Mobile navigation

News 

The New York Times acquires Wordle

The New York Times Co has acquired hit online word game Wordle for a “low seven figure" sum.

The New York Times acquires Wordle
Josh Wardle: “I’d be lying if I said this hasn’t been overwhelming.”

The title said the game will remain free to play in the immediate future.

It added: "The Times remains focused on becoming the essential subscription for every English-speaking person seeking to understand and engage with the world. New York Times Games are a key part of that strategy. Our games already provide original, high-quality content and experiences every single day. Wordle will now play a part in that daily experience, giving millions more people around the world another reason to turn to The Times to meet their daily news and life needs."

Wordle inventor Josh Wardle said the game, which has millions of players, “has gotten bigger than I ever imagined. It has been incredible.”

In a Twitter statement he said: “It has been incredible to watch the 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.

“On the flip side, I’d be lying if I said this hasn’t been 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.

“Given this, I am incredibly pleased to announce that I’ve reached an agreement with The New York Times for them to take over running Wordle going forward.”

He added that he had “long admired the NYT’s approach to their games and the respect with which they treat their players”.

Keep up-to-date with publishing news: sign up here for InPubWeekly, our free weekly e-newsletter.