What to know

  • Tech workers at The New York Times have created their own strike-themed games as alternatives while asking readers not to play NYT’s games during their protest.
  • The striking workers launched a “Guild Builds” page featuring five games including strike versions of Wordle and Connections.
  • Over 600 NYT tech workers have been on strike since November 4th, seeking fair contracts, just-cause protections, and addressing pay equity issues.

The New York Times tech workers have found a creative way to maintain engagement during their strike by developing their strike-themed games. These tech-savvy employees, who normally power the NYT’s popular digital games, have launched a dedicated “Guild Builds” page featuring five entertaining alternatives.

The collection, as reported by The Verge, includes clever adaptations like “Strikle” (a Wordle variant), “Connections: Strike Edition,” “Match Strike” (a memory game), “Frogger 8th Avenue,” and ”Word Search.” While most games were created by guild members, “Strikle” came from an external supporter showing solidarity with the cause.

The strike, which began on November 4th, involves more than 600 tech workers who maintain the NYT’s digital infrastructure. They’re pushing for better working conditions, including fair contracts, just-cause protections, and addressing racial disparities in pay. The timing of the strike is particularly significant as it coincides with Election Day coverage.

Beyond games, the striking workers have expanded their creative protest by including strike-themed recipes, offering alternatives to NYT Cooking. They’ve asked supporters to honor their digital picket line by avoiding NYT’s games and cooking content during the strike period.

The strike represents the largest tech worker strike in U.S. history, highlighting growing tensions between digital workers and traditional media organizations. As negotiations continue, these strike-themed games serve as both entertainment and a statement about worker solidarity in the digital age.