Mattel has launched a new way to play Scrabble, the word game that’s been around since 1938.
The crux of the game has always been trying to score as many points as possible, using letter tiles to create words on the board.
More points can be gained by using particular letters or placing them in specific slots to earn bonus points or double/triple scores.
However, this point-driven focus may be about to change, with the latest version of the game coming from Mattel.
The new version of Scrabble includes a double-sided board designed so people can play in teams. There are also new goal cards that differ between different challenge levels.
Helper cards are there for players to use at any point in the game, as well as a faster game mode with simple scoring.
The new variations were devised to be ‘more inclusive’ for anyone who finds word games intimidating, according to Mattel.
“Scrabble has truly stood the test of time as one of the most popular board games in history, and we want to ensure the game continues to be inclusive for all players,” said Ray Adler, vice president and global head of games at Mattel.
He added: “For anyone who’s ever thought ‘word games aren’t for me’, or felt a little intimidated by the classic game, Scrabble Together mode is an ideal option.”
Long-term Scrabble players might be alarmed at seeing a change in the game. However, 2016 world Scrabble champion Brett Smitheram said the new game “speaks to a trend in younger people who want to avoid competitive games and sense of losing, instead favouring teamwork and collaboration working towards a fun goal together”.
Indeed, his comments are backed up by a recent study accompanying the new game launch, highlighting that more than half of board game players play to unplug from social media.
What’s more, different generations play for different reasons, with 55% of those aged between 34 and 54 wanting to relax and 69% of those aged from 25 to 34 wanting to connect with others.
