Microsoft Solitaire reaches 100 million active players

Microsoft Solitaire was initially introduced with Windows 3.0, 26 years ago, in May 1990, as part of Microsoft’s strategy to introduce computing to regular people, through fun learning activities, like games and puzzles. 26 years later, the most addictive time-suck on Windows PCs is still holding its own with 100 million unique players, and 55 million games being played every day.

Microsoft’s statement that Solitaire is “one of the most played games of all times on any Windows OS” is hard to argue with, as Solitaire is also one of the most replicated games on mobile platforms, like iOS and android, which is not indicative of the success of Solitaire “per se”, but rather an indication that the working principle of Solitaire is undeniably addictive and fun, because it stimulates creativity and challenge in a way that most other games can’t.

There is no storyline, no characters, and no final boss to kill. Solitaire is a game that is as progressive and dull, as it is impossible to put down once started.

Over the years there have been attempts to introduce new features and variations to the game, such as Klondike, Spider, Freecell, Pyramid, and Tripeaks. These are basically spinoffs from the base game, with slightly different rules. In Klondike Solitaire, the player is dealt with only one new card per round to add to the existing deck. Spider Solitaire, on the other hand, allows to deal one full row of cards to the deck with every turn.

Freecell is different from both Klondike and Spider Solitaire, as it deals the full deck for the player, and offers no extra cards. Pyramid and Tripeaks are two off-the-wall spinoff that veer off from the traditional Solitaire structure, by offering a more “tridimensional” experience to gamers on Windows 8 and especially Windows 10 devices like the Surface Pro and Surface Book, which offers a more realistic experience.

Last year, Microsoft has celebrated Solitaire’s 25th anniversary, by releasing Solitaire Collection, a Freemium, ad-supported offering where Windows 8 and Windows 10 users can play all five variations of Solitaire for free, with the option to pay a monthly subscription for an ad-free experience and more in-game credits.

A new version of Microsoft Solitaire Collection, called “Events” will be released soon, with a more community based approach, more consistent with the social aspects of Xbox. Along the same lines, Microsoft has also announced a port of Solitaire for iOS devices like the Apple iPad, as well as Android phones and tablets.

Ready to shop?

PortableOne has the best deals on Microsoft Surface Book laptops, and more powerful devices for work and downtime.