In a move that has sparked controversy and debate, Mattel, the maker of the iconic board game Scrabble, is set to release a new version aimed at appealing to the Gen Z demographic.
This marks the first significant change to the game in its 75-year history, and it has left many questioning the direction of both the game and the generation it seeks to engage.
The updated version of Scrabble will feature two sides: one with the traditional, competitive gameplay that has made the game a household name, and a second, “less competitive” side called Scrabble Together.
This new mode is designed to be more accessible and inclusive, with helper cards, a simpler scoring system, and the ability to play in teams.
'If they're this thick give them a plastic bag to play with.'@LeoKearse on talks of a dumbed down version of Scrabble to make it less challenging for kids. pic.twitter.com/NVqJLmVRz0
— GB News (@GBNEWS) April 10, 2024
According to Gyles Brandreth, broadcaster and British Scrabble president, Mattel’s decision to create this new version was based on research that suggested younger, Gen Z players “don’t quite like the competitive nature of Scrabble” and instead prefer a game where they can “simply enjoy language, words, being together and having fun creating words.”
Brett Smitheram, a former World Scrabble Champion, echoed this sentiment, stating that the new version “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.”
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However, the announcement of Scrabble Together has been met with criticism from some quarters, with people on social media referring to it as “Scrabble for Snowflakes” and “Woke Scrabble.”
These reactions suggest a growing concern that the younger generation may be too fragile to handle the challenges and competition that have been a staple of games like Scrabble for decades.
Ray Adler, vice president and global head of games at Mattel, defended the decision, saying, “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.”
Scrabble makes historic change to game with ‘less competitive,’ ‘inclusive’ version to appeal to Gen Z https://t.co/pg9PxRZxxN pic.twitter.com/jr2AeBdwwU
— New York Post (@nypost) April 9, 2024
He added that Scrabble Together is designed to celebrate the wonder of words while making the game more accessible and bringing people together.
While Mattel’s intentions may be admirable, the need for a “less competitive” version of Scrabble raises questions about the resilience and adaptability of the younger generation.
It is a sad testament to the current state of affairs when a classic game that has been enjoyed by millions for its intellectual challenge and competitive spirit must be altered to cater to a generation that seems to shy away from such experiences.
The release of Scrabble Together serves as a reminder that parents and educators have failed in their responsibility to foster a love for learning, critical thinking, and healthy competition in the next generation.
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By failing to do so, we now have a generation that is ill-equipped to face the challenges and complexities of the real world.
