Mattel introduces a new cooperative Scrabble mode to promote togetherness

Mattel, the company behind the beloved board game Scrabble, has introduced a new cooperative mode designed to improve social interaction and inclusivity between players.

The innovative Scrabble Together edition features a double-sided board and auxiliary cards, for a more collaborative gameplay experience.

Players work together to complete objective cards at their chosen challenge level, using helper cards throughout the game to aid their progress. The mode also offers simplified scores for a faster and more accessible gaming experience. According to Mattel, the idea is to make Scrabble more inclusive for people who find traditional word games intimidating.

Ray Adler, vice president and global head of games at Mattel, expressed the company’s commitment to ensuring Scrabble remains inclusive for all players. He highlighted the game’s enduring popularity and emphasized the importance of bringing people together through gameplay.

Brett Smitheram, the 2016 Scrabble World Champion, noted that the new cooperative mode reflects a trend among younger players who prefer cooperative experiences over competitive gameplay. He emphasized the value of teamwork and collaboration in achieving shared goals.

Research conducted in conjunction with the launch of the cooperative mode found that board games serve as a way to disconnect from social media for more than half of players. Additionally, the majority of respondents cited relaxation and social connection as their top reasons for playing board games.

Different generations have different motivations for playing board games, with relaxation and social connection being especially important for players aged 25 to 54. Despite the perception of intergenerational competitiveness, Scrabble players of all ages enjoy the game for its social and cognitive benefits.

Scrabble’s commitment to linguistic innovation is reflected in the ongoing updates to the official gameplay dictionary. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary has released the seventh edition of its Scrabble Players Dictionary in 2022, with 500 new words, including slang terms and contemporary language derived from current events.

Mattel’s introduction of cooperative Scrabble mode underlines its commitment to promoting social interaction and inclusivity through gameplay, ensuring Scrabble remains a timeless favorite among players of all ages.