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Wordle Creator's Puzzle Archive Removed Amid Global Popularity

WireByte Staff · August 8, 2026

Wordle creator Josh Wardle's archive of past puzzles was removed at the request of The New York Times, which acquired the game. The archive was taken down despite its popularity among fans. The move has sparked debate among Wordle enthusiasts. The game continues to be played by thousands worldwide.

Key points

  • Josh Wardle, the creator of Wordle, removed the game's archive of past puzzles at the request of The New York Times.
  • The archive was taken down despite its popularity among fans and creators of alternate Wordle versions.
  • The New York Times acquired Wordle in 2022, and the game has since become a global phenomenon with thousands of daily players.
  • Alternate Wordle versions, such as Squabble and Heardle, have also gained popularity among fans.

Wordle, the popular online word-guessing game, has been at the center of a recent controversy. The game's creator, Josh Wardle, removed the archive of past puzzles at the request of The New York Times, which acquired the game in 2022. The archive was a beloved feature among fans, who enjoyed replaying and analyzing past puzzles.

The decision to remove the archive has sparked debate among Wordle enthusiasts, with some expressing disappointment and frustration. Despite this, the game continues to be played by thousands of people worldwide, with alternate versions such as Squabble and Heardle also gaining popularity.

The New York Times' acquisition of Wordle in 2022 marked a significant turning point for the game. Since then, it has become a global phenomenon, with thousands of people playing every day. The game's success has also inspired a community of fans and creators, who have developed alternate versions and strategies for solving the puzzles.

As the game continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the removal of the archive will impact the Wordle community. However, one thing is clear: Wordle's popularity shows no signs of slowing down.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.