EA and Hasbro launch official Facebook Scrabble game

Looks like the days ahead for unofficial Facebook Scrabble-like game Scrabulous are numbered – EA has launched its own official app for the social networking site backed by Hasbro.

Hasbro, the US rights holder to Scrabble, signed a deal with EA’s casual games label last year to develop multiple games based on its board games an entertainment properties.

Facebook app game Scrabulous has amassed a huge following, although the game itself – which replicates the popular word grid game – reportedly faced a legal challenge from Mattel and Hasbro, the joint rights holders to the game.

EA’s version creates an officially approved rival – the game will launch later this month on both Facebook and Electronic Arts’ casual games portal Pogo.com.

EA and Hasbro said the new game is the first of a suite of new free games using popular board game properties.

 "Scrabble is one of the best social game brands in existence and we’ve worked diligently with the Hasbro team to ensure that regardless of the platform you’re playing, you’ll be able to enjoy a world class version of Scrabble with friends or family," said Chip Lange, GM of EA Hasbro Games.

"We’re delighted to be bringing communities everywhere access to one of their favorite games."

Mark Blecher, GM of Hasbro Digital Media and Gaming, added: "Hasbro, together with EA, is eager to share our expertise and technological know-how by bringing a genuine Scrabble experience to fans throughout the US and Canada whenever they want and wherever they go.

"We understand the current popularity and potential of web-based and social network gameplay for a wide range of our toy and game brands. EA and Hasbro are committed to providing Scrabble fans with a great digital game experience."