Seattle, Washington – A legal battle has erupted between the owner of the popular online game Wordle and a geography-based spinoff called Worldle. The New York Times, who acquired Wordle in 2022, has filed a lawsuit accusing Worldle of causing confusion and attempting to benefit from the established reputation of its brand.
Kody McDonald, the developer behind Worldle, is pushing back against the allegations, arguing that there are numerous games with similar names in the market. McDonald emphasized that while Wordle focuses on words, Worldle centers around the world, highlighting the distinctions between the two games.
The New York Times claims that Worldle bears a striking resemblance to Wordle in various aspects, including appearance, sound, and overall impression. The newspaper has chosen to take legal action but has refrained from commenting further on the matter beyond their official legal statement.
Wordle, a game that originated as a casual project to entertain the girlfriend of its creator, Josh Wardle, has grown exponentially, captivating millions of players worldwide. In contrast, Worldle boasts around 100,000 monthly players, primarily accessible through web browsers and supported by advertising revenue.
Despite the legal dispute, McDonald remains surprised by the success and popularity of Worldle, expressing gratitude for the support from players. He acknowledges the inspiration drawn from Wordle’s triumph but aims to carve out a unique space for Worldle in the gaming industry.
While others have joined the trend by developing variations like Quordle, Nerdle, and Heardle, the future of Worldle remains uncertain as it navigates the legal challenges posed by The New York Times. Experts suggest potential issues of consumer confusion due to the similarity in names and other aspects between Wordle and Worldle.
McDonald remains resilient in the face of legal action, prepared to adapt and pivot if necessary to ensure the sustainability of his project. As the dispute unfolds, the outcome will determine the fate of Worldle and its place in the competitive landscape of online games.