
New Monopoly Sparks Outrage by Ditching Cash for an App | Image Source: www.theverge.com
On March 7, 2025 – Monopoly gets a digital makeover, and not all are excited. Hasbro announced a new version of the iconic board game ​that eliminates physical cash and the role of the traditional ​banker, replacing them with a mobile app. Supported by ​Monopoly App Banking, this update aims ​to speed up the ​game ​and modernize transactions, but it ​sparks passionate debates between fans, educators and parents.
Instead of managing colorful paper bills, players will now scan a credit ​card and use the Monopoly App Banking app to track their money and property. The game will hit ​major ​retailers in August, priced ​at $24.99. While Hasbro takes the new ​system as an effort to make the game more accessible and fast, critics argue that it deprives ​essential learning experiences, nostalgia, and even some of the fun.
How does Monopoly App Banking ​work?
In this updated version, each player selects ​a file and ​a corresponding credit card. Transactions, including purchase ​properties and payment rental, ​are automated through the mobile app. The application replaces the traditional role of banker and ensures that all transactions are accurately recorded, avoiding deception and rationalisation of ​the game.
In addition, Hasbro has changed ​some of the most ​emblematic ​properties ​of the game. ​Park Place and Boardwalk, once the most valuable properties of the board, were replaced by a Rocket Launch Pad ​and the Moon. Other new sites include a chocolate shop, a VR roller coaster and a dinosaur park.
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Why fans and active parents?
Many ​long-time Monopoly players argue that the charm of ​the game lies in its classic elements – effective triangular, strategic money management, and the banker’s always important role. With the application that deals with all financial aspects, critics ​argue that ​a fundamental ​part of the game learning experience is lost. Parents and educators ​often ​use monopoly as a means of teaching children basic mathematical skills, including addition, subtraction ​and financial decision-making. The switch to digital banking eliminates these educational benefits.
“Monopoly’s goal is to teach children to count money and manage it wisely,” ​said a father at the ​Verge. “Now they’ll just touch their phone and let ​an app do anything ​for them. »
Will this version improve the ​game?
Hasbro insists ​that ​the new system makes ​Monopoly more efficient. Without players needing ​to manually count money or discuss bank errors, games need to move faster – potentially eliminating the time ​sessions ​that many players fear. Moreover, since all transactions are ​recorded digitally, it is almost impossible to deceive, a common problem in ​the traditional Monopoly games.
Some players welcome the ​change, noting that many board games have already integrated technology. Monopoly’s digital versions, such as ​Monopoly Go and Monopoly Super Electronic Banking, ​have existed for years. However, critics believe that eliminating cash flow completely alters the basic experience.
Is this the end of the traditional monopoly?
For those ​who prefer the classic ​experience, Hasbro reassures fans that the traditional Monopoly ​games will always be available. However, the company is in ​the banking ​sector because younger ​generations, who ​are already accustomed to digital transactions ​through services such ​as Apple Pay and Venmo, will find Monopoly App Banking more intuitive ​and attractive.
Despite the setback, we must not ​deny that this version of the Monopoly reflects the modern and currencyless society in which we live. It remains to be seen ​whether ​it will be accepted or rejected. ​For now, fans who appreciate the emotion of having a pile of Monopoly silver fat can easily rest knowing that the editions of the ​old school ​do not disappear soon.