Scrabble to allow celebrity names and cos

It’s a move that is likely to enrage purists and wordsmiths alike — for the first time in nearly 62 years, popular word game Scrabble will change its rules to allow celebrity names and companies.

The decision, by games giant Mattel, will allow the celebrity, geographic and sports worlds to invade the most popular word game, as players would be permitted to use names like London, brand labels including Pepsi, and star monickers such as Jordan, Beyonce and Shakira.

Mattel has promised the new rules will be a “great new twist” to encourage younger players to take part. It is also considering allowing words to be spelt backwards and upwards on the board — and the placing of letters unconnected to other words.

The updated board game is due out in July but the original version will still be available with the old rules.

But the announcement has caused outrage among regular players with accusations that the company is “dumbing down” the game, the British media reported.

Richard Lyon, Chairman of the Cambridge Scrabble club, will not be playing by the new rules, even though his college Fitzwilliam becomes the highest scoring Cambridge college with a minimum 28 points.