Scribble: a drawing game for strangers

Why a game helps

Starting a chat from nothing is hard. A game gives everyone a shared task, a bit of friendly competition and a reason to type. People who would never open a chat with a stranger will happily shout “is it a giraffe?” at a stranger’s squiggle.

The rules in short

• Each round one player draws a secret word.
• Everyone else types guesses. Quicker correct guesses score more.
• The drawer earns points whenever someone guesses, so keep it recognisable.
• The pencil passes to the next player each round.

There is no money, no stakes and no prizes: it is a free social game for fun, for adults aged 18+.

Drawing tips that actually work

• Start with the most recognisable feature of the word.
• Do not draw letters or write the answer.
• Use colour sparingly: a clear shape beats a pretty picture.
• If you are guessing, throw out bold ideas early, then narrow down.

Play fair, stay kind

Players and drawings can be reported with one tap, abusive words are blocked and repeat offenders are banned from the game. If you want something calmer, join the Global chat or use text chat.

Ways to play

• Just guess. Type guesses as fast as you can and let others do the drawing.
• Just draw. Clear drawings earn points and make people laugh.
• Chat while you play. The chat bar works the whole time, so the game doubles as a conversation.
• Use voice if the optional voice mode is on and you would rather talk than type.

Why people stay for another round

A round lasts only a minute or two, so the cost of trying is tiny. You see the same names come back, the scoreboard shows who is on a streak, and a good guess or a terrible drawing is something to react to. That shared moment is what turns strangers into regulars.

A few manners

Do not write the answer into the picture, do not shout it in chat if you are the drawer, and do not send abuse. People play here for a relaxed few minutes, and the game works best when everyone keeps it light.

Common questions