By Sagar V. Mankar 
Google’s Year in Search 2024 has revealed that The New York Times‘ word-puzzle game “Connections” claimed the throne as the most-searched game of the year. This fascinating development shows how a seemingly simple browser-based game managed to outshine major video game releases in terms of search popularity.
Connections, which challenges players to group related words into meaningful categories, has built upon its successful beta launch in June 2023 to become a daily ritual for millions. The game’s premise is straightforward yet addictive: players must organize 16 words into four distinct groups based on hidden connections between them. What makes it particularly compelling is that a new puzzle appears each day, giving players a fresh reason to return and search for the game.
The power of daily engagement clearly played a crucial role in Connections’ dominance of search trends. Unlike traditional video games that might generate intense but short-lived search interest, Connections benefits from consistent daily searches as players look for new puzzles and solutions. This pattern mirrors the success of its predecessor Wordle, which took the internet by storm in 2021.
Here are the Top 10 Most-Searched Game Of 2024 on Google:
10. PokéRogue
It is a browser-based roguelike game inspired by the Pokémon series. Developed by fans, it allows players to build unique monster teams and tackle challenges without needing emulators. Despite its similarity to Pokémon, Nintendo has not yet taken significant legal action against it.
9. Brawl Stars
The mobile multiplayer battle arena game from Supercell continued to maintain strong search interest throughout 2024 despite launching in 2018. With its quick 3v3 and battle royale modes, it kept mobile gamers entertained throughout 2024.
8. Strands
Another hit from The New York Times, Strands is a word puzzle game where players find hidden words within a grid. Its simplicity and addictive nature contributed to its widespread popularity, and like Connections, it saw a surge in Google searches for daily solutions.
7. Black Myth: Wukong
This highly anticipated action RPG based on Chinese mythology generated significant buzz during its release window. Developed by Game Science, it became a global phenomenon thanks to its impressive visuals and great reviews. Despite Xbox delays and speculation about exclusivity deals, the game sold over 10 million copies across PC and PlayStation.
6. Wuthering Waves
The sixth entry, Wuthering Waves, is a gacha RPG developed by Kuro Games. Known for its stunning visuals and fast-paced combat, it gained a huge following, especially among mobile gamers. Its resemblance to Genshin Impact, paired with innovative mechanics like parrying and grappling hooks, kept players hooked.
5. Helldivers 2
Sony’s Helldivers 2 took the fifth spot, breaking records as the first PlayStation title to launch simultaneously on PC. With its intense cooperative gameplay and large-scale battles, it became an instant favorite among action game enthusiasts.
4. Sprunki
Sprunki is a creative point-and-click music-making game. Players drag and drop items to create musical tracks, but there’s also a mysterious lore and even a hidden horror mode. The game’s unique charm and interactive design made it a favorite among both casual players and streamers.
3. Infinite Craft
It is an addictive word-combination browser-based game created by neal.fun. Players start with basic elements like Water, Fire, Earth, and Wind, combining them to create endless new words and objects. Its infinite possibilities and entertaining gameplay made it a viral hit, especially on streaming platforms.
2. Palworld
Often described as “Pokémon with guns,” Palworld is a survival crafting game developed by Pocketpair. Launched in early 2024, it quickly became the biggest third-party release on Xbox Game Pass. With its mix of creature collecting and open-world survival mechanics, Palworld drew millions of players.
Search trends also spiked due to ongoing controversies, including Nintendo’s legal action against Pocketpair over alleged copyright infringements.
1. Connections
The daily word-grouping puzzle game topped the charts by combining accessibility with the addictive nature of daily challenges. It also ranked number three on the list for 2023 after its beta release in June.
Source: Based on Google Trends data for 2024