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Draft:WordGlyph

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  • Comment: There are insufficient reliable sources with significant coverage to pass WP:GNG. ᴢxᴄᴠʙɴᴍ () 12:29, 2 November 2025 (UTC)


WordGlyph
DeveloperKevin Glikmann
PublisherSelf-published
PlatformsWeb browser, Mobile browser
Release2024
GenreWord puzzle
ModeSingle-player

WordGlyph is a browser-based word puzzle game created by American developer and actor Kevin Glikmann. Released in 2024, the game challenges players to deduce a hidden six-letter word by selecting minimal letter segments, or "sticks," to construct each letter. Combining elements of logic, spatial reasoning, and vocabulary, WordGlyph offers a unique twist on traditional word games. In 2025, it was nominated for a Webby Award in the AI Immersive & Games category[1][2] and received a Silver award at the 2025 W3Awards in the General Websites-Games & Gaming-Related category.[3]

Gameplay

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In WordGlyph, each puzzle presents a six-letter word that players must uncover by strategically selecting letter segments. These segments, referred to as "sticks," are used to build letters within a minimalist grid. The objective is to identify the target word using the fewest possible sticks.

Key gameplay features include:

  • Stick Mechanics: Players select sticks to form letters. Correctly placed sticks turn green, while incorrect ones disappear. Completing a letter turns its sticks black, indicating it has been found.
  • Unused Stick Bonus: This feature allows players to make a certain number of incorrect stick selections without penalty. However, an incorrect word guess nullifies this bonus.
  • Scoring System: Scores are based on the number of sticks used, with efficiency rewarded. Leaderboards display player rankings for each puzzle.
  • Daily Challenges: New puzzles are introduced daily, supplemented by an archive of previous challenges.

The game is accessible on both desktop and mobile platforms and does not require account creation or contain advertisements.

Development

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Kevin Glikmann, known for his voice acting roles in projects like Red Dead Redemption and Changeling, developed WordGlyph to merge linguistic puzzles with logical deduction. He aimed to create a game that emphasizes pattern recognition and spatial reasoning over vocabulary knowledge. Glikmann described the game's design as reducing letters to identical straight sticks, challenging players beyond traditional word games.[1]

The game's word list comprises six-letter English words, including some technical terms, but excludes plurals. List editors include individuals identified by the initials KG, LB, and JN. The official site for the game is wordGlyph.xyz.

In a May 2025 podcast interview on Hey.gg, Glikmann discussed his creative journey from childhood invention to game development, describing his use of AI to accelerate the coding process while maintaining creative control. He also addressed the challenges of onboarding players to a genre-breaking game and shared his marketing strategies, including the creation of ASMR game videos.[4]

Reception

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WordGlyph received positive feedback for its innovative approach to word puzzles. Its nomination for a 2025 Webby Award in the AI Immersive & Games category[1][2] and Silver award at the 2025 W3Awards highlighted its recognition within the digital gaming community.

Players have praised the game's minimalist design and the strategic depth introduced by the stick-based mechanics. The daily challenges and absence of ads or in-app purchases have also been well-received.

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Stick-Based Word Game Earns Webby Nod". GamesPress. April 16, 2025. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  2. ^ a b "2025 Webby Awards – Puzzle, Trivia, Card & Word Games Nominees". Webby Awards. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  3. ^ "WordGlyph - W3Awards Winner". W3 Awards. 2025. Retrieved November 1, 2025.
  4. ^ "From Red Dead to WordGlyph: The Actor Who Built a Word Game With Toothpicks and Code". Hey.gg Podcast. May 27, 2025. Retrieved November 1, 2025.
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Category:2024 video games Category:Word games Category:Browser games Category:Puzzle video games