Mattel launches scrabble together, a “less intimidating” version of the classic game.

(Garcia) 

Mattel has announced the launch of Scrabble Together, a new version of the iconic word game aimed at fostering collaboration and accessibility among players. This update marks a significant shift in Scrabble’s traditional competitive format, offering an alternative gameplay designed to bring people together in a more inclusive gaming experience. 

Scrabble Together introduces a double-sided board, featuring the classic version of the game on one side and a collaborative mode on the other. In this collaborative mode, players must work together to complete goal cards rather than competing against each other. Additionally, helper cards are available to provide assistance during gameplay, making the experience less intimidating, challenging, and competitive for those who may not enjoy word games or find them difficult. 

Ray Alder, global head of games at Mattel, highlighted that the company’s commitment to ensuring Scrabble remains inclusive for all players. Alder expressed, “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.” The decision to introduce Scrabble Together reflects broader trends observed among younger generations, as indicated by research conducted by Mattel among British board gamers. The study revealed a growing preference for teamwork and collaboration over competitiveness, particularly among millennials and Gen-Z players. While this is the first major change to the look of the scrabble board, the game regularly adds new words to its official dictionary to keep up as the English language evolves. 

The updated version of the game will be available across Europe, a Mattel spokesperson told CNN interviewers on Tuesday, 9th of April, 2024. But the new inclusive version of the game will not be available in the US due to Mattel’s licensing restrictions. 

Scrabble together offers a collaborative twist on a timeless favorite and invites players of all skills levels to enjoy the engaging and fun wordplay game in a new way. 

Work cited: (MLA 8) 

Guy, Jack. “Mattel Launches New, Less “Intimidating” Version of Scrabble | CNN Business.” CNN, 9 Apr. 2024, edition.cnn.com/2024/04/09/business/scrabble-together-game-scli-intl-gbr/index.html. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024. 

Lamche, Anna. “Scrabble Together: “It Feels a Bit like Cheating.”” Bbc.com, BBC News, 14 Apr. 2024, www.bbc.com/news/uk-68801704. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024. 

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“Gen Z Wanted a Scrabble More Conducive to Hanging Out. Mattel Was Happy to Oblige.” The New York Times, 2024, www.nytimes.com/2024/04/12/crosswords/mattel-scrabble-together.html. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024. 

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“Scrabble® Board Game, Classic Family Word Game with Two Ways to Play for 2-4 Players.” Mattel Shop, 2022, shopping.mattel.com/fr-fr/products/scrabble-hwd43-en-gb. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024. 

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Marsh, Sarah. “New Cooperative Scrabble Launched “to Bring People Together.”” The Guardian, The Guardian, 9 Apr. 2024, www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/apr/09/new-cooperative-scrabble-launched-to-bring-people-together. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024. 

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