For the first time since the Rubik’s cube, the world has been brought together by a puzzle phenomenon: Sudoku is now the fastest growing puzzle in the world.

Have evil exotic forces created Sudoku’s power and popularity, or is the game merely a universally addictive distraction? I believe both must be true in order to explain the strength of Sudoku.

The game originally was designed in New York in 1979. It traveled to Japan where it slowly gained popularity. In 2005, Sudoku exploded in worldwide pop culture. China, New Zealand, Britain, Australia and the U.S. all were captivated by the game.

How is it possible for a game to leave American soil completely unknown, only to return 26 years later, ruling the world? For an unknown reason, whenever an object crosses international borders, it is granted mystical powers making it irresistible to the masses.

Sudoku, like the Rubik’s cube, also was given the power of hypnosis. Your eyes, circling the regions, trying to solve the puzzle, allows you to become hypnotized by the swirling numbers. This entices you to buy books of games; even though they are available free online and to buy strategy guides; though we all know how to count to nine.

The mix of these powers created the addictive phenomenon where, one day no one could pronounce Sudoku, and the next, everyone is dedicating their time and money to the game.

“I really like doing it because it’s a good way to see how smart I am, but I’m always disappointed at the end because I can never do it and it’s like I’m not so smart after all,” said Jessica Hajek, a graduate music student.