New York Times buys puzzle game phenomenon Wordle for seven-figure sum Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. New York Times buys puzzle game phenomenon Wordle for seven-figure sum Will "initially" remain free. News by Matt Wales Reporter Updated on 1 Feb 2022 63 comments Free browser-based puzzler and cultural phenomenon Wordle has been purchased by the New York Times for an undisclosed seven-figure sum. Wordle - which challenges players to puzzle out a daily five-letter word within six guesses using colour-coded clues - 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 around the middle of January to millions of players. Unsurprisingly, its that massive audience that has brought Wordle into the New York Times' orbit. Announcing its acquisition of the game for a price "in the low seven figures", the publication said the purchase "reflects the growing importance of games, like crosswords and Spelling Bee, in the company's quest to increase digital subscriptions to 10 million by 2025." Watch on YouTube If not exclusivity, what does Sony get from buying Bungie? It's the Eurogamer Newscast! Wardle, meanwhile, confirmed the purchase in a statement on Twitter, writing that as "incredible" as it'd had been to watch Wordle grow, "I'd be lying if I said this hasn't been a little 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". Despite its massive success, Wordle has remained both free and ad-free since launch, with Wardle recently telling the BBC he intended that to continue being the case. "I don't understand why something can't just be fun," Wardle said at the time. "I don't have to charge people money for this and ideally would like to keep it that way." An update on Wordle pic.twitter.com/TmHd0AIRLX- Josh Wardle (@powerlanguish) January 31, 2022 To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings It is, however, less certain if Wordle's future will continue to be a free one following the New York Times' buyout. Wardle says Wordle "will be free to play for everyone" when it moves over to the New York Times website, adding "and I am working with them to make sure your wins and streaks will be preserved". The New York Times, though, appears slightly less willing to commit to Wordle's ongoing status as a free game, tellingly writing that it will "initially" remain free to new and existing players. The New York Times isn't the only party that's tried to capitalise on Wordle's staggering success, of course. Mobile app stores have been inundated with unscrupulous clones in recent weeks, luring users into paying for an experience that is usually free online. More positively, one developer donated a sudden monetary windfall to charity after confused users began flocking to his five-year-old Wordle app, mistaking it for Wardle's massively popular game. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 7 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store