Scrabble's Facebook update spells A-N-G-E-R

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Hannah Rayment playing the Facebook version of Scrabble / Pic: Nic Gibson

The Facebook version of Scrabble / Pic: Nic Gibson

HOW many Scrabble points does "furious" earn on a triple word score? Thousands of fans of the classic board game could probably tell you - if they weren't boycotting it.

Angry Scrabble devotees worldwide are refusing to play their beloved word game after the Facebook version came out with an update - which erased high scores, deleted player contact lists, introduced ads at the end of each turn and changed other key features.
Parent company Mattel's Facebook page has been hijacked by worked-up wordsmiths venting their anger.
Others have posted photos of Scrabble tiles arranged to spell phrases such as "epic fail".
An online petition calling for the old version to be reinstated already has more than 4400 digital signatures, while "Bring Back the Scrabble We Love" Facebook group has almost 2000 new members.
UK Scrabble fan John Lewis, who started the petition, complained people were "almost universally" unhappy about the new digital version.
"There are very few if any of the community of players who have messaged anything positive about the changes," he said.
"Comments are being posted by housebound, elderly, partially sighted, depressed individuals for whom playing Scrabble was an intrinsic part of their lives."
With all the controversial changes, it's probably a good thing Sydney board game fan Hannah Rayment doesn't limit her Scrabble fix to the digital version. "I like the actual board game - sitting down and playing with family and friends," Ms Rayment, 24, said.
"That's the whole point of a board game and digital takes that away but it is good for convenience and when you're on the go."
A Mattel Australia spokesman said there had been a 30 per cent increase in players since last week's launch, which he said was due to increased "virality, engagement and retention".
Benefits of the new version included the ability to play in six languages, customisable boards and tiles and a new official Scrabble word-list.
"As part of the transition with our new partner, EA Mobile, we were unable to carry over ongoing games and statistics," he said. "Throughout the years, Scrabble has gained increasing popularity and has almost become a way of life for our die-hard fans.
"The passion of our regular players is what keeps the game relevant and will ensure it lives on through future generations."
Scrabble is recognised as the world's second-most popular modern board game, behind only Monopoly.
It has sold more than 150 million games, boasts millions more digital users and spawned several online imitations.