Classic Board Game To Get Revision
The popular board game Scrabble is getting a major makeover in an effort to appeal to younger generations and promote inclusivity.
Scrabble’s parent company, Mattel, announced the change on Tuesday, marking the first major alteration to the game in its 75-year history. The new version, called “Scrabble Together,” will feature a second side to the game board that is collaborative and faster-paced, making gameplay more accessible for players who may find traditional word games intimidating. According to Mattel, the decision to make these changes was based on research showing that younger players in Britain are less interested in competition than their older counterparts.
Scrabble Together was designed with a goal of appealing to a younger audience, one that values teamwork and collaboration over competition. The game will feature goal cards instead of scoring, and players will have the option to play on teams.
It will also be a shortened version of the traditional game, with the winner being the first player to complete 20 challenges on their goal cards. Losers will be determined by those who use all their helper cards without completing a single challenge.
Mattel has stated that the new version of the game will have a more dynamic and modern feel, without losing the essence of what has made Scrabble so popular for decades. The goal cards will offer different levels of challenges, such as playing a horizontal word or using a certain number of letters, and players will have to work together to complete them. Additionally, helper cards will provide prompts and clues to assist players in their challenges.
Brett Smitheram, the current number one Scrabble player in the UK and the 2016 World Scrabble Champion, voiced his support for the changes, stating that “the game speaks to a trend in younger people who want to avoid competitive games.” He added that Scrabble Together “offers a fun and collaborative way to play the game.”
In response to the news, some fans of the classic game have expressed disappointment with the changes. Many feel that the competitive aspect of Scrabble is what makes it so enjoyable and challenging, and worry that the new version may lose some of its appeal. Others, however, applaud Mattel’s efforts to modernize the game and make it more inclusive for all players.
Ray Adler, vice president and global head of games for Mattel, emphasized the company’s goal of making Scrabble accessible and enjoyable for all players, stating that “for anyone who’s ever thought ‘word games aren’t for me’, or felt a little intimidated by [traditional] Scrabble, Scrabble Together mode is an ideal option.” Adler hopes that the new version will continue to celebrate “the wonder of words” while also bringing people from different generations and skill levels together to play.
The changes to Scrabble will first be introduced in Europe, with no plans to release in the U.S. due to licensing restrictions. However, if the new version proves to be successful, it is possible that it could eventually make its way to the American market. Meanwhile, traditional Scrabble will still be available for those who prefer the classic version.
It is clear that Scrabble Together represents a significant shift in the way the game is played, and it remains to be seen how fans will respond to the changes. But one thing is for sure, the beloved word game will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of players young and old, whether they prefer a more competitive or collaborative approach.