Why Is Scrabble So Popular?
Games, recreation and hobbies are ever-changing. Many have a period of time during which they're popular, but eventually lose their appeal. Some, also, are generally categorized for specific age groups or other groups, limiting their range of interest and enjoyment to selected numbers of the population. Scrabble, however, has managed to bypass both of these factors. Since Scrabble first came on the American scene its popularity has not waned in the slightest; and Scrabble is one board game that rises above "special interests," being equally enjoyed by people of all ages, from all backgrounds, and in many countries around the world. It seems that what accounts for Scrabble's universal appeal is that the game is fun, and no one is excluded from participation.
Little children love Scrabble; elderly people love Scrabble; and nearly everyone in between loves Scrabble too. You can find Scrabble in elementary schools and colleges, in nursing homes, and in most families' board game collections. If you were to ask each person why he or she favors the game of Scrabble, you would likely receive a number of different responses. Most answers, though, would in some way reflect the same few points: Scrabble is entertaining, it is educational, and it is social. These factors are all included in whichever form of Scrabble-playing you prefer. And they are factors which add up to widespread and longterm appeal.
Scrabble appeals to the natural curiosity of children. While this factor may not be obvious, playing Scrabble contains an element of discovery and newness which children naturally love. Whether a child is a beginner to this game, or has been playing it for a number of years, he will constantly be finding new things-- new words, new definitions, new spelling and language skills. These new skills also appeal to a child's taste for progress; a child will probably dismiss the fact that he is actually learning something, by focusing on his delight over acquiring new, more, and better skills. In this, he is essentially competing against himself; and when he does this, he wins!
And this enjoyment will continue as he grows older, having other reasons for playing Scrabble.
Older kids usually have a more competitive spirit. Teens and college students will play in order to compete against each other. Informal Scrabble clubs as well as the online variety are good ways to help this competitive spirit blossom in a healthy manner. They will gain much satisfaction from doing their best, and from outdoing other players. In these age groups, socializing is a very important part of life; Scrabble offers this important benefit. Teens and young adults can come together with their peers, meet new people, and interact in a positive manner with an activity that they all have in common. Not only will they develop their Scrabble-playing skills, they will also gain new friendships at the same time.
If you have ever had the opportunity to visit with elderly people at a nursing home, you have probably noticed that they too have an appreciation of this popular board game. As such, it is one which the Activities Directors almost always have in supply. Elderly people enjoy interacting with others in their age-group for this game, and can be just as excited about it as children. It is also something they like sharing with visiting family members and other guests.
Scrabble is also a family favorite. For those who have a standard "family night," as well as others who take such time on a less regular basis, gathering the entire family around the table for a night of Scrabble, conversation and snacks has long been a popular way of mixing entertainment and family bonding together without having to leave home.
Scrabble appeals to everyone, and has done so for decades. It is not likely that its popularity will ever fade.
