This marks a significant shift.

In a departure from its traditional format after 75 years, Mattel is introducing a groundbreaking update to the beloved board game Scrabble, heralding a “No More Scoring” gameplay option.

The innovative release presents a dual-sided version of the iconic game: one side features the original gameplay, catering to enthusiasts of the time-honored traditional version, while the other side offers a “less competitive” variant designed to resonate with Gen Z gamers.

The flip side, dubbed Scrabble Together, introduces helper cards, a simplified scoring system, expedited gameplay, and the option for team play. Gyles Brandreth, co-host of the language podcast Something Rhymes With Purple, explained to BBC Radio 4 Today that younger players, particularly Gen Z, expressed a preference for a less competitive environment, seeking a game focused on enjoying language, words, and camaraderie.

Scrabble Together is tailored for individuals who may find the classic game daunting or believe that word games aren’t their forte. Ray Adler, vice president of global games for Mattel, emphasized the company’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity in gameplay, stating, “Scrabble Together mode is an ideal option” for those who may feel intimidated by the traditional version.

While the introduction of Scrabble Together has garnered praise for its innovative approach, some critics have disparagingly labeled it “Scrabble for Snowflakes” and “Woke Scrabble.”

So, what’s different? In addition to the dual-sided board, helper cards provide assistance, prompts, and clues tailored to the player’s preferred challenge level. Scoring becomes obsolete in the new version, replaced by the completion of goal cards, each presenting challenges such as playing specific words or achieving certain board placements. The first player to complete 20 challenges wins, while exhausting all helper cards without fulfilling a challenge leads to defeat.

The implementation of these new rules and scoring methods aims to facilitate shorter games and align with the preference for collaborative, goal-oriented gameplay observed among younger players.

Although Scrabble Together is set to launch in Europe, it won’t be available in the US due to licensing constraints. Hasbro, the producer of Scrabble in the US and Canada, has not yet commented on the matter.

Scrabble, a hallmark of board gaming since 1938, has adapted to evolving language usage by continually updating its dictionary. The introduction of Scrabble Together precedes National Scrabble Day on April 13, marking another milestone in the game’s rich history.

Reflecting on the game’s evolution, Brandreth remarked, “We play the original game, but change is inevitable.”