New Scrabble update features team play, ‘helper cards’

One of America’s most iconic board games is getting a Gen Z makeover.

A new version of Scrabble — due in stores later this year — will feature “helper cards” and allow players to work in teams.

Mattel, the game’s manufacturer, believes younger players prefer a more social, less competitive experience.

“(We) found that younger people, Gen Z people, don’t quite like the competitive nature of Scrabble,” British Scrabble president Gyles Brandreth told the BBC today. “They want a game where you can simply enjoy language, words, being together and having fun creating words.”

The new version will first be made available in Europe and will feature a double-sided game board.  One side will feature the traditional game and rules.  The other side, dubbed “Scrabble Together” will feature the new rules.

Online reaction to the changes has been split.  Former World Scrabble champion Brett Smitheram said the new version “speaks to a trend in younger people who want to avoid competitive games and sense of losing, instead favoring teamwork and collaboration working towards a fun goal together.”

Other posters on X have dubbed the new game “Scrabble for Snowflakes“.

Oh what everyone wants.. Scrabble for snowflakes!

What the hell is wrong with people! https://t.co/xFQw6O2SQs

— Kel C ⭐️⭐️ (@Kel_NFFC) April 9, 2024

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