Before selling viral game Wordle, founder Josh Wardle chose to pay money for it

Wordle, the most loved word game these days is more than just a puzzle for the creator Josh Wardle. He never thought of making money through the game. Recently, however, Wordle has been acquired by The New York Times for an "undisclosed price in the low seven figures". And now the founder feels nothing but relieved.

Well, today’s Wordle answer also hints at his emotions. His eyes must be m**** while signing the deal.

FOR THE UNVERSED: Know what is Wordle here.

Wardle took to Twitter to declare the big announcement.

An update on Wordle pic.twitter.com/TmHd0AIRLX

— Josh Wardle (@powerlanguish) January 31, 2022

Released in October 2021, Wordle is now an internet sensation. On November 1, 2021, around 90 people played the game and by December it reached 3,00,000 users. Wordle became even more famous with each passing day and attracted more than 10 million users in January 2022.

Since the beginning, Wordle is free on the website without any advertisement.

In a conversation with TIME, Wardle said that making money was never the goal. “None of that really appeals to me. I think because I started with the intention of not doing it, it’s been easy to say no.” He made the game for his partner, Palak Shah.

Wardle could have easily monetised the game. With more than 10 million users on the website, advertisements and subscriptions would have filled his bank account within a few months.

TO YOUR SURPRISE, instead of earning money from the game, he was paying for it. He pays $100 per month to keep the game online. And he is okay with that. With this, his intentions are quite clear.

He is happy with the fact that he made something that he "would like to exist on the internet".

HE DENIED MONEY FROM CRAVOTTA TOO

There are so many stories linked with the viral game and here’s another one.

Steven Cravotta, who is an app developer, developed an app named Wordle when he was 18, just to sharpen his coding skills. After more than 100 thousand downloads, Cravotta stopped updating the app. Over the last 4 years, the growth declined to 1-2 downloads a day.

But then Wardle’s Wordle came into existence.

Many people, confused between the two Wordles suddenly started downloading the app. 2,00,000 people downloaded his app within a week. This left Cravotta surprised for obvious reasons.

Cravotta then realised that his app is gaining popularity due to the browser game. And he was thankful to Wardle. He later offered his earnings from these downloads to Wardle.

Wardle denied the offer due to the above-mentioned reason (that he is not interested in making money with the game). Later, Cravotta and Wardle decided to donate the money to a non-profit organisation where Wardle’s wife Palak Shah volunteered.

Can confirm that @powerlanguish and I have decided to donate the proceeds to @BoostOakland! Very excited to support such an amazing program that focuses on literacy for youth! We feel the money will make a real impact here!Will keep you all updated throughout this process!

— Steven (@StevenCravotta) January 14, 2022

WHAT’S NEXT?

In the tweet, Wardle ensured that the game will remain free even after the NYT’s deal. However, the New York Times mentioned that users can enjoy the game for free “initially.”

The New York Times offers over 10,000 crosswords currently with paid subscriptions.

It will take a few days or months to get some clarity on the free or paid scenario of the viral game.

Till then, we can continue to enjoy the game as it is.