Wordle is a popular word puzzle game that challenges players to guess a five-letter word within six attempts. The game has a simple but engaging format that has captivated players around the world. Here's a brief overview of the history of Wordle:

Wordle Junior

1. Origins: Wordle's exact origins are somewhat murky, but it is widely believed to have been inspired by a traditional word game called "Jotto." Jotto is a two-player word game in which each player selects a secret five-letter word, and the other player must guess it within a limited number of attempts. The guesser receives feedback on their guesses, which helps narrow down the possibilities.

Moviedle Game

2. Early Versions: The digital version of Wordle as we know it today likely began as a simple web-based game. The first known version of Wordle, as it is often referred to now, was created by Jonathan Feinberg, a software engineer, and designer, around 2008. Feinberg made Wordle freely available on his website, and it gained some popularity among word game enthusiasts.

3. Rise to Popularity: Wordle's popularity began to surge in the 2020s, driven by social media and word-of-mouth recommendations. Its simple yet addictive gameplay and the challenge of trying to guess the word within a limited number of attempts made it a hit. Many players enjoyed the mental exercise and competition of trying to guess the word while comparing their scores with friends and online communities. 

Tradle

4. Acquisition by The New York Times: In February 2022, The New York Times acquired Wordle from Jonathan Feinberg. The newspaper integrated Wordle into its online games section, and it quickly became even more popular. This move introduced Wordle to a broader audience and solidified its status as a mainstream word game. 

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5. Global Phenomenon: Wordle's popularity transcended borders, and it was played by people from all around the world. The game's simplicity, accessibility, and the fact that it doesn't require any downloads or installations contributed to its global appeal.

6. Variations and Clones: Wordle's success led to the creation of various clones and variations. People began to develop their own versions of the game, and the concept of guessing a five-letter word within a limited number of tries became a genre of word games in its own right.

7. Impact on Language and Culture: Wordle, like many word games, has had an impact on language and culture. It encourages players to think critically about word patterns, vocabulary, and letter combinations. The game has also led to the creation of numerous online communities and strategies for playing and improving at Wordle.

In summary, Wordle started as a web-based word game with uncertain origins but gained widespread popularity in the 2020s. Its acquisition by The New York Times further elevated its status, and it became a global phenomenon. Wordle's simple yet challenging gameplay and its cultural impact have made it a beloved word puzzle game for players of all ages.