

Creator of Wordle - Josh Wardle
Feb 9, 2022
In this engaging discussion, Josh Wardle, the mastermind behind the viral word game Wordle, shares insights from his journey as a part-time artist turned software engineer. He reveals the simplicity of Wordle's tech stack, built with web components, that keeps the game lightweight and ad-free. Josh discusses the unique challenges of navigating fame, the impact of clones, and the nuances of selling a successful product. His reflections on authenticity in innovation and the emotional weight of popularity make for a captivating conversation.
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Wordle's Viral Growth
- Wordle's virality was fueled by the green box emoji grid.
- A player in New Zealand invented the grid, and Josh Wardle integrated it into the game.
Wordle's Origin and Growth
- Wordle started as a personal project for Josh's partner and expanded to family.
- Public release followed, leading to millions of daily players after the emoji grid integration.
Josh Wardle's Career Path
- Josh Wardle's background is in fine arts; he transitioned into tech via Reddit.
- He became a product manager, learned to code, and now works for an art collective.