Tetris Primetime.

Tetris Primetime gives the classic some game show fun on mobile

N3twork’s Tetris mobile app adds a big new mode: Tetris Primetime, a nightly game show-style multiplayer feature where players can earn real money.

Primetime’s setup will be familiar to anyone who has played HQ Trivia. It even also has a host, actor Millen Baird, who talks you through the experience. You play Tetris while competing with players online. If you can last long enough, you have a chance to earn real money. And just like with HQ Trivia, there is no entry fee. A new tournament starts every day at 7:30 p.m., and each night has a total prize pool of $5,000.

I tried out a demo version of Tetris Primetime. While I couldn’t win any actual money (tears), I had a fun time trying my best to stay alive as long as possible. It’s similar to the Tetris 99 game on Switch, which is a battle royale version of Tetris. Oh, and if you like that, N3twork’s Tetris also has a pure battle royale mode.

Primetime felt like a fun and frantic experience, and the added incentive of potentially winning cash is a nice bonus.

N3twork launched its Tetris app earlier this year. Tetris is one of the most popular puzzle games ever (especially if you ever owned a Game Boy). Although the game is over 25 years old, studios are finding new ways to make the classic block-dropping experience exciting. Old games like Tetris can evoke a lot of nostalgia, and studios can turn that love into cash if they’re creative enough.

Mike Minotti

Mike Minotti has been with GamesBeat since 2012, starting as an intern. Based near Youngstown, Ohio, he now manages GamesBeat's editorial team. He's also a prolific podcaster, appearing on multiple shows covering the gaming industry.