I am rather hit and miss with fads. I bought a hula hoop as a kid and demanded a skort, but I never tried swallowing goldfish. In more recent years I have passed on Rubik’s cubes, Candy Crush and the Ice Bucket Challenge. However, in the last week, I have stumbled upon Wordle, the free daily on-line word puzzle.
In November 2021 the game had 90 users. Recently that number passed 3 million and the developer sold his game to The New York Times for a seven figure amount. What could account for such a meteoric rise in players? I had to find out, so I went to try it out for myself.
The game is blessedly simple. In six chances you try to figure out a five letter word. If the letter in your guess is incorrect it, and the corresponding spot on the keyboard, turn gray. If the letter is correct but in the wrong spot it turns yellow. If it is correct and in the right place it turns green. It took me about 10 minutes to learn it, most of the time spent not understanding I needed to press Enter after a guess.
What then is the appeal? Unlike many on-line games this one can’t suck you into an endless mindless playing rut. There is only one word a day. Once you solve it or don’t solve it you have a chance to return to your “regular” life. Solving a simple, free, concrete challenge is satisfying. Getting better as you remember which letters commonly combine takes you happily back to elementary school with its diphthongs and digraphs. (Don’t worry; they come pouring back.)
Free, fun and fast. What is not to like?
Saved By Words 
I have been playing, too. I like to play first thing in the morning and move on. I have not been stumped yet but I should not speak too soon.
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I have been stumped once before I realized that a letter might appear twice.
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Yes. That can trip you up.
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And here’s a song all about it. Please like the YouTube video – It’s made by my neighbour. https://youtu.be/LomrSpEhM3w
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That was wonderful. I hope that somehow it makes it into the Google search results. It is creative and fun.
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I think it deserves to succeed!
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I have watched this appear on Twitter, with a huge fan base. I had no idea what it was, and now I know, I am still not remotely interested in it. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Well you have enough just keeping up with all those sociopaths!
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I never heard of a “skort.” It sounds like a skirt that can’t see (no “i” — get it?) Hahahaha.
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Good one.
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Oh my goodness, I am hooked on that game. I’ve been playing it for a little over two weeks and so far I’ve gotten 100 percent.
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Not me. But then it took me a while to figure it out.
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I’m really glad to know you never swallowed any goldfish! 😄 As far as the new game goes, I see everyone on Facebook posting their ‘wordles’ but have so far resisted jumping on the bandwagon. But it still could happen!
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I hope you don’t resist.
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I’ve seen everyone talking about it and wanted to give it a try. I especially like learning that there is only one puzzle per day. Like you, I never got on board with Candy Crush, but I could see its addictive nature watching work colleagues do that during lunchtime instead of interacting with others. I found that sad.
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It is fun. I hope you do try it out.
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I agree with you about all the good points of this little game. We have a family wordle group going and enjoy a few messages of congratulations or commiserations between ourselves. I doubt that it will remain free for long sadly and that will be a great shame. We have also just discovered nerdle – an equivalent but with numbers. A daily ‘sum’ to solve. I find it much harder but then numbers are not my forte!
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Great tip. I will look for it.
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D’you know, a friend told me about it recently, but so far I haven’t tried it….I think I need to!
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I like the fast aspect and the limited scope for addictions, but I prefer my puzzles a little more challenging (only not too much more…)
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I do the NY Times crossword all week. That keeps my brain alive.
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That sounds on a par with the Times crossword over here. I’ve never tried it but suspect it’s out of my league. the rag I (occasionally) take and the free papers I pick up are challenging enough for me.
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It is intriguing because it gets more difficult throughout the week. By Saturday I am usually stumped.
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This sounds ‘just right’. I wonder if we’re the only two people who know what a skort is.
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I am afraid that may be so.
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Hahaha! I think you’re right. Lucky us!
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I’ve played it a few times and it is fun.
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And simple.
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And only one a day!
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Quite a few people are playing this game. I see discussions about it on FB. It’s a good thinking exercise.
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It is a great vocabulary review too.
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It’s very popular here in Cape Town at the moment.
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It is fun to think of it around the world.
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I love to try it.
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Let me know what you think.
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I love word games & puzzles Elizabeth!
I think the Pandemic has increased popularity of all these games.
Blessings,
Jennifer
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I guess it makes sense that user of “wordpress” would like word games. LOL
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Lol!
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