“I haven’t played since the day I sold it,” said Josh Wardle, reflecting on his journey from creating the viral sensation Wordle to developing his latest game, Parseword.
Wardle, who originally created Wordle in 2020 to entertain himself and his girlfriend during the pandemic, sold the game to The New York Times in February 2022 for a low seven-figure sum. Since that sale, he has not participated in the game he once enjoyed.
After parting ways with Wordle, Wardle turned his attention to Parseword, a game that allows players to solve one cryptic crossword clue each day. The game is designed to progressively increase in difficulty as the week unfolds, catering to both novice and seasoned puzzle enthusiasts.
Wardle’s passion for language shines through in his new creation. He stated, “I love language, this tool we all have access to, we use every day.” His aim with Parseword is to assist those who may have struggled to break into the world of cryptic crosswords.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Wardle shared, “I remember looking at clues and feeling utterly flummoxed. Like it was completely impenetrable.” This insight has driven him to create a game that is both accessible and challenging.
Initially, Wardle had a different vision for his new game, naming it “Mr Bugs’ Wordy Nugz” before settling on the more straightforward Parseword. The name change reflects a shift towards clarity and engagement with players.
As players engage with Parseword, they will find a unique experience that differs from the familiar format of Wordle, which involves guessing a five-letter word in six attempts. In Wordle, tiles change color to indicate the accuracy of guesses—green for correct letters in the right position, yellow for correct letters in the wrong position, and grey for letters not in the word at all.
Wardle’s decision to step away from Wordle after its sale underscores his commitment to creating games that resonate with him personally. “Why would I do that to myself?” he remarked, emphasizing his desire to move forward creatively.
As Parseword gains traction, players can expect a fresh take on daily puzzles that challenge their linguistic skills while providing a rewarding experience.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding future developments or expansions for Parseword, but Wardle’s enthusiasm for language and game design suggests that this new venture will continue to evolve.
