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What Happened to Words With Friends?
From a 2009 iPhone app to one of the most beloved word games ever made - here is the complete story of Words With Friends.
Updated December 2024
Words With Friends has connected millions of players since 2009
The Short Answer
Words With Friends is alive and well! The game has never shut down. After being acquired by Zynga in 2010, then Take-Two Interactive in 2022, the game continues to thrive with millions of daily players. Words With Friends 2 launched in 2017 with new features, but the classic gameplay remains unchanged.
✓ Still available on iOS, Android, and Facebook
✓ Regular updates and new features
✓ Millions of active players worldwide
Complete Timeline: 2009 to Today
2009
Words With Friends Launches
Newtoy, Inc. releases Words With Friends for iPhone. The game quickly becomes a viral hit, introducing millions to mobile word gaming.
2010
Zynga Acquires Newtoy
Gaming giant Zynga purchases Newtoy for $53.3 million, bringing Words With Friends under their umbrella alongside FarmVille and other popular titles.
2012
Android & Facebook Launch
The game expands to Android devices and Facebook, dramatically increasing its player base to over 20 million active users.
2013
Words With Friends Free
A free version launches with ads, making the game accessible to even more players. Premium features remain available through in-app purchases.
2017
Words With Friends 2 Released
Zynga launches Words With Friends 2 with new features: solo challenges, lightning rounds, word radar, and improved graphics.
2020
Pandemic Surge
COVID-19 lockdowns drive a massive resurgence in popularity. The game sees a 40% increase in new players seeking social connection.
2022
Take-Two Acquires Zynga
Take-Two Interactive acquires Zynga for $12.7 billion, making Words With Friends part of the Grand Theft Auto publisher's portfolio.
2024
Still Going Strong
Words With Friends continues with regular updates, seasonal events, and remains one of the top word games with millions of daily players.
What Changed in Words With Friends 2?
When Zynga released Words With Friends 2 in 2017, many players wondered what was different. Here is a breakdown of the changes and what stayed the same:
Words With Friends 2 vs Original
- •New solo challenge mode for single-player fun
- •Lightning Round for fast-paced matches
- •Word Radar hints to help find words
- •Improved graphics and animations
- •Weekly challenges and rewards
- •Team events and leaderboards
What Stayed the Same
- •Classic 15x15 game board
- •Same letter tile values
- •Ability to play with friends
- •Cross-platform play (iOS, Android, Facebook)
- •Chat feature during games
- •The core word-building gameplay
Why People Think It Shut Down
Several factors have led to confusion about the game's status:
1. Transition to WWF 2
When Words With Friends 2 launched, some players thought the original was being discontinued. Both games actually continue to be supported.
2. App Update Issues
Occasionally, major updates cause temporary issues or change the game's appearance significantly, making players think something is wrong.
3. Account Sync Problems
Some players lose access to old games due to account or sync issues, leading them to believe the game has changed or shut down.
4. Ownership Changes
The 2022 Take-Two acquisition of Zynga led to speculation about the future of Zynga games, but development has continued normally.
Words With Friends by the Numbers
2009
Year Launched
15+
Years Running
200M+
Total Downloads
4M+
Daily Players
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Words With Friends still available?
Yes! Words With Friends is still very active in 2024. Both the original Words With Friends and Words With Friends 2 are available on iOS, Android, and Facebook. Millions of people play daily.
What is the difference between WWF and WWF 2?
Words With Friends 2 includes new features like solo challenges, lightning rounds, Word Radar hints, and improved graphics. The core gameplay remains the same, and you can still play against friends just like the original.
Did Words With Friends shut down?
No, Words With Friends never shut down. The game has been continuously updated and maintained since 2009. It remains one of the most popular word games on mobile devices.
Who owns Words With Friends now?
Words With Friends is owned by Zynga, which was acquired by Take-Two Interactive in 2022 for $12.7 billion. The game continues to be developed and updated by Zynga.
Can I still play the original Words With Friends?
Yes, the original Words With Friends is still available, though Zynga encourages players to try Words With Friends 2 for the latest features. Both versions work and receive updates.
Why did my Words With Friends game change?
Zynga regularly updates Words With Friends with new features, events, and improvements. If your game looks different, you likely received an automatic update. Check the app store for the latest version.
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