USA Today Free Daily Crossword Puzzles Revolutionizing the Way We Think About Word Games

In a world where word games are often dominated by old white guys, USA Today's crossword puzzle editor, Erik Agard, is breaking the mold. As a young biracial person in his position, Agard is not only revolutionizing the way puzzles are edited and published but also bringing fresh perspectives to the game. According to veteran editor and constructor Patti Varol, Agard is a 'beacon of inclusivity' who is 'revolutionizing the way puzzles are edited and vetted and published.'

Agard's work has been met with resistance, as some critics have called out editors for publishing far more puzzles made by men than women. The industry has long been plagued by an 'old white guy sensibility' that has set standards for what is considered acceptable in word games. However, Agard is determined to change this.

One of the ways he is doing this is by featuring diverse constructors and puzzles. In February, USA Today ran a crossword puzzle with the clue 'Cookie that some people eat with mustard,' which sparked a frenzy on social media. The hosts of TODAY even did a segment on the clue and tried making the cookies with mustard. This kind of creativity and innovation is exactly what Agard is bringing to the table.

When asked what he was most proud of doing so far in his position, Agard cited the Oreo cookie puzzle as one of his proudest moments. The answer has appeared in major crosswords thousands of times before, but Agard's clue threw a new spin on it and sparked a fun and interesting conversation about the cookie.

Agard's work is not just limited to puzzles, though. He is also working to make word games more accessible and inclusive for people from all walks of life. By featuring diverse constructors and puzzles, he is helping to break down barriers and bring in new voices to the world of word games.

As Patti Varol put it, 'Agard is a beacon of inclusivity' who is changing the way we think about word games. With his fresh perspectives and innovative approach, Agard is revolutionizing the crossword puzzle at USA Today and paving the way for a more inclusive and exciting future in word games.

Usa today free daily crossword puzzles