Scrabble was invented in 1931.
The Origin of Scrabble
The enduringly popular word board game, Scrabble, was conceived and invented in 1931 by Alfred Mosher Butts. An American architect by profession, Butts developed the game during the challenging economic times of the Great Depression. His vision was to create a game that harmonized vocabulary skills with strategic thinking, a concept that would eventually lead to one of the most widely recognized and played board games globally.
Butts undertook a meticulous study of English language usage to inform the game's design. He analyzed the front page of The New York Times to ascertain the frequency of letters, which directly influenced the distribution of letter tiles and their corresponding point values within Scrabble. This analytical approach was fundamental to establishing the game's balanced and engaging play.
Key Facts About Scrabble's Invention
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Game Name | Scrabble |
| Inventor | Alfred Mosher Butts |
| Year of Invention | 1931 |
| Inventor's Field | American Architect |
From its early beginnings, Scrabble has grown significantly in popularity, becoming a staple in households and a cornerstone of competitive wordplay around the world. Its simple yet profound gameplay continues to captivate players of all ages, challenging their linguistic knowledge and tactical abilities.
