Scrabble to change for first time in its 75-year history and become double-sided as part of a new ‘inclusive’ drive to deter people who find words ‘intimidating’ from abandoning the game

Scrabble is set to change for the first time in its 75-year history as part of a new ‘inclusivity’ drive to deter those who find the word game too ‘intimidating’ from abandoning the game. 

The much-loved board game will now be printed with a simpler version on the back of the original board for those whose knowledge of dictionaries and thesauruses are limited. 

The new game from its owners Mattel is called Scrabble Together and will feature a second side ‘to make gameplay more accessible for anyone who finds word games intimidating’.

The decision to unveil a new twist on the classic game came after research by Scrabble found that 75 per cent of those aged between 25 and 34 had to look up if certain words were real while playing the game.

Almost half of Scrabble players have also tried to make up words, a poll of 2,000 adults also found. 

Research also found that a third of Britons think that baby boomers are the most competitive generation, followed by millennials and then Gen Z.

And in a world increasingly becoming more digital, the research showed the importance of switching off, with more than half claiming board games help them unwind.  

The new game has been designed for those aged eight and over as it is set to be a family-friendly game that can be shorter than the original head scratcher.

Said to be designed with ‘inclusivity and collaboration in mind’, Scrabble Together will allow players to work as a team to complete ‘goal cards’. Different levels can be used and a simpler scoring system will be used.

It means participants will not be competing to get the highest score by placing their tiles in strategically placed positions.

Brett Smitheram, current UK number 1 and 2016 World Scrabble Champion who said of the new game: ‘The game speaks to a trend in younger people who want to avoid competitive games and sense of losing, instead favouring teamwork and collaboration working towards a fun goal together.’

Ray Adler, Vice President, Global Head of Games, Mattel, said: ‘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. 

‘With team based and faster gameplay, 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.