Sudoku: from non-profit to commercial.

A true phenomenon, Sudoku was present at the International Game Festival in Cannes. Famous today, this pastime has actually existed for several centuries. Traces of it have been found in Japan, 4,000 years ago. But with no impact! It was not until 1997 that Wayne Gould, a retired judge, discovered this game in a bookstore in Hong Kong. Intrigued and interested, this man then decided to develop software to create Sudoku grids. In October 2004, the Times published this entertainment. Everything then moved very quickly! All of Europe discovered it in the summer of 2005. A discovery that became the subject of real expansion. A Swiss program, TSR2, is moreover dedicated to this game. Since then, Sudoku has continued to appeal. To better understand this wave, Nice Première interviewed two key players.

Questions for Gilles Goethals, a bridge professor by profession and founder of the French Sudoku Federation.

– What French word would you give as a translation of Sudoku?

Sudoku is translated as “unique number.”
A single unique number properly placed contributes to successfully solving the grid.

– When was the French federation created?

Our Federation was created on December 7, 2005. Originally, I saw this game in a newspaper. I really liked it, so I decided to found this association.

– How many members does the French Sudoku federation have?

There are approximately 100 members.

– How much time does your role as president take you per day?

It takes me a lot of time, approximately 16 hours a day. In fact, I dedicate myself to it full-time.

– What does it consist of?

I organize tournaments with teams of three players. I answer all the emails I receive and I also referee the tournaments.

– What can you tell us about the first tournament?

The first tournament took place in Nice in November 2005, which allowed 33 players to get to know each other. It was this phenomenon that gave me the desire to continue organizing meetings.

– When will the next meetings take place?

The next one will take place on Saturday, February 25 at 2:30 PM in Montpellier. But also on Friday, March 10 starting at 2:00 PM during the Nice Fair, Saturday, March 11 at 2:30 PM at the FNAC in Monaco, Wednesday, March 22 at the FNAC in Nice and from May 22-31 in Jan at the Convention Center at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Registration is mandatory.

– What do you expect from this festival?

I expect many contacts. This festival allows us to offer introductory courses and thus develop the game.

– Do you play it yourself?

I used to. Now, I don’t really have the time anymore.

– What does this game represent for you?

I saw Sudoku as a solitary game. Ultimately, playing as a team allows people to create a bond.

– In the same way that chess is recognized as a sporting discipline, do you think Sudoku could be one day?

Why not! It depends on the growth in the number of licensed players, and in my opinion it will be soon.

– What do you think of this International Game Festival?

It’s a very complete festival, important for everyone because it opens up the discovery of new games.

– If Sudoku is still current, do you think you will be present at this festival next year?

Yes, I hope to be present next year.

Questions for Xavier DE BURE, General Director of Keesing France editions (mind sport)

– When did you publish the first grids?

The first grid was published in England in the Times in October 2004. The Netherlands and Belgium followed at the same time as France with Le Figaro; we published the first game in October 2005 in the “mind sport” category in the same way as crosswords because we had long reflection on the name.

– Mind sport is your category. Your “quality” label is beginning to appear on your publications. You harmonize the graphics and put little emphasis on Keesing. Why?

Because my name and that of the company matter little. What we want above all is to formalize a visual representing the quality of the content.

– To what do you attribute Sudoku’s appeal?

There are many reasons. This game, of Japanese origin, does not require language or general knowledge. It is a game of logical deduction that only requires reading numbers.

This game also conforms to today’s society. A society very close to computer language that operates according to numerical codes.
Then, the duration of play can be adapted depending on the free time available.
Important element: From 5 to 175 years old, one can play alone or with others. It is a new vector for inter-generational meetings.
Sudoku is also seen as a personal challenge because in case of error, players cannot remain stuck on a failure.

– Are there variations?

Yes. That’s why we created a magazine called “Varia.” It offers 3D grids and others that incorporate letters or colors.

– Are there different levels?

Yes, there are currently 5 levels of difficulty. Amateur Sudoku players quickly become advanced and evolve. As an interesting fact, a friend is creating his own software because everything is too easy for him.

– You mention software, do you have an Internet version of the game?

Yes, on the Keesing website you can currently play for free. However, this site is set to become paid. We are working on adapting it for mobile phones and mini consoles.

– In your opinion, will Sudoku’s success last long?

Once the fashion phenomenon passes and its associated peak, there will be stabilization. However, we observe that over the past 10 years the statistics have been in constant progression.

– What are you doing to promote Sudoku?

Besides the quality label and upcoming adaptations, we created a partnership with the IPAG business school. It organizes the first Sudoku Master. Ten players selected by region will participate in the final in Paris on May 20.

Barbara D