Change is never easy.
But for Wordle aficionados across the globe, the popular online puzzle's migration to the New York Times website has proven a little more challenging than anticipated (thoughts and prayers).
From broken streaks to claims that daily answers "aren't even a word", the media giant's decision to acquire Wordle has drawn no shortage of criticism.
And despite public claims that "nothing has changed about the game play", the New York Times has now confirmed that some words have been removed from the list of possible guesses and solutions.
What's Wordle?
For those of you with better things to do, the once-a-day online game gives a player six chances to figure out the day's secret five-letter word, using the least number of guesses.
Despite only launching in October last year, it has nearly 3 million players across the world and versions of it are appearing in other languages.
It was acquired by the New York Times last month for an undisclosed price "in the low seven figures", alongside a careful caveat that it would “initially remain free to new and existing players”.
So what's the issue? And what is 'caulk'?
When the website-only word game migrated to the New York Times website, users were assured game statistics — things like win streaks and win percentages — would be transferred along with it.
But for some avid users, that hasn't been the case.
Then, there's the accusations that the game has become harder.
As one user wrote: "I don’t come to Wordle to be challenged. I come to Wordle to feel like a genius for knowing how to spell 'FRUIT' and 'PANTS'."
Brainteasers like 'caulk' and 'aloft' prompted suggestions the NYT had taken the answer sheet in their own creative direction.
(For what it's worth, caulk is "a soft, putty-like substance used to create a waterproof seal", according to Macquarie Dictionary).
But it was quickly debunked by tech outlets, who concluded it was all a bit of a coincidence and perhaps you're just not as smart as you think you are.
Now, words have been removed from the game
According to the NYT, the list of possible guesses and solutions is being updated over time to "remove obscure words to keep the puzzle accessible to more people, as well as insensitive or offensive words".
They range from terms like 'wench' and 'slave', through to the British spelling of 'fibre'.
Though a seemingly innocuous change, it has seen users receive two different answers, depending on where they play the game.
As reported by The Verge, the NYT version of Wordle and the original version, which is still hosted on another website, "have diverged and will now continue forever out of step".
What has the New York Times said about it?
In its updated 'frequently asked questions', the media giant confirmed that it has "made changes to the list of accepted five letter word solutions".
"To ensure your game is in sync with the updated version, you can refresh the website where you play Wordle," it said.
It added that "we have not made any changes to the basic functionality or rules of the game".
"We are committed to continuing what makes the game great."
