Hit puzzle game Wordle has been acquired by the New York Times

The New York Times Company has acquired the smash-hit online puzzle game Wordle.

Created by Josh Wardle, a software engineer in Brooklyn, Wordle challenges players to identify a five-letter mystery word each day.

The free game has enjoyed a meteoric rise since its October 2021 release. Played by just 90 people on November 1, the figure had risen to 300,000 two months later, and it now has millions of daily players.

The New York Times said on Monday that it had acquired Wordle for an undisclosed price “in the low-seven figures”.

It added: “At the time it moves to The New York Times, Wordle will be free to play for new and existing players, and no changes will be made to its gameplay.”

As well as remaining free to play, at least initially, Wardle said work was being done to ensure players’ wins and streaks are preserved.

“It’s 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,” he said.

“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.”

Wardle added: “I’ve long admired the NYT’s approach to their games and the respect with which they treat their players. Their values are aligned with mine on these matters and I’m thrilled that they will be stewards of the game going forward.”