Millions play the word game every day.
Wordle will “initially remain free” for all players after the site was purchased by the New York Times.
The news of the acquisition was announced by the newspaper on Monday (31 January).
The hit game Wordle has been purchased by the New York Times Company for a price "in the low seven figures," the company said. https://t.co/XZhY6kW3mv
— The New York Times (@nytimes) January 31, 2022
The New York Times reportedly paid “in the low seven figures” for the rights to host the game on their website, where it will form part of the New York Times Games offering, which also includes Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, Tiles and Vertex.
For the uninitiated, Wordle is a simple game of guess the five letter word.
Letters are knocked out, Hangman style, until a winning combination can be put together within six guesses.
The app exploded in popularity over the past number of weeks thanks in part to the ease of which you can share your scores with others.
The creator of the game, Josh Wardle, shared his excitement over the acquisition in a statement on Twitter on Monday.
An update on Wordle pic.twitter.com/TmHd0AIRLX
— Josh Wardle (@powerlanguish) January 31, 2022
“It has been incredible to watch a game bring so much joy to so many, and I feel so grateful for the personal stories some of you have shared with me – from Wordle uniting distant family members, to provoking friendly rivalries, to supporting medical recoveries,” Wardle said.
“On the flip side, I’d be lying if I said this hasn’t been a bit overwhelming.
“After all, I am just one person, and it is important to me that, as Wordle grows, it continues to provide a great experience to everyone.”
Wardle added that games in the New York Times were a major influence for Wordle as it first developed.
“When the game moves to the NYT site, it will be free to play for everyone, and I am working with them to make sure your wins and streaks will be preserved,” Wardle added.
While Wardle has said the game will remain free, the New York Times’ statement on the acquisition says that the game will “initially remain free” for players, meaning that a paywall of some description could be on the cards in the future.
One New York Times crossword can be played for free each day, with an unlimited number of crosswords locked behind a paid subscription service.
