It’s easy to see the appeal ofWordle,the popular puzzle game that tasks players with figuring out a five-letter word each day. It’s a game that asks little of players other than a few minutes of their time each morning, and participating in it makes them part of the “in” crowd. WhileWordleis free, it seemed like just a matter of time until it grabbed the interest of a big company. And now, it has.
The New York Times is buyingWordle, as announced in a recent article published on the paper’s website. Though the official sum has not been revealed, the deal is reportedly worth a price “in the low seven figures,” according to The Times. For now,Wordlewill remain a free game, though it’s reportedly part of The Times' plan to grow its subscriptions to 10 million by 2025, which means it likely won’t stay free.
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Wordlewas invented by software engineer Josh Wardleand has attracted millions of players since it was released back in October. For many,Wordlehas been inescapable, as it regularly appears on Twitter feeds by those sharing their scores. It’s had a sizable impact, already standing as one of the defining trends of 2022.
In response to the acquisition, Wardle has shared a statement detailing his journey with the app. Wardle praised the impact thatWordlehas had on people, citing stories of reconnecting family members and helping with medical recoveries. He also expressed that, while he was proud of the creation, it was also a bit “overwhelming.” Wardle stated that the New York Times helped inspireWordle’sorigins, and this feels like a “natural” step to him.
The New York Times has several games that it actively maintains. The most famous is undoubtedly the crossword, though it also has Spelling Bee, a game in which players create as many words as possible with a given set of letters, Sudoku, and others. Notably, those games are sectioned off in their own Games subscription.
Ultimately, it’s not surprising to seeWordlemove hands to a larger company, and the New York Times does seem like a good fit for the word game. Of course, there will be those disappointed to hear that it’s losing its independence. The goal is, after all, to help The Times grow its subscription base, soWordle’sdays as an entirely free game are likely numbered. In the meantime, though, fans can still enjoyWordleon its usual website.
