By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
Monopoly is not only the best known board game in the world; it’s also arguably the most licensed board game.
Ironically, Hasbro’s star attraction doesn’t insist on a monopoly, as it has been licensed out more than 300 times!
After nine decades, Monopoly has remained a beloved staple of game nights, and a staple of widely varied licensing programs as well. It currently boasts more than a billion players around the world, and in addition to its more than 300 licensed versions, it offers several global experiences, and wide-ranging digital games including MONOPOLY GO! from developer Scopely, which was the top mobile game launch of all time.
Now, after 90 years on the market, Monopoly will see some major changes to game play as Hasbro looks at ways to offer more game play options. Hasbro has announced new updates to Monopoly, as well as expansion packs.
To commemorate the game’s 90th anniversary, Hasbro is releasing three new Expansion Packs: MONOPOLY Go to Jail, MONOPOLY Buy Everything, and MONOPOLY Free Parking Jackpot.
These expansions not only provide quick-turn gameplay but also add twists by giving players a chance to win money, collect new cards to get away with mischief, and unlock opportunities to buy every space on the board. In true monopoly fashion, you can even buy the bank! Perhaps in future versions we’ll see a congressional oversight committee capable of breaking up your monopoly!
To support these updates, Hasbro says it conducted extensive research to understand how fans and families like to play, and what experiences they want to take their gaming to the next level.
“MONOPOLY is more than a board game; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has transcended generations and resonates deeply with players across the globe,” said Brian Baker, Senior Vice President of Board Games at Hasbro. “These all-new expansion packs and the completely redesigned classic board game are a result of deep consumer insights, and I think they truly elevate the Monopoly play experience. “For example, the Monopoly Free Parking Jackpot Expansion was inspired by decades of consumers developing their personal ‘house rules,’ and we wanted to recognize how our consumers have been playing,” Baker explained. “In our 90th year, we’re celebrating the elements our players have loved for nearly a century to keep the exciting gameplay of Monopoly alive for decades to come.”
In addition to the expansions, the classic Monopoly board game is getting an upgraded new look, featuring a sleek, more compact box for storage, along with innovative storage solutions to keep the bank safe from thieves, Monopoly bills crisp and game pieces nice and organized.
Players will also see updated money designs and a return to the classic look fans know and love with the Chance and Community Chest cards, along with high-quality Title Deeds that elevate gameplay. Hasbro says, with stunning modern graphics, larger tokens, houses, and hotels, the game has never looked better.
The revamped Monopoly board game is available now for pre-order on Amazon and will be available at most major retailers this spring in the United States and early this year in Europe.