Wordle is a classy and technologically advanced word game accessible to millions. The basic concept of the game is to guess a daily word. In order to do this, you get six guesses. While guessing, the game tells you if the letters that make up your guesses are in the daily word or not. Since its release, Wordle has become a daily ritual for many, quickly gaining a cult following.
Originally conceived as a word game for his partner, creator Josh Wardle eventually shared the game’s prototype with those close to him — who enthusiastically enjoyed it. Seeing their positive reaction, Wardle opened Wordle to the public. By the end of January, the New York Times purchased Wordle’s game for around $1 million — and that’s when many fans felt the game changed. Or at least that’s what most people were saying.
My experience with Wordle began with continual 7:00 a.m. texts from friends sharing tiny images of black, yellow, and green squares indicating their Wordle scores. After days of this onslaught, I finally caved and started playing. Like me, many Wordle players started playing the game after it was acquired by the New York Times. According to many original players, the Wordle before the New York Times “take-over” was more goofy and unique.
Regardless of these alleged changes, Wordle is a difficult, yet very rewarding game. One that sometimes makes you want to pull your hair out and throw your phone across the room, especially when you get to your last guess with only a few letters figured out. It’s also a game for every generation. Just recently, I received a text from my 79-year-old grandmother exclaiming her success at finding her word after four guesses. A part of me was jealous— I’m more of a “wait until the very last guess” type of player myself.
If you are frustrated by the New York Times version of Wordle, don’t worry. Wordle is the inspiration behind a whole new genre of knock-off games including Lewdle, Taylordle, Mathle, and many, many more. In conclusion, despite alleged changes in style and goofiness, the love and appreciation we have for this addictive game will probably never waver. And as long as phones are around, we’ll be sure to keep playing. So now the question is: have you done the Wordle today?
Mathilde Hardy is from Edina, Minn.
Her major is undecided.
