“In today’s dystopian news horror…”

For years, the New York Times Mini Crossword has been the fast mind increase folks squeezed in earlier than work, on the subway, or proper earlier than mattress. 

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But as of Thursday, that every day ritual now requires a subscription.

In a press release shared with The Hill, the Times defended the transfer, declaring that it provides 10 completely different puzzles underneath its Games part. That consists of hits like Wordle, Connections, Strands, and Sudoku—most of which stay free for now.

The firm framed the change as a part of its broader “subscription strategy,” saying it desires to see which puzzle codecs can add probably the most worth for paying readers.

The shift comes because the outlet continues to push arduous into digital subscriptions. Earlier this month, executives introduced the Times had gained nearly 250,000 new subscribers within the second quarter of 2025 alone, with hopes of reaching 15 million by yr’s finish.

Games, it appears, are central to creating that occur.

Fans aren’t having it

What would possibly make sense as a enterprise choice landed as a intestine punch for loyal puzzle gamers. Online, frustration unfold quick.

One TikTok creator mentioned that whereas Taylor Swift’s proposal made headlines, the “Mini” going behind a paywall was simply as massive a narrative for her.

@m00bie JUST TRYINF TO PLAY MY MORNING GAMES #newyorktimesgames ♬ sonido authentic – juliet

Another known as the transfer a part of a “dystopian news horror.”

On X, complaints piled up. One consumer wrote, “finding out the NYT mini crossword is now behind a paywall has done irreparable damage to my spirit,” with a photograph of a crying Tiny Chef.

Another added, “I hope whoever decided this has warm pillows for the rest of their life.”

Solidarity can be occurring on X, the place customers are canceling their paid accounts in protest.

The backlash unfold to Reddit, too.

Under a put up on r/ludwigahgren, a poster joked, “Pour one out for my GOAT. Now I have a 40–60 second gap in my day that I don’t know how to fill.” 

Others admit they’re baffled by the technique. “If I was subscribed, I’d just do the full crossword,” one individual suggests. “The mini felt like the appetizer that led you to the bigger one.”

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