Puzzle Picks of the Week: Lextimate

This week, we’re shining a light on Lextimate – a fast-paced, word-guessing puzzle designed for the digital age. We spoke with Peter Stirling, Head of Puzzles at PA Media, to learn what sets Lextimate apart from other word games, why it’s built for broad appeal, and how early feedback suggests it’s set to become a firm favourite among puzzle fans.

Could you tell us more about Lextimate?

It’s a word-guessing game where you try to identify the target word in as few attempts as possible. After each guess, you get clues about how close you were. We’re really excited about launching it.

So, what sets it apart from other word games?

It’s immediate and easy to grasp – a familiar concept for puzzle players. But we’ve added several twists that will make it unique to use, more interesting, and more addictive.

You mentioned “addictive” – what do you think makes word games so compelling?

If pitched correctly, they appeal to all sorts of people. They test vocabulary, which many find engaging and comfortable. People like returning to improve their performance. That’s what makes them so compelling.

Who would this game appeal to more?

I think it’s a game that appeals to hardcore puzzle and word game fans, but also to casual players because it’s so immediate and easy to understand.

Is the format of the game better suited to print or digital?

Definitely digital. It reveals clues as you play, which wouldn’t work in print. It’s perfectly designed for digital platforms.

Can there be a bespoke element to it?

Absolutely. We could create themed versions around specific subjects – entertainment, TV, sport, and more. That’s an angle we could pursue.

What’s the general reception been like so far?

It hasn’t launched live yet, so we don’t have real user feedback. But in early focus group testing, the reaction has been very positive – people really enjoyed it.

To enquire about PA Media’s suite of digital puzzles, get in touch here.