The New York Times Buys Wordle ⇥ twitter.com
Josh Wardle, in a tweeted screenshot:
It has been incredible to watch a 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 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.
As The Times looks to entertain more solvers with puzzles every day — especially during these anxious times — we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve acquired Wordle, the stimulating and wildly popular daily word game that has become a cultural phenomenon. Wordle, which gives players six tries to guess a five-letter mystery word, will join New York Times Games’s portfolio of original, engaging puzzle games that delight and challenge solvers every day.
Congratulations are owed to Wardle for building a delightful game that respects its players, and being able to sell it when it felt right. The games section of the Times app is a natural home for Wordle. I just hope the company knows how to maintain it without destroying the simple joy that makes it great.
Hot take I wish NYT would be as generous to its employees on raises as it’s been in offering various companies $$$$$ to acquire em.
The Times dragged its feet on a deal with Wirecutter employees, and is apparently playing dirty to dissuade technology workers from unionizing.