What's Happening?
The New York Times' Wordle puzzle for October 27, 2025, presented players with the word 'FETID' as the solution, meaning 'foul-smelling.' This challenging word required players to identify a five-letter
word starting with 'F' and containing the vowels 'E' and 'I.' The puzzle's difficulty was noted as the average player needed about 4.2 guesses to solve it, slightly above the usual average. The New York Times continues to expand its gaming offerings, including new games like Pips and Crossplay, and has moved some popular puzzles like the Mini Crossword behind a paywall.
Why It's Important?
The New York Times' focus on games like Wordle is part of a broader strategy to increase digital subscriptions and engagement. Games have become a significant part of the Times' digital strategy, contributing to a surge in subscriptions and revenue. The introduction of new games and features, such as the Wordle Archive and family subscription plans, aims to attract a wider audience and retain subscribers. This strategy has proven successful, with the Times reporting strong earnings and a growing subscriber base, highlighting the importance of diversifying content beyond traditional news.
What's Next?
The New York Times plans to continue expanding its gaming portfolio and enhancing its subscription offerings. The company aims to reach 15 million subscribers by 2027, leveraging games as a key component of its growth strategy. The Times is also exploring partnerships and new features to maintain engagement and attract new users. As Wordle and other games continue to gain popularity, the Times will likely focus on balancing monetization with accessibility to keep its audience engaged.
