The new internet smash hit, Wordle,  is a daily web-based word game where players have six attempts to guess a five-letter word. With each new guess, players learn if the letter is in the right location, if it appears in the word in another location, or isn’t in the word at all. 

The objective is to guess the word in as few tries as possible. Players have developed strategies, such as using “startings words” that have the most commonly used consonants and vowels. Strategists have claimed that words like “irate,” “soare,” or “adieu” are most helpful in deciphering the daily word.

The sudden rise of wordle has been shocking. According to the New York Times, in November 2021, the website had a small community of only 90 users. Currently, the website has amassed over 3 million users worldwide.

On Monday, February 1, 2022, the game was acquired by the New York Times from its creator, Josh Wardle for a price in the “low seven figures.” Wordle will be joining other New York Times games, such as the daily crossword, the Spelling Bee, or Tiles. Fans  are worried that the currently ad-free game will not remain free for long since the Times reported its small community of 90 users has jumped to 3 million worldwide.

With the potential of additional charges and ads covering the platform, the game will never be the same.