For Jasmine Parasram and her husband Rohan, engaging in puzzles and interactive games has become a meaningful part of their relationship, helping to strengthen their connection. Married for 15 years and both working from home, the couple found that their evenings often slipped by with routine activities like dinner followed by television, leading them to seek ways to spend quality time together more intentionally.
The Parasrams, primary school sweethearts, enjoy a variety of games ranging from simpler word challenges such as crosswords and Wordle to more intricate options like Five Crowns, a rummy-style card game, and Murdoku, a hybrid of a murder mystery and Sudoku. Jasmine, a 36-year-old graphic designer, noted that in an era increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, many people appear to be seeking more interactive, brain-engaging activities that promote human connection rather than solitary interaction with machines or AI.
“People are getting to a point where they are craving the human connection,” she said, emphasizing the value of playing games together, whether physically side by side or remotely across different locations. The couple often plays Mario Kart with friends who live in other states, using FaceTime to chat during the races, thus maintaining social bonds despite geographical distance.
Their experience reflects a broader trend, as The Daily Telegraph has recently relaunched its puzzle and games offerings for subscribers. The new lineup includes two online games: Wordrow, which challenges players to guess a hidden five-letter word with six attempts each day, and Jigsaw, an online version of the traditional puzzle. Other longstanding features such as the Shark Quiz, a 20-question daily test covering news, sport, culture, and general knowledge, continue to be popular. Additionally, crosswords and Sudoku remain integral parts of the puzzle experience.
Beyond digital play, Jasmine and Rohan have also cultivated friendships with their neighbours through game sessions lasting from 45 minutes to several hours. Jasmine observed that strategizing and collaborating in games foster connections that, in some ways, go beyond what shared activities like watching movies or TV can offer. These social interactions highlight how games can serve as a vehicle for both maintaining existing relationships and building new ones.
Subscribers interested in The Daily Telegraph’s refreshed puzzle experience are encouraged to update their app to access the latest features.