What Makes Words with Friends so Popular?

If you loved playing Scrabble growing up, you’re going to adore Words with Friends. For one, this Android app doesn’t need you to turn all those alphabet tiles around before you can start playing, nor does it need storage space on a shelf. It is a simple word game that is fun with the family and with friends. Plus, it is a wonderful way to improve your vocabulary or that of your little one. What’s more, you can even choose to play it with random players who are logged on at the same time as you. Due to its huge success, this app is now available in Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Danish, Dutch, Portuguese and even Russian.

What Makes Words with Friends the Number #1 Word Game for Android?

Just like its inspiration, Scrabble, Words with Friends, requires you to create words using seven tiles, where each tile is printed with an alphabet and a point value. This Android app allows two players to compete against each other, taking turns to make words without repeating any. One of the major reasons for the popularity of this game is possibly its emphasis on interaction, which is much higher than with any other social gaming app. It comes integrated with Facebook and a chat facility to make it easy to interact through the entire game. The best part is that you don’t have to wait for your opponent to be online at the same time as you to play the game. Of course, the game would be much quicker if both were playing real time but with asynchronous game play, you can play at your own convenience and for as long as you want, without having to wait for your partner to think up words. In addition, you can play the same game on Facebook and on your tablet or smartphone, since they are coordinated.

Where Does it Fall Short?

To begin with, unlike the parent board game, only two players can play this Android app at one time. It might have been more interesting with a whole bunch of people playing together, but then when one opts for the free version of any gaming app, one has to be prepared for some limitations. Of course, Scrabble aficionados will also find that there are differences, like the letter tiles have different values and the double letter/word and triple letter/word squares aren’t in the same place as in the Scrabble board. Having said that, Words with Friends does bring a lot of fun for language lovers looking for some simple yet exciting competition.