Wordle was created in 2021 by Josh Wardle, a software engineer, as a fun word game to play with his partner during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, it was a private project for the two of them to enjoy, drawing on their mutual love of word games. Wardle designed it to be simple and accessible, with one puzzle released each day. He gradually shared it with friends, and it gained popularity within his social circles.
In October 2021, Wardle released Wordle publicly. Its appeal quickly spread as players began sharing their results on social media, thanks to its unique shareable format that displayed colored boxes to represent guesses without revealing the answer. By early 2022, Wordle had gone viral, with millions of people playing daily, captivated by its simple yet engaging format and the thrill of a single daily challenge.
The New York Times acquired Wordle in January 2022 for an undisclosed amount in the “low seven figures.” The game was integrated into The New York Times’ online offerings, joining its suite of puzzles while remaining free for players. Today, Wordle continues to be a daily ritual for fans worldwide, thanks to its blend of challenge, community, and simplicity.