Following the growing popularity of Wordle, one fan has created a real-life version of the game in the form of a fridge magnet for their friend.
Thanks to a combination of simple mechanics and widespread social media engagement, the browser-based word game continues to be an engaging pastime for many around the world. Wordle's popularity has grown to a level where clones are being created with different niche themes ranging from maths to brand-based Wordle puzzles. Today, there's even a website that keeps track of these Wordle spinoffs. But some fans have opted to take things further with their love for the game.
One Wordle fan has made a special Wordle-themed fridge magnet for their friend. This custom design emulates the now New York Times-owned Wordle with similar six attempts at guessing the day's five-letter word. The fridge magnet includes color-coded hints/instructions as to how the 1v1 dynamic will play out. One player will set a five-letter word at each attempt and the other player has to guess it. With each attempt, the first player would circle matching letters in red while letters in the correct position will be circled in blue. To make the experience truly authentic, the guessing player could cross off any letters that are not in play at the bottom, similar to how it would happen on the browser. Additionally, the fridge magnet doubles as a grocery list or a mini notes tab.
But this isn't the first attempt at bringing the game to other formats. Recently, another fan created a retro-fitted version of the game and created a custom Game Boy cartridge of Wordle as well. Dubbed GB-Wordyl, this edition was posted on the itch.io website with a ROM file that runs in a Game Boy emulator along with a compatible version for the Analogue Pocket system. Another recent instance showcased a user playing Wordle on a modded Nintendo DS. It's clear that the high reception for the game has prompted fans to take the game to more creative experiences.
Despite the popularity, there's increasing worry from fans about the game's future now that Wordle is under the wings of the New York Times. Complaints on the game's seemingly increasing difficulty are nothing new as of late. Many are concerned that the game's free nature and its engaging relationship among the community will be replaced by exclusivity on New York Times' part. Some of these concerns have already begun to amplify, particularly with the recent Wordle Archive shut down. It remains to be seen whether Wordle will eventually move behind a paywall or some other form of New York Times exclusivity. But for now, fans will continue to enjoy the game as it brings more players together each day.
Wordle is available now in any browser.