Wordle

Wordle: A Word Game That Became an Internet Phenomenon

Imagine a world where every day brings a new challenge, and you have just six chances to guess the right answer. That’s what Wordle is all about.

The Birth of Wordle

Wordle, created by Josh Wardle in 2014, started as a simple prototype. It was like a puzzle game where you had to guess a five-letter word with feedback for each attempt. But it wasn’t until the addition of emoji squares that it truly took off.

From Prototype to Popularity

How did Wordle go from being a prototype to becoming one of the most popular games on the internet?

During the early days of 2021, Josh Wardle rediscovered his game and made some changes. He published it online in January 2021, and within months, it had spread like wildfire among his relatives and friends. By mid-October 2021, Wordle was on Twitter, and by then, over 300,000 people were playing daily.

The New York Times Acquires Wordle

When The New York Times Company acquired Wordle in January 2022 for an undisclosed amount in the low seven figures, it was a game-changer. But why did they buy it?

According to Alex Hardiman, chief product officer of The New York Times, the acquisition brought ‘tens of millions’ of new players to their puzzle site and app. It was clear that Wordle had become more than just a game; it was a cultural phenomenon.

The Game’s Evolution

After acquiring Wordle, The New York Times made several changes to keep the game fresh and relevant. But what were these changes?

The Times eliminated words with ‘insensitive or offensive terms’ and made sure that Wordle remained separate from news content. They also introduced a dedicated editor, Tracy Bennett, who selected theme-based words for specific days or holidays.

Wordle’s Impact on Google Searches

How did the popularity of Wordle affect search trends?

In 2022, Wordle became the top Google search term globally and by American users. The game’s influence was so significant that seven out of the top ten searched-for word definitions were related to Wordle answers.

Clones and Variants

With such a massive following, it’s no surprise that clones and variants of Wordle started appearing. But what are some of these?

Absurdle is an adversarial version of the game, while other clones retained the mechanics but changed the word list or added new features like translations and battles royale-style gameplay.

The Future of Wordle

As Wordle continues to evolve, what does the future hold for this beloved game?

The New York Times partnered with Hasbro to create a board game based on the browser video game. Additionally, variants like Quordle have been introduced, allowing players to tackle four word puzzles simultaneously.

Conclusion

Wordle’s journey from a simple prototype to an internet sensation is nothing short of remarkable. It has not only brought joy and challenge to millions but also inspired the creation of other non-word games like Worldle, Heardle, Nerdle, and Framed.