New York City – A legal dispute has arisen between the popular word game Wordle and the browser-based geography game Worldle over their similar names, potentially putting the latter in jeopardy. Wordle, created by Josh Wardle in 2021 and later acquired by the New York Times, challenges players to guess a five-letter word in six attempts, gaining massive popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic for its engaging gameplay. On the other hand, Worldle, developed by Kory McDonald, involves guessing locations based on Google Street View images, claiming to have distinct gameplay from Wordle.
McDonald argues that Worldle’s focus on geography sets it apart from Wordle’s word-centric concept, with the addition of other games like Flaggle focusing on different themes. However, the New York Times contends that Worldle’s name and gameplay elements bear significant resemblance to Wordle, leading to potential confusion among players. Despite Worldle’s lack of a mobile app, making it only playable on web browsers, the similar names could pose a challenge for the less popular game.
While there are other games inspired by Wordle, such as Nerdle and Yeardle, Worldle’s similarity in name and gameplay to Wordle raises concerns over trademark infringement. The United States Patent and Trademark Office emphasizes the importance of ensuring trademarks are not confusingly similar to prevent consumer confusion in the marketplace. With Wordle attracting millions of users compared to Worldle’s significantly lower player base, the legal battle between the two games highlights the significance of trademark protection in the gaming industry.
The outcome of this legal dispute could have implications for other games with similar-sounding names, as the USPTO’s guidelines on trademark confusion serve to protect brands and prevent misrepresentation in the market. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how the contrasting gameplay elements of Wordle and Worldle will factor into the final decision and what impact it may have on the future development and naming conventions of online games. Ultimately, the dispute underscores the importance of clear branding and distinctiveness in the competitive landscape of online gaming.