Scrabble creates 'less competitive,' 'inclusive' version to appeal to Gen Z players

Scrabble will have a new gameplay mode that is "less competitive" in order to appeal to Gen Z players, called Scrabble Together. 

According to the New York Post, Mattel will be launching the new version of the game in Europe, which will include a double-sided board in which one side is the classic game, while the other side is a version that uses helper cards, a simple scoring system, allows people to play in teams, and is quicker to play. 

Gyles Brandreth, cohost of the language podcast, “Something Rhymes with Purple” and president of the Association of British Scrabble Players, told BBC Radio 4 Today, "The makers of Scrabble found that younger people, Gen Z people, don’t quite like the competitive nature of Scrabble. They want a game where you can simply enjoy language, words, being together and having fun creating words." 

Ray Adler, vice president, global head of games for Mattel, told the post, "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. 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." 

"Scrabble Together Mode continues to celebrate the wonder of words just as the Classic version does, but thanks to its exciting new co-operative and dynamic gameplay, it’s more accessible and brings people together." 

In the new version of the game, instead of the classic scoring system, players work to finish a goal card to collect it. Such cards include "play a horizontal word," "play a word that touches the edge of the board," and "play a three-letter word." 

To win, a player must collect 20 goal cards. A player that uses all their helper cards without completing a challenge is the loser. 

Mattel said that the new game mode will offer "shorter games" to players. 

The new game will not be available in the United States, as Mattel does not hold the licensing in America. Hasbro is the producer of Scrabble in the US and Canada. 

Brett Smitheram, the current UK number 1 player, said, "The game speaks to a trend in younger people who want to avoid competitive games, instead favoring teamwork and collaboration working towards a fun goal together." 

According to CNN, this is the first major change to the game since its inception in 1938, though the game regularly has words added to its official dictionary.