Main content

Wordle - what next for the game grabbing the nation?

Wordle is free, simple and incredibly popular. But could change be on the horizon for the word game sensation?

It's the simplest game - six attempts to guess a five-letter word. Wordle first appeared as a no-frills, ad-free website at the start of November, when it had just ninety users. Now there are millions of people playing every day.

Its creator - Welsh software engineer, Josh Wardle - originally came up with it as a way of keeping him and his girlfriend entertained during the pandemic. His own surname provided the inspiration for the name of the game. He says its success is down to its simplicity. He also said he wouldn't sell the game - but that's changed. The New York Times (NYT) has bought Wordle for an undisclosed seven-figure sum.

The game now finds itself at a crossroads. NYT has said it will remain free to play for new and existing players, and no changes will be made to its gameplay. At least for now! For 5 Minutes On, the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's Gaming Reporter, Steffan Powell, explores what the future may hold for Wordle and its users.

Image Credit: Reuters – Elvis

Release date:

Available now

5 minutes