I hadn't actually commented on Google. I am saying that I think there is much weaker correlation between tweets and users/growth than in the early days. I therefore don't think WordleStats is a very useful barometer for the Times' investment.
As for Google Trends, I actually think those are some good numbers. Considering what the 100% peak represents in absolute terms, 40% of it is still very solid. I think it's more informative to look at the trend in the context of other search terms. Pick any of the news major stories that have captured the public's attention over the past few months: Russia's invasion of Ukraine; Depp v Heard; Roe v Wade. Wordle is crushing them all. Indeed it seems the only thing more viral than Wordle is COVID. Maybe we'll see some official numbers from the Times at some point but in the absence of anything concrete I suspect they are happy with their purchase.
In any case, do I think Figure can match the meteoric rise of Wordle? It's statistically unlikely. Can it be profitable? I'm no expert in game monetization but for the OP's sake I hope so. I like it.
As for Google Trends, I actually think those are some good numbers. Considering what the 100% peak represents in absolute terms, 40% of it is still very solid. I think it's more informative to look at the trend in the context of other search terms. Pick any of the news major stories that have captured the public's attention over the past few months: Russia's invasion of Ukraine; Depp v Heard; Roe v Wade. Wordle is crushing them all. Indeed it seems the only thing more viral than Wordle is COVID. Maybe we'll see some official numbers from the Times at some point but in the absence of anything concrete I suspect they are happy with their purchase.
In any case, do I think Figure can match the meteoric rise of Wordle? It's statistically unlikely. Can it be profitable? I'm no expert in game monetization but for the OP's sake I hope so. I like it.