Adapted by:
Javier Márquez
WriterI've been in media for over a decade, but I've been marveling at the possibilities that technology brings us much longer. I believe we live in a world where the digital revolution is changing everything and that Xataka is the best place to write about it.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
Digital entertainment has never been so diverse. With a wide range of TV shows, films, video games, and music available, the options seem almost endless. However, there are times when you seek the opposite: a chance to disconnect and step away from screens and notifications. For those moments, there’s nothing better than reading a good book or enjoying a board game. Yet, even these activities have been influenced by technology.
Just as e-books have transformed the way we read, board games have also evolved. This evolution isn’t new. Digital versions of classics such as chess and Go have existed for decades. However, the trend has recently advanced further. Some board games now combine physical components with mobile apps. A prime example of this is Monopoly.
Monopoly Goes Modern With a New Mobile App
The latest version of Monopoly introduces an app for the first time. While the classic board remains the same, players will now need to use a phone or tablet to manage money and game operations. In other words, the printed banknotes you used to handle will now be replaced by transactions carried out directly on the screen. The app will also help control properties and manage all transactions within the game.
Hasbro, the owner of Monopoly, explains that this “app-assisted” format not only speeds up gameplay by taking on the functions of the bank but also incorporates mini-games to enhance the fun. Each player selects a token and its corresponding bank card, which are scanned directly through the app along with Title Deed cards.
Monopoly App Banking is designed for kids and features a rocket launch pad, a chocolate factory, and a roller coaster as some of the most valuable properties. The updated version will be available this spring in the U.S. Notably, the classic versions of the game and its expansions are still available.
Updating a classic game doesn’t mean losing its core essence. The app aims to streamline gameplay, which can sometimes become lengthy and complicated, while introducing new mechanics to refresh the experience and make it more user-friendly. However, this approach may not appeal to those who view board games as a way to escape the constant presence of screens.
Images | Joshua Hoehne | Hasbro
Related | The 33 Best Board Games: From ‘Catan’ to ‘Codenames’
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