‘Scrabble’ Revamps Board After Nearly 80 Years To Encourage More Teamwork

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Does a round of Scrabble make you scramble with panic for word soup? You’re not alone. Mattel, the game’s creator, has unveiled a fresh twist on the word-building favorite—Scrabble Together—its biggest change in over 75 years. The new double-sided board is a breath of fresh air for those who find traditional word puzzles intimidating, instead fostering a more “collaborative” yet fast-paced experience.

Complementing the original Scrabble on the same two-in-one board, Scrabble Together ditches the competitive edge, opting for a team-based approach. This speaks to changing gaming preferences—younger generations like Gen Z supposedly prioritize enjoyment of language, creativity, and social interaction, as opposed to one-upping each other.

Image via Mattel

Players work in pairs, strategizing together to form high-scoring words and complete objectives presented on special goal cards. This cooperative twist takes the pressure off individual performance, making it a great choice for family-bonding sessions or casual game nights.

Recognizing that vocabulary prowess can vary, Mattel has introduced a deck of helpful hint cards, along with prompts and clues, customizable to different challenge levels, to help players learn as they go.

Image via Mattel

Further, a simplified scoring system and collaborative nature make it more accessible for those with low reading literacy. For individuals encountering an unfamiliar concept or language, it becomes an opportunity for exploration and learning in a supportive environment.

Scrabble Together represents a thoughtful evolution for a cherished pastime. With an emphasis on cooperation and gentle guidance, and streamlined gameplay, it opens the door to a wider range of players. 

Image via Mattel

[via Entrepreneur, CNN, BBC, USA Today, images via various sources]