RealNetworks is introducing a versatile version of Scrabble on social networking site Facebook, in spite of pledging to save Scrabulous, the popular, unauthorised online variant of the board game.

Recently, a division of RealNetworks introduced ‘Scrabble by Mattel’ on the leading social networking site. The game is though, technically available only to players outside the US and Canada. Curiously, it relies on users to be honest regarding their location to make the geographical distinction. The rights to ‘Scrabble’ are owned by competing firms, a scenario, which appears to be hindering the board game’s introduction to Facebook and other leading social networking sites. This aspect has complicated ongoing negotiations with the Scrabulous creators.

Hasbro owns the legal rights to Scrabble in North America. Mattel holds them across the rest of the globe. RealNetworks has signed deals with both firms for electronic version rights. However, California based Electronic Arts also has a deal with Hasbro. The official Scrabble game had already attracted over 2,000 daily Facebook users. (There are over 600,000 on Scrabulous). The wide popularity of Scrabulous drew the attention of Mattel and Hasbro. Both threatened to take legal action to close it.

Meanwhile, RealNetworks announced it was working with the Scrabulous creators to save the game. The introduction of a competing game on Facebook seems to indicate an about-face in strategy. RealNetworks stated, “It’s important to remember that even if we do reach an arrangement with the Scrabulous creators, both Mattel and Hasbro must approve” any of the Scrabble-related games.