Discover the history and rise of Sudoku: When did it become a globally popular puzzle game? Did you know Sudoku didn’t originate in Japan?
What is Sudoku?
Sudoku is a logic-based puzzle game with simple yet challenging gameplay. The objective is to fill the numbers 1 through 9 into a 9×9 grid so that each row, each column, and each 3×3 subgrid contains all digits from 1 to 9 without repetition.
Today, Sudoku can be found in newspapers, books, mobile apps, and online gaming websites. But have you ever wondered: When did Sudoku become popular?
The true origins of Sudoku
Many people mistakenly believe that Sudoku originated in Japan. In reality, the game has a more complex and fascinating history:
- 18th Century: Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler invented a game called Latin Squares—considered a precursor to modern Sudoku.
- 1979: A modern version of Sudoku first appeared in the U.S. in Dell Pencil Puzzles and Word Games magazine under the name Number Place.
- 1984: The game was introduced in Japan by the publisher Nikoli, which gave it the name “Sudoku,” short for the Japanese phrase “Sūji wa dokushin ni kagiru” meaning “the digits must be single.”
When did Sudoku become popular worldwide?
Sudoku truly exploded in popularity in the early 2000s:
2004: Wayne Gould, a former judge from New Zealand, developed a program to generate Sudoku puzzles automatically. He persuaded The Times (UK) to publish a Sudoku puzzle daily.
The game quickly spread across Europe, Asia, and the United States. Major newspapers, magazines, mobile games, and websites began featuring Sudoku as a staple form of entertainment.
Since then, Sudoku has consistently ranked among the most popular logic games in the world.
Why is Sudoku so addictive?
No math required: Sudoku relies on logic and focus—no complex calculations needed.
Suitable for all ages: Easy to pick up but hard to master, it’s ideal for students, adults, and seniors alike.
Fun and mentally stimulating: A great tool for enhancing memory, analytical skills, and logical thinking.
Play Sudoku online today
You can easily enjoy Sudoku online for free at SUDOKU with multiple difficulty levels ranging from easy to expert. With a user-friendly interface and compatibility across all devices, Sudoku has never been more accessible!
Sudoku rose to global prominence in 2004, thanks to its simplicity and depth of challenge. If you’re looking for a game that both relaxes and sharpens your mind, Sudoku is the perfect choice.
