New York Times Features Collaborative Crossword by College Students

What's Happening?

The New York Times has published a new crossword puzzle created by college students Aidan Deshong and Akshay Seetharam. This marks Deshong's first Saturday puzzle and Seetharam's debut in the Times. The puzzle features a 'pinwheel' geometry, a popular format in themeless puzzles, which presents a unique challenge to solvers. The puzzle includes fresh and tricky clues, such as the debut of the Nintendo character Waluigi and the culinary term 'crostini'. The collaboration between the two students highlights the creative process and innovation in puzzle construction.

Why It's Important?

The publication of this puzzle in a major newspaper like The New York Times underscores the growing recognition of young talent in the field of puzzle construction. It reflects the newspaper's commitment to diversity and innovation in its content, appealing to a broad audience of puzzle enthusiasts. The collaboration between Deshong and Seetharam also highlights the importance of teamwork and creativity in producing engaging and challenging puzzles. This development may inspire other young creators to pursue opportunities in this niche yet popular field.