Heidi Erwin

Heidi Erwin is a senior game designer at The New York Times, known for her contributions to digital puzzles and interactive entertainment. Since joining The New York Times, Erwin has led the design and development of several games, including "Connections," "Strands," and "Pips," which have attracted millions of daily players and received recognition for their creativity and engagement. Her work includes writing riddles for the NYT Gameplay newsletter and collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams to launch new puzzle prototypes to a global audience.

Erwin's expertise has been recognized with honors such as inclusion in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the Games category. She is also a recipient of a Webby Award for "Connections" and the Mark Baumer Literary Arts Prize, reflecting her ability to blend technical skill with artistic vision. Erwin has appeared at events such as the Aspen Ideas Festival and is known for her comic art and TikTok content, which explore themes of creativity, resilience, and hope.

A graduate of Brown University, where she led the Brown-RISD Game Developers student organization, Erwin has demonstrated a commitment to accessible, educational, and thought-provoking game design. She has spoken about the challenges faced by women in technology and games, using her platform to advocate for greater recognition and inclusivity in the field. Through her achievements and public engagement, Erwin is recognized as a speaker and thought leader in interactive media and game design.