The New York Times is buying Wordle, the game that exploded in popularity this month

The New York Times is buying Wordle, a web-based game that shot as much as popularity seemingly in a single day.

The transfer highlights the significance of the firm’s Games unit, which hosts issues like crosswords and Spelling Bee, as a approach to entice new subscribers.

“The Times stays centered on turning into the important subscription for each English-speaking individual looking for to know and interact with the world. New York Times Games are a key a part of that technique,” the firm said in a release. As of the finish of the third quarter, the firm had roughly 980,000 Games subscriptions.

Founded by software program engineer Josh Wardle in October 2021, Wordle offers gamers six tries to guess a five-letter thriller phrase every single day. The game turned a cultural phenomenon earlier this month, with folks sharing their scores in the type of emojis. Only 90 folks performed the game on Nov. 1, in line with the Times. About 300,000 folks had been enjoying as of mid-January. The quantity is now in the thousands and thousands.

The Times mentioned in a launch it acquired Wordle for a worth in the low-seven figures. The firm mentioned Wordle can be free to play for brand new and present gamers. It added that no modifications can be made to its gameplay.

In an announcement posted to social media, Wardle added he was working with the firm to make sure customers’ wins and streaks are preserved.

— CNBC’s Alex Sherman contributed to this report.

Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube.