Today's May 9 answer for definitive May 9 Wordle answer.
Earlier this year, the web-based word game became immensely popular as it acquired a strong player base of s who continue to interact and share their results on a daily basis. Wordle's popularity has since spawned numerous clones, all of which focus on a different topic while keeping many of the mechanics that made the original so successful. The one that started it all, however, has not gone without issue since its rise in fame, particularly after the New York Times bought out Wordle earlier this year. Some players have experienced detrimental effects as various glitches have cropped up ever since the takeover with the New York Times led to changes to Wordle.
An official statement from New York Times has clarified confusion for Wordle players who today found themselves with two puzzles and two answers. Individuals who played today's Wordle at midnight in Australia and New Zealand found that they got a different correct word than those who played later in the day throughout the rest of the world. In the statement, New York Times explains that today's original answer "seems closely connected to a major recent news event," and so was subsequently changed. However, the publication explains this isn't as simple to do as it may seem, as Wordle answers are pre-loaded into the game. As such, those who don't refresh their browser could see the original word, which is linked to ongoing political controversies in the United States.
This is not the first time that there have been multiple Wordle answers in one day since the New York Times' takeover, though it does appear to be the first time a word has changed due to political events and news. The newspaper made changes to the list of potential answers upon acquisition by removing certain words it deemed controversial. Aside from this, little has changed for Wordle players, though some fear it could soon be locked behind a paywall in a similar fashion to other word puzzles from NYT.
As explained by New York Times, Wordle's daily word puzzle is already hard-wired into the game and isn't generated daily or at random. It's very possible that answers like May 9's could come at an arguably inappropriate time completely by coincidence, as seemingly happened today. However, as evidenced by the relatively quick implementation of a replacement word, it seems NYT is working to ensure that Wordle remains free from potentially controversial words and topics.
Source: New York Times
