The New York Times has purchased the popular word game Wordle for an undisclosed seven-figure sum.
The free and simple game was created by software engineer Josh Wardle. It was released last October and now boasts millions of players.
Mr Wardle said the game’s success had been “a little overwhelming”, and that he was “incredibly pleased” to announce the deal with the New York Times.
The newspaper publisher said the game would initially remain free to play.
The game challenges players to find a five-letter word in six guesses.
A new puzzle is published every day and players can post how quickly they solved the colourful grid on social media – but in a way that does not spoil the answer for those still playing – which is why, Mr Wardle said, it managed to capture the imagination of so many users.
Mr Wardle announced the deal in a statement posted on Twitter, saying he had “long admired the NYT’s approach to their games and the respect with which they treat their players”.
An update on Wordle pic.twitter.com/TmHd0AIRLX
— Josh Wardle (@powerlanguish) January 31, 2022
The New York Times said it bought the hit word game from its creator for a price “in the low seven figures”.
“Our games already provide original, high-quality content and experiences every single day. Wordle will now play a part in that daily experience, giving millions more people around the world another reason to turn to The Times to meet their daily news and life needs,” it added.