Publications
Publications
- September 2022 (Revised November 2023)
- HBS Case Collection
Wordle
By: Karen G. Mills, Christina Wallace, Ebehi Iyoha, Gabriella Elanbeck and Morgane Herculano
Abstract
After sourdough bread, countertop chive gardens, and vaccine selfies came a pandemic-era trend that everyone seemed to be in on: one daily chance to guess a five-letter word and crow about your success on social media via little green and yellow squares. From a personal game between a developer and his girlfriend to a global phenomenon in just a few months, Wordle seems poised to outlast its pandemic peers when The New York Times makes an unexpected bid to acquire it. Dissect the journey of one programmer and his viral product as he debates a 7-figure exit before earning his first dollar of revenue.
Keywords
Games; Innovation; General Management; Mergers and Acquisitions; Trends; Entrepreneurship; Bids and Bidding; Consumer Behavior; Entertainment and Recreation Industry; Technology Industry
Citation
Mills, Karen G., Christina Wallace, Ebehi Iyoha, Gabriella Elanbeck, and Morgane Herculano. "Wordle." Harvard Business School Case 323-032, September 2022. (Revised November 2023.)