New York Times Reportedly Purchases Hit Word Puzzle Game Wordle

By M. Kang

Posted on February 3, 2022

[adrotate group = “15”]

The New York Times has reportedly purchased the widely popular word puzzle game Wordle!

As announced on Monday, the publication has acquired the game for somewhere in the “low seven figures.” Wordle will fit nicely with the New York Times thanks to its fairly accessible gameplay and the New York Times’ collection of puzzle games including their popular crossword puzzles. To note, Wordle will be initially free for all players and, according to VGC, no changes to gameplay will be made as it moves to the publication.

An update on Wordle pic.twitter.com/TmHd0AIRLX
— Josh Wardle (@powerlanguish) January 31, 2022

Developer Josh Wardle released a statement on his Twitter account stating that while the game’s popularity has been incredible to watch, it has also been overwhelming. As he states, “it is important to me that, as Wordle grows, it continues to provide a great experience to everyone.” The New York Times, Wardle says, was a natural fit due to their respect for games on their platform and the alignment of values. As Wordle moves to that platform, “they will be stewards of the game moving forward… and [he is] working with them to make sure your wins and streaks will be preserved.”

As the New York Times states, they see the acquisition as part of “the company’s quest to increase digital subscriptions to 10 million by 2025.”

It is currently unclear when the game will be moving officially over to the publication.