Wordle was created by New York-based software engineer Josh Wardle during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and it was released to the public in October 2021. The game quickly gained popularity, with the number of users growing from 90 in November 2021 to 300,000 in January 2022. The New York Times eventually purchased Wordle for an undisclosed seven-figure fee. Since its release, over 1,000 daily puzzles have been solved by players worldwide, and there are enough possible answers in the word bank to last until late 2027.
The game involves guessing a five-letter word with six attempts per day. Players receive feedback on their guesses through colored tiles—green for correct letters in the right place, yellow for correct letters in the wrong place, and gray for letters not in the word at all. Erhan Aslan, an expert in applied linguistics, provided some tips for improving one’s chances of solving the daily puzzle, such as starting with commonly used vowels and consonants. As players receive more feedback, they can draw on phonics knowledge to narrow down or eliminate possible words.
Newsweek has created hints to assist players with each day’s Wordle puzzle. For instance, they may mention the number of vowels in the answer, the first letter, whether there are repeated letters, and the type of word (e.g., verb). Players can refer to these hints to help them solve the puzzle. Additionally, Newsweek offers other word-based puzzles, such as Typochondria and Spellspire, for players to enjoy while waiting for the next day’s Wordle challenge.
Wordle’s simplicity and addictive nature have made it a popular pastime for people of all ages. The game’s success has led to an increase in daily puzzle-solving, and it continues to attract new players looking for a fun and challenging word game experience. With its daily challenges and creative hints, Wordle provides a refreshing break from the daily grind and offers a rewarding sense of accomplishment when players successfully solve the puzzle. Newsweek’s coverage of Wordle and other word-based games reflects a commitment to challenging conventional wisdom and fostering connections through shared interests and experiences.
