The New York Times Crossword app is getting Wordle, the spelling puzzle app phenomenon. NYT Crossword is now at the top of iOS and Android app store searches after tons of doppelgangers.
Consumers won’t have to worry about losing their scores or streaks because The NYT will let them create an account. This “free account” is only available for a seven-day trial, then users are prompted to either pay $4.99 a month or $39.99 a year. You’ll also get access to puzzles like The Spelling Bee, The Mini, and The Crossword.
As part of its acquisition of Wordle rights earlier this year, The NYT plans to further integrate the game. The publication said the game drove the company’s most successful quarter ever, based on net subscribers. The publication has been using Wordle to advertise its other games since it was acquired.
Originally created as a pastime for Josh Wardle and his partner, the game has become a daily habit for some. WordleBot was announced by The Times back in July. Word enthusiasts get a score from 0-99 based on skills and luck, and also get advice on how to improve.
As The NYT tries to capitalize on the game’s popularity, they’re turning it into a board game. As part of a partnership with Hasbro, Wordle: The Party Game is coming out this October.
Over two million people have played Wordle, and it’s been mentioned in more than 32 million tweets since it launched. There are 145 or more Wordle games played by 10% of active players, according to The Times.
