aims to captivate both word and puzzle enthusiasts with its unique gameplay that promises to be both challenging and addictive.
Building on the success of their previous releases, including the card-word hybrid game WordIt!, Crossoku introduces a fresh play pattern that engages players in solving word-based clues while applying logic and number-solving techniques, much like Sudoku. Whether online or offline, players can enjoy the game on a digital platform or opt for the classic pen-and-paper experience.
“We’re thrilled to bring Crossoku to the world,” said Abhijit Avasthi, Founder of Sideways Play. “The most popular word games like Wordle and Connections are made in the West, but enjoyed globally. With Crossoku, we are making in India for the world. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the game being played in 16 countries already. We are truly honored that a word aficionado like Dr. Tharoor resonates with and supports our vision.”
With Crossoku’s launch, Sideways Play now boasts three games in the rapidly growing WordIt! franchise. The company is also exploring licensing opportunities, looking for partners to bring the game to a wider audience.
Reflecting on the unexpected journey of Crossoku, Zahid Hussain, Senior Strategy Director, shared, “Crossoku was an accidental innovation. What started as a 4 pm office routine on paper has now transformed into a digital product. It’s immensely satisfying to know that so many people now play it as part of their daily routine. We’re also working with schools to revive the tradition of word tournaments, which has become a fading legacy.”
Nalin Avasthi, Head of Technology, discussed the development of the digital version, noting, “Our game development partners at Keywords have done a fantastic job in bringing the game to life. We’re particularly proud of our new leaderboard feature, allowing users to compete globally. And it’s worth mentioning that AI has yet to crack the puzzle!”
Sideways Play’s recent success also includes a memorable experience at the renowned Spoken Fest, where they engaged with their community at scale. Krishan Jagota, Head of Product Design, remarked, “The Spoken Fest association was a great experience where we got a chance to connect with our community at scale, further bolstering our conviction in our games.”
When asked about future releases, Abhijit Avasthi responded with a secretive smile, hinting that many more exciting games are on the horizon.Crossoku is their latest endeavour in setting new standards in the word gaming industry. It almost certainly won’t be their last.
To experience Crossoku, visit the official website: https://crossoku.com.
