A New Version of "Monopoly" Uses an App to Replace the Cash and the Banker

People love to RAG on “Monopoly” . . . but they also get very touchy whenever any changes are made to the game, since it’s a classic.

Hasbro has announced a new version of “Monopoly” called “Monopoly: App Banking”, which makes the game a little more digital.

The board game elements are mostly the same, with a few, kid-friendly tweaks:  Park Place and Boardwalk have been switched to a Rocket Launch Pad and the Moon.  And other new properties include a chocolate factory . . . a VR roller coaster . . . and a dinosaur park.

The main difference is that there’s no banker, and no physical money.  Instead, there’s a mobile app that processes all the transactions.

Hasbro says the app is great for speeding up the game . . . making it more accessible to younger players . . . and making it harder to cheat.

But, naturally, some people don’t like it.

A common complaint is that the new version can’t be used to teach kids about math, and how to handle money.  And some parents are pretending like their kids don’t have access to a device with apps.

If that’s a concern, the good news is that the classic “Monopoly” will still be sold . . . and there are HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS of copies of the original game out there, not to mention all the variations for every city, hobby, and interest.

(So, the “Monopoly: Golden Girls” game in your closet will not suddenly switch to requiring a smartphone app, with two-factor authentication.)

The “App Banking” version is expected to show up at most major retailers this August for $24.99.  And the mobile app will be FREE to download.

(The Verge / Hasbro)

(It’s worth pointing out that lots of banking is done through an app now.  So while math and “making change” is important, there are still plenty of opportunities to learn those skills in a paperless, digital wallet world.)