Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast The Man Behind Wordle
Feb 11, 2022
Josh Wardle, the mastermind behind the addictive word game Wordle, talks about its viral success and the joy of simplicity in game design. He shares insights into what inspired him to create Wordle and how it fosters community through shared daily challenges. The conversation also touches on his previous work with April Fool's Day experiments at Reddit, adding a playful twist to his creative journey. Plus, the hosts dive into the latest Samsung Galaxy phones, blending tech talk with the art of game creation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Wordle's Origin
- Josh Wardle created Wordle for his partner because they both enjoy word games.
- The name "Wordle" is a play on his last name, and he initially intended to change it.
Wordle's Share Feature
- The share grid feature, added in late November after Wordle's popularity in New Zealand, significantly contributed to the game's viral spread.
- It gave players a simple way to share results without directly linking back to the game, sparking curiosity.
Simplicity in Wordle
- Josh Wardle prioritized simplicity in Wordle, intentionally avoiding features that might seem growth-oriented.
- He believes that staying true to his original vision and making authentic choices contributed to the game's success.