WP Engine has acquired WPackagist, the widely used Composer repository that allows WordPress plugins and themes to be installed via Composer. Created by UK-based digital cooperative Outlandish, the service will continue to operate as a free resource following the acquisition.
WPackagist’s Journey and the Move to WP Engine
Rasmus Winter, co-owner of Outlandish, reflected on WPackagist’s decade-long journey and growth into a widely used tool for WordPress developers, “ It’s been over a decade since we first launched WPackagist, and what started as a side project to scratch our own itch has grown into something we never quite anticipated: a service used by thousands of WordPress developers every day.”
Winter noted that maintaining the project alongside the cooperative’s client work and other responsibilities had become increasingly challenging, “ As a worker-owned cooperative, we’ve always tried to be thoughtful about where we put our energy. WPackagist has been a labour of love, but maintaining critical infrastructure for thousands of developers isn’t something we can do justice to alongside our client work and other commitments.”
In the official WP Engine announcement, Rasmus Winter, reflected on the acquisition, “ We’re proud of what WPackagist has contributed to the WordPress ecosystem.Knowing it will be maintained and invested in by WP Engine gives us confidence that the service will continue to serve the community well into the future.”
Winter also reassured users that the transition would not affect how the service operates, Nothing changes. WPackagist will continue to work exactly as it always has. Same URL, same functionality, same free access. WP Engine has committed to maintaining it as a free service for the community.”
Community Response
The acquisition resulted in mixed reactions from the WordPress community, with many welcoming the move while others raised concerns about private ownership of critical ecosystem infrastructure.
Joost de Valk said, “I’m glad a company is taking responsibility for critical infrastructure. But it would be better if infrastructure like this wasn’t owned by any one company. This should have been “in” WordPress.org years ago.”
Ben Word also welcomed the move but raised concerns about such a central piece of tooling being owned by a private company.
Seth Rubenstein welcomed the acquisition, “ Now, THIS is an actual ecosystem investment. I’ve been a critic, but bravo WP Engine”
Cameron Jones also expressed support for the move, “ Great to see”
Official WordPress Account Post Draws Attention
The official WordPress X account also responded to the acquisition, sharing a sharply critical message, “The parasite continues to eat the host. The cancer is trying to spread.”Â
The comment comes amid an ongoing dispute involving WP Engine, Automattic, and WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg.