Microsoft first released Solitaire in 1990 with Windows 3.0, as a tool to familiarize users with the graphical interface and mouse use. The game was created by Wes Cherry, with design assistance from Susan Kare, and has become one of the most widely used software programs in Windows history.
Since its introduction, Solitaire has become incredibly popular in offices and schools, so much so that Microsoft has received complaints about lost productivity due to time spent playing it . A well-known story tells of an employee in New York City being fired after Mayor Bloomberg saw the game on his screen.
In the following years, Microsoft expanded the offering: with Windows 8 (2012), the Microsoft Solitaire Collection was launched, developed by Arkadium with designs by William Bredbeck. This version included new modes such as Spider, FreeCell, Pyramid, and TriPeaks, as well as new features such as “Daily Challenges” and Xbox Live integration.
Solitaire has maintained enduring success: in 2020, its thirtieth anniversary, Microsoft estimated 35 million monthly active players and over 100 million games played daily worldwide. In 2019, the game was inducted into the Video Game Hall of Fame at The Strong museum.
Despite its simplicity, the game continues to attract players of all ages. Its longevity is explained by the combination of a familiar and reassuring interface, accessible mechanics, and short playing times. Many still see Solitaire as a relaxing mental respite, a sort of “digital refuge” in a frenetic age.
Today, the Microsoft Solitaire Collection is available on Windows (8, 10, 11), Windows Phone, iOS, and Android. However, it has drawn criticism for its advertising: to remove it, users are encouraged to purchase a Premium subscription, which costs approximately $1.49 per month or $9.99 per year.
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