The popular web-based word game Wordle was created by Welsh-born software engineer Josh Wardle, who named it after himself. Wardle initially created the game to entertain his partner and family, but made it available to the public in October 2021. The game experience a viral surge in popularity in late December, with
300,000 players by January 2nd, and soaring to over two million players just a week later. In late January 2022, Wordle was purchased by The New York Times for an undisclosed seven-figure sum.