The initiative will mark the first time the corporation has introduced a dedicated games section, featuring what it describes as “simple to learn yet rewarding” puzzles aimed at adult audiences. Players will be able to track progress through features such as streaks and leaderboards, as the BBC seeks to encourage repeat visits and deepen engagement across its app and website.
In a statement, the broadcaster said the games would be designed as “quick, enjoyable, daily rituals” that fit easily into everyday routines. It added that its ambition was to deliver puzzles that reflect BBC values, remain culturally relevant and promote inclusive and fair play.
Wordle, which challenges players to guess a five-letter word in six attempts, became a global phenomenon after being acquired by The New York Times in 2022. Tens of millions of users now play the game daily, sparking a surge in similar word-based and logic puzzles from independent developers.
Industry figures say interest in daily puzzle games continues to grow, with some apps reporting increases of more than 20 per cent in daily users since the start of last year.
The BBC’s new puzzle offering is expected to be prominently featured on its homepage, in a similar position to other major news apps, to ensure broad visibility. However, the move has raised concerns among industry groups that publicly funded competition could make it harder for smaller developers to compete.
Sajeeda Merali, chief executive of the Professional Publishers Association, which represents around 250 independent and commercial publishers, warned that community-based puzzles often rely on modest revenues and loyal audiences to survive.
“When a publicly funded organisation with the scale, reach and promotional power of the BBC enters this space, there is a risk that smaller players could find it harder to compete for attention and discoverability,” she said. While welcoming innovation, Merali cautioned against developments that could unintentionally crowd out independent publishers already delivering trusted, community-led experiences.
James Robinson, creator of Waffle Studio, which hosts a daily puzzle with more than 470,000 users worldwide, said the success of Wordle had revitalised interest in a centuries-old form of entertainment. He added that originality would be key to the BBC’s approach.
“I hope they do something original with it,” he said. “It would be very disappointing if they take an idea from an independent creator and market it as their own.”
The announcement comes days after the government confirmed the BBC licence fee will rise by £5.50 to £180 a year, a move ministers said would give the corporation greater financial stability while supporting the wider creative industries.
A BBC spokesperson said the organisation was continually exploring new ways to deliver value for audiences, including working with developers to create interactive games that align with its public service mission to inform, educate and entertain.
