Apple Launches New Emoji Game for World Emoji Day

To celebrate World Emoji Day, Apple has launched a brand-new puzzle game called Emoji Game, which is available now through the Apple News+ app in the U.S. and Canada. This innovative word game invites players to complete phrases by dragging emojis into designated blank spots, combining fun and creativity in an engaging format.

A Unique Addition to Apple News+

Developed in-house by Apple, Emoji Game marks the fifth puzzle game introduced to Apple News+ subscribers. It joins the ranks of daily offerings like Crossword, Mini Crossword, Sudoku, and the classic Quartiles, which debuted last year. What sets Emoji Game apart is its unique incorporation of iOS features, making it a fresh experience for users.

How to Play

Each day, players are presented with a new puzzle consisting of six words or phrases to solve. An array of selectable emojis appears at the bottom of the screen, which players must utilize to fill in the blanks. For example, if the clue is “Disap_ _ _ _,” dragging a pear emoji will reveal the word “Disappear.” Interestingly, emojis can carry multiple meanings, enabling fun wordplay.

Challenging Multi-Word Phrases

The complexity of the puzzles is heightened as players are often tasked with unraveling multi-word phrases that require extra interpretation. For instance, a puzzle may read “_ _ _ _ _ _ Year _ _ _ k,” which can be completed using a fish and ghost emoji—forming the phrase “School yearbook.” With hints provided for each puzzle, players can enjoy a balance of challenge and guidance.

Incorporating iOS 18 Features

In addition to the emoji combinations, Emoji Game leverages the new Genmoji feature in iOS 18. For example, an eaten apple emoji can cleverly represent the word “core” within a puzzle, further enhancing the gameplay experience and creating fresh opportunities for creativity in wordplay.

Inspired by the Success of Word Games

Apple aims to capture the same engaging format that propelled games like Wordle into pop culture. Emoji Game features daily puzzles, a history that traces back to July 1, player statistics, streaks, and social functionalities, allowing up to 16 players to compete for high scores. The goal of completing puzzles in a set number of turns reflects the challenge that made similar games so popular.

Availability

Starting today, Emoji Game is accessible on all iOS devices through the Apple News+ app. While it may not be a primary reason to subscribe to the service, it serves as an entertaining daily distraction for current users, adding another layer of enjoyment to the Apple News+ experience.