Wordle Logo PNG
Wordle: Brand overview
Developed by software engineer Josh Wardle, Wordle is a web-based puzzle game that is hugely popular. Originally launched in October 2021, Wardle created the game as personal entertainment for himself and his partner.
The principle of the game is simple yet addictive: players must guess a five-letter word within six attempts per day. After each attempt, the game provides feedback, pointing out correct and incorrect letters.
That same month, Wardle decided to make the game publicly available, hosting it on his website Powerlanguage.co.uk. In November 2021, Wordle began to attract attention as users began sharing their results on social media. Thanks to this hype, the game’s popularity began to grow steadily through word of mouth.
By early 2022, Wordle had attracted millions of daily players, becoming a global sensation thanks to its simple design and easy sharing of results. Noticing the game’s potential, The New York Times acquired Wordle from Wardle in January 2022. The acquisition cost was reportedly “no more than a seven-figure sum.” Initially, the company decided to make the game free to users.
Within months, what started as a fun, unique word game for Wardle and his partner turned into a worldwide internet sensation. Even in 2023, The New York Times is releasing a new Wordle game every day, staying true to the original rules and format that has captivated audiences around the world.
Meaning and History
2021 – 2022
2022 – today
Since Wordle is a game that aims to guess words, its logo consists solely of letters. The lettering uses a modified version of the Stymie Extra Bold BT font known as NYT Karnak Condensed. The font is characterized by thick lettering and voluminous rectangular serifs, which gives the emblem a special character. The black color matches the minimalistic design of the game itself.
The choice of a large, recognizable font gives the game a robust and straightforward feel that matches its straightforward gameplay. The minimalistic black color scheme further complements this simplicity, emphasizing the game’s laid-back approach to solving word puzzles.
