From competition to collaboration: New Scrabble version launched for better inclusivity
Scrabble, a household name synonymous with intense concentration and a battle of wits, has long been a staple in family game nights and friendly gatherings.
It's a game that can turn the quietest of living rooms into a boisterous arena where wordsmiths are crowned and the less lexically inclined may feel left behind.
But the winds of change are blowing through the Scrabble world, and they're bringing a refreshing new twist to this classic game.
Mattel, the company behind Scrabble, has unveiled a groundbreaking new version of the game set to redefine the way we play.
This isn't just a facelift; it's a complete reimagining of the Scrabble experience, designed to foster unity and cooperation rather than competition.
The new Scrabble, aptly named 'Scrabble Together', features a double-sided board that invites players to join forces, collaborate on completing goal cards, and choose their challenge level. The board game is available on the Mattel website for $41.99!
Every day, around 720,000 Scrabble games are started worldwide, which amounts to 30,000 games an hour, 500 games per minute or 8.33 games per second. Image Source: Pexels / Pixabay
The game is infused with a spirit of camaraderie, thanks to helper cards that players can use to support one another throughout the game.
The scoring is simplified, and the gameplay is quicker, making it more accessible and less daunting for those who might shy away from the traditional version.
Ray Adler, Vice-President and Global Head of Games at Mattel, expressed his enthusiasm for the new iteration, saying, '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.'
He emphasised that while the game still celebrates the 'wonder of words’, it also 'brings people together' in a way that the original game may not have.
The sentiment is echoed by Brett Smitheram, the 2016 world Scrabble champion, who noted that the new game 'speaks to a trend in younger people who want to avoid competitive games and the sense of losing, instead favouring teamwork and collaboration working towards a fun goal together’.
This shift towards cooperative gameplay isn't just a fad; it's reportedly backed by fresh research that highlights the evolving reasons people turn to board games.
Over half of board game players see it as a way to disconnect from the digital world, and a significant majority find it helps them unwind, according to a UK study.
Forty-one per cent of board gamers buy 5 to 10 new games yearly. Image Source: Shutterstock / Pressmaster
Different generations find different joys in board games, with younger players seeking connection with friends and older players using it as a relaxation tool.
The research also sheds light on generational attitudes towards competition, with baby boomers being perceived as the most competitive, followed by millennials.
Interestingly, Gen Z appears to be the least competitive, which aligns with the cooperative nature of Scrabble Together.
While similar data appears to be missing in the Australian context, it can be said that board games are still a relevant part of contemporary living Down Under.
According to a 2023 study, total board game sales were expected to jump up by 10 per cent from 2022, settling at a total valuation of $86 million.
Scrabble's history of adapting and growing is evident in the ever-evolving official gameplay dictionary. The Merriam-Webster Scrabble Players Dictionary, the definitive guide to permissible words in the game, recently added 500 new words, reflecting the dynamic nature of language.
From slang terms like 'adorbs' and 'bae' to topical words like 'subtweet' and 'vax', the dictionary ensures that Scrabble remains relevant and reflective of the times.
Do you enjoy playing word games? Check out the Senior Discount Club Games forum for fun word & trivia games prepared by us!
It's time to gather your friends and family for a game night that promises to be more inclusive and enjoyable than ever before.
With Scrabble Together, you can transform your evening into a collaborative adventure where everyone's a winner.
Whether you're a seasoned Scrabble veteran or a newcomer to the world of word games, this new version is sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.
This is certainly welcome news as we have just learned that playing these types of games could be lowering the risk of dementia, which is certainly welcome news for many of our members!
Will you be giving Scrabble Together a try? Do you think it will change the way you enjoy game nights? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
