Mattel launches new, less ‘intimidating’ version of Scrabble

Scrabble, one of the world’s best-loved word games, is to get a new “collaborative” and “accessible” version.

Scrabble, one of the world’s best-loved word games, is to get a new “collaborative” and “accessible” version. The game has been around for more than 75 years, entertaining and infuriating players in equal measure with the simple premise of competing to see who can make the highest scoring words from a random selection of letters. Now, an updated game named Scrabble Together adds “a second side to the board that is collaborative and faster-paced to make gameplay more accessible for anyone who finds word games intimidating,” according to a statement from Mattel published Tuesday. Instead of competing, players collaborate to complete goal cards, and there are helper cards if assistance is required. The aim is that the new game mode “brings people together,” Ray Adler, Global Head of Games at the company, said in the statement. “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 said. “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.”