Ok Go Relaunches "Say the Same Thing" Word Game

Ok Go guitarist Andy Ross has relaunched "Say the Same Thing," a word association game that digitizes an improv exercise where two or more participants say a word simultaneously and then attempt to find a common word that represents the sum of their initial words. This process continues until all participants arrive at the same word. The app, now available on both iOS and Android platforms, represents a revival of a game that first emerged in 2013. Ross initially developed a version of the app in 2013, which achieved over one million downloads within its first week. Despite its initial success, the app's momentum waned as Ross and the band Ok Go shifted their focus to other projects. However, a dedicated fanbase remained, with Ross reporting that he still receives messages from users inquiring about its return, including a notable couple who met through the app and subsequently married. The recent surge in popularity of word games, exemplified by The New York Times' "Wordle," prompted Ross to reconsider reviving "Say the Same Thing." He observed that the widespread appeal of these New York Times-style word games served as a reminder of their own well-liked game and the potential for its reintroduction. The genesis of the original "Say the Same Thing" app can be traced back to Ok Go's touring schedule. Ross described it as a game played on the tour bus to pass the time during extensive periods spent with bandmates. During the early 2010s, Ok Go was not experiencing the same level of commercial success as they are currently. To supplement his income, Ross leveraged his computer science background to operate a side venture, an app technology startup named Space Inch. The relaunch of "Say the Same Thing" capitalizes on the current trend of accessible, social word games, offering a unique twist on collaborative word association that fosters connection and shared understanding among players. The game's mechanics encourage players to think along similar lines, creating a sense of synchronicity and shared mental space. Its availability on mobile devices makes it easily accessible for casual play and social interaction, mirroring the daily habit that "Wordle" has cultivated for many.