A Big Win for Tiled Words
Tiled Words, the fast-growing indie word puzzle, has captured the Players’ Choice Award at the 2025 Playlin Awards, rising above a competitive field of 700 daily web games. Voted on by players, the free browser-based title secured the top spot ahead of fellow finalists Knotilus and Connections, cementing its status as a fan favorite in the crowded daily puzzle scene.
Beyond the public vote, the game also earned critical recognition. An independent judging panel named Tiled Words Runner-Up for Best Word Game, while also honoring it as a finalist for Best Visual Design and Best Classic Game Reimagined, a testament to both its inventive mechanics and polished presentation.
Launched in October 2025 by designer Paul Hebert, Tiled Words reinvents the traditional crossword. Instead of filling static grids, players rotate and rearrange lettered tiles to solve cryptic clues and reconstruct a fragmented puzzle. The concept blends spatial strategy reminiscent of board games with clever wordplay and classic crossword sensibilities. A new ad-free puzzle goes live daily at midnight Pacific Time.
Despite its rapid success, the game began as an experiment. “Ironically, I didn’t set out to make a daily word game,” explained game designer Paul Hebert. “I prototyped different game concepts and this one just happened to click.”
“I’m blown away and honored to win this award,” added Hebert. “Thank you so much to everyone who plays Tiled Words. Your feedback and enthusiasm has made it the game it is today.”
Paul and his wife Lisa meticulously handcraft each puzzle, curating themes and clues designed to engage solvers of every skill level.