New York Times Acquires Ultra-Popular Game Wordle For $1 Million, iOS Version Could Launch Soon

Last Updated on February 1, 2022 by Anu Joy

Wordle has become quite a viral hit lately, as it has taken the internet by storm. The New York Times appears to have capitalised on its popularity by acquiring the viral game. The publisher announced the acquisition deal recently, confirming that Wordle will become an official part of its portfolio. Thankfully, it will remain completely free to play, at least initially.

Wordle Acquired By The New York Times

The publisher has paid “an undisclosed price in the low seven figures” to acquire Wordle. Will Shortz, editor of The New York Times Crossword, said:

What’s nice about Wordle is how simple, pleasant and attractive the computer interface is. Limiting players to six guesses per day and rationing out one puzzle per day adds excitement to the solving process, he said. “It’s a great puzzle, and it doesn’t take long to play, which make it perfect for our age when people have short attention spans.

Wordle, an internet viral free to play word-based game, was first developed by Josh Wardle. Commenting on the acquisition, Wardle said:

I’ve long admired The Times’s approach to the quality of their games and the respect with which they treat their players,” Mr. Wardle said. “Their values are aligned with mine on these matters and I’m thrilled that they will be stewards of the game moving forward.

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Through the acquisition, Wordle will continue to be free for players, existing and new. The publisher also assures that no changes will be made to its gameplay. The current wins and streaks will also be preserved even after the acquisition.

Furthermore, iPhone users may have reason to cheer, as Wordle will most likely make its way to the existing New York Times Crossword app, which is available as a native iOS app. So, even if the Wordle app for iOS is nowhere near confirmed as of now, we can expect the NYT Crossword app to provide a more native World experience.