The New York Times buys the wordle puzzle phenomenon for seven figures • Eurogamer.net

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The New York Times bought the free browser-based puzzle game and cultural phenomenon Wordle for an undisclosed seven-figure sum.

Wordle was released last October by developer Josh Wardle. Initial interest was modest, but its popularity has skyrocketed in recent weeks, growing from 300,000 users in mid-January to millions of players.

Unsurprisingly, it was this massive audience that brought Wordle into the orbit of the New York Times. The publication announced its acquisition of the game for a “low seven digits” price, and said the purchase “reflects the growing importance of games, such as crossword puzzles and Spelling Bee, in the company’s quest to increase digital subscriptions to 10 million by 2025.”

Acquisitions! As far as the eye can see.

Meanwhile, Wardle confirmed the purchase in a statement on Twitter, writing that he was “incredible” because Wordle could have been watched growing up, “I would be lying if I said this wasn’t a bit overwhelming. After all, I’m just a person One, and it’s important to me is that as Wordle grows, it continues to provide a great experience for everyone.”

Despite its huge success, Wordle has remained free and ad-free since its launch, with Wardle recently telling the BBC that he intends to continue doing so. “I don’t understand why something can’t just be fun,” Wardle said at the time. “I don’t have to charge people for this, and I’d better keep it that way.”

Update on Wordle pic.twitter.com/TmHd0AIRLX

– Josh Wardle (@powerlanguish) Jan 31, 2022

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However, it is uncertain whether the future of Wordle will continue to be free after the acquisition of the New York Times. Wardle says that Wordle will “be free for all” when you move to the New York Times website, adding “and I work with them to make sure your wins and your streaks are preserved.” The New York Times, though, appears less willing to commit to Wordle’s continued status as a free game, writing explicitly that it will remain free “initially” for new and existing players.

The New York Times isn’t the only party that has tried to capitalize on Wordle’s incredible success, of course. Mobile app stores have been inundated with unscrupulous copies in recent weeks, enticing users to pay for an experience that is usually free online. More positively, a developer has donated a windfall of cash to charity after confused users began flocking to the five-year-old Wordle app, believing it to be the widely popular Wardle game.

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