Searches for ‘New York Times subscription’ skyrocket 246% following the buyout of online puzzle game Wordle

Analysis of Google search data reveals that online searches for ‘New York Times subscription’ exploded 246% worldwide on the 31st January, following announcements that the American newspaper had purchased the viral online puzzle game, Wordle.

A new finding by games site Im-a-puzzle.com reveals that online searches for ‘New York Times subscription’ were more than three times the average search volume. This follows yesterday’s Twitter announcement from Wordle’s creator that the game had been purchased by the American newspaper.

The online puzzle game Wordle asks players to guess a five-letter word in six attempts or less, with a new word being released every day. Wordle players aim to solve the puzzle in the quickest possible time and often take to social media for hints.

A spokesperson for Im-a-puzzle.com commented on the findings: “Wordle has captured the attention of the world with its simplicity, and has reignited people’s love for puzzle games.

“The increase in people searching for paid subscriptions to The New York Times suggests that the shift in the platform of the game could entice new users to the newspaper’s paid service – which will be the company’s overall objective.

“One of the most appealing factors of Wordle is that it is free to play. As the New York Times is a paid subscription news site, it will be interesting to see whether the game will remain free to everyone, or whether it will become accessible only to its paying customers.”