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Below you find an article from the New York Times about one of their newly published games. You find some pre-reading preparatory vocabulary exercise first, followed by an adapted version of the article and a link to the original.
Adapted from: Wordle inventor ‘overwhelmed’ as New York Times buys game
Pre-reading vocabulary
A) Find synonyms for
- released
- undisclosed
- incredible
B) Match the words or phrases with the correct definition on the right
| 1. to charge | a) to work or help out somewhere without getting paid | |
| 2. to devise | b) to take out a regular order of a magazine or similar publication | |
| 3. rivalry | c) come up with an idea, invent | |
| 4. medical recovery | d) take money for a service, ask or set a price | |
| 5. subscription | e) to dislike or disapprove of someone or something | |
| 6. to do volunteering | f) state of being okay again after an illness or disease | |
| 7. to have an issue with…. | g) ongoing competition or contest for superiority | |
| Explain the phrase “to put something behind a paywall | ||
Adapted from:
Wordle inventor ‘overwhelmed’ as New York Times buys game – BBC News
The inventor of word game sensation Wordle has spoken of being overwhelmed by its success, following a sale to the New York Times (NYT)
Software engineer Josh Wardle released the free simple online game in October, and has now sold it for an undisclosed seven-figure sum.
He said the game, which has millions of players, “has gotten bigger than I ever imagined. It has been incredible.”
The NYT wants to use the game to boost its online subscriptions.
The media group said it will “initially remain free” to play, raising questions that the intention in the long term is to charge.
Mr Wardle always wanted the game to remain free, but the unexpected success of something he devised during lockdown for just two people – him and his partner – has come as a shock.
He took to Twitter to thank users for sharing touching stories about the effect the game has had on their lives and relationships, adding that he was “thrilled” about the takeover.
He said: “It has been incredible to watch the 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. (…)
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”. (…)
“The Times remains focused on becoming the essential subscription for every English-speaking person seeking to understand and engage with the world. New York Times Games are a key part of that strategy,” a statement said.
“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.
Wordle fan Matthew Robertson said he only discovered the game a few weeks ago after reading about it in the media.
Like most players who discover Wordle, it becomes a bit of an addiction. “I’m not great at it, but it’s still fun and gets me thinking,” he told the BBC. “I think the set-up and how it works is very clever. It’s something to do every day, as well.”
Having only just discovered the game, Sheffield-based Mr Robertson is really hoping the New York Times doesn’t put Wordle behind a paywall. He does volunteering, including at his local library. “I hope that the New York Times doesn’t charge, as that will make it difficult for me to play,” he said. “Apart from that, I see no issue with them taking it over.”
Wales-born Mr Wardle, who graduated from university in London in 2006 and moved to the US for a masters degree in 2008, worked as a software engineer at Reddit.
He said he had “really got into” the New York Times crossword and spelling games during the pandemic.
The New York Times Games, Mr Wardle said, played a “big part” in Wordle’s origins, “so this step feels very natural”. (…)
“Last year, my partner and I got really into crosswords and word games and I wanted a game for us to play each morning as part of our routine,” he said. He then shared it with his family on WhatsApp before opening it up to the public.
Asked whether he planned to make money from it, he said: “I don’t understand why something can’t just be fun. I don’t have to charge people money for this and ideally would like to keep it that way.”
Follow-up questions
- Would you have an explanation why the game is so popular?
- If Wardle didn’t want to earn money with his game, why did he sell to the NYT?
- Watch the 1 minute video. What are concerns Susie Dent has regarding the changed ownership?
- Below you find a link leading to a game like Wordle, but with a few differences. Play and check for yourself if you feel Susie Dent’s concerns are justified.
- Are you into crossword puzzles? Check out the NYT’s mini crossword.
See also:
Wordle creator overwhelmed by global success of hit puzzle | Puzzle games | The Guardian
Browse through the article above and find out what different people say why Wordle is so popular. What is said about the internet? Why is the game popular among mathematicians? Could there be an answer in this article as to why Wardle sold to the New York Times?
If you click on Puzzle Games on the Guardian page, you find another article in which the author vividely describes his personal Wordle experience 🙂
Here the link to the original WORDLE of the Day
Another follow-up article that might be fun not only for cross-word lovers: How to solve the New York Times crossword puzzles.
At Breaking News you find a summary of the topic by Sean Banville with many more exercises.