The horror: In an effort to appeal to younger audiences and dumb people, Mattel, which owns the distribution rights to Scrabble, has announced that they are changing the game’s rules to allow for proper nouns. (Some background for non-players: Except for a few tricky exceptions, names and places have always been strictly forbidden in the past.) Other “great new twists” to the game currently up for debate include allowing players to spell words backwards and play words that are unconnected to other pieces. Which we think sounds nothing like Scrabble at all. Poor Alfred Butts must be rolling in his grave. Is nothing sacred?
Comments (6)
.elbirret eb dluow sihT
I don’t think the term “dumb down” is applicable anymore. In some cases it’s “dumbing up.”
I suppose the big question now is whether or not Xo Ju Zy of China will be in the Official Scrabble Players’ Celebrity Guide? Alfred Butts, the inventor of Scrabble, and his innovative game did not deserve this level of indignity.
Some of you might find the discussion of Scrabble’s woes and the game at the link below of interest. It does not share the problems.
http://www.wildwords.us
Hope you will take a look.
Peter
what about jay-zee? and then, can you spell it jz? jayzee? or any other variation? what about jeff? or lizzy? i hate it.
That’s great news ! ZRXYWQK is finally allowed…
Ah!
Post a new comment