In a move to "bring people together", US toy giant Mattel has launched an update to the iconic board game Scrabble – after 75 years of the game being unchanged.

Seen by some as a move for the "TikTok generation" (who are often and perhaps condescendingly reported to have shorter attention spans), the departure and new optional format for the game features a double-sided board so that people can team up and play, completing goal cards at a selected challenge level. 

Further measures to speed the game up include helper cards – with the maker saying the move aims to make the game more inclusive and encourage those who might find all the word play a little daunting. The tweaked design is also said to emphasise in-game fun, rather than winning or losing.

Whether Alfred Mosher Butts might approve remains unknown, although the American architect who invented the game in 1938 (and originally called it 'Criss-Crosswords') lived long enough - until 1996 - to see how popular the game had become as a global family entertainment.

Scrabble is now available in more than 121 nations and made in 30 languages. Half of all UK homes are believed to own a set, while there are more than 4,000 Scrabble clubs internationally.

Hasbro produces the game in the USA and Canada, but California-based Mattel owns the rights to make the game for external markets.

Ray Adler, vice-president and global head of games at Mattel, said: "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. For anyone who's ever thought 'word games aren't for me', or felt a little intimidated by the classic game, Scrabble Together mode is an ideal option."

Mr Adler said the game still allows players to celebrate the "wonder of words" but also "brings people together".

Mattel also points to research to coincide with the launch of the new version: it points to 51% of players using board games as a way of unplugging from social media, while 65% said the pastime helped them to switch off.

2023 was an eventful year for the global toy giant: Mattell saw sales of its Barbie doll surge by 16% in the third quarter of the year. And to add a bit of literall gloss to that windfall, it has this week revealed the decision to launch a "Barbiecue" pink mayo sauce in Spain and the UK as part of a special collaboration with Heinz.

A spokesman said: "This pink vegan mayo with BBQ sauce comes following last year's continued Barbiecore craze, with Heinz teasing its fans about whether this dream condiment concoction should be made a reality.

"After this huge public demand, Mattel and Heinz are now launching this dreamy sauce just in time to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of the Barbie brand...because Barbie dreams really do come true."

● Mattel's brand portfolio also includes: Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket.