[jrochkind1]

We used to play a 2-player version of wordle as kids decades ago, on paper. You could do it yourself with plain paper, but it was also sold as a game with pre-printed paper and other supplies.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jotto

Apparently it was invented in 1955.

If wonder if anyone still has any kind of patent or other IP that would be relevant...

[ec109685]

This one is even closer given it has the concept of right letter, wrong place: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingo_(American_game_show)