Stories From the Nanny State: Monopoly 2.0

My heart sank after i read this article in the New York times. Hasbro has come out with Monopoly 2.0, but this time there is a computer watching your every move and insuring there is no funny business with the banking, or modifications of rules. It even watch how many space you move. ..


"Hasbro showed a preview of the new version, called Monopoly Live, at this week’s Toy Fair in New York. It is the classic Monopoly board on the outside, with the familiar railroads like the B.& O. and the development of property. But in the center, instead of dice and Chance and Community Chest cards, an infrared tower with a speaker issues instructions, keeps track of money and makes sure players adhere to the rules. The all-knowing tower even watches over advancing the proper number of spaces." (New York Times)

So big brother is even watching over the comical board game of free market enterprise. This truly is a sad day for Monopoly players everywhere. I remember as a child having to do the math in my head as to the cost/revenue figures of property owner ship. Or creating investment plans with my friends to get the highest yielding returns on my property investment. Now with the All Knowing Computer watching over the game the experiences will never be the same. All we need know is the bailout button and the game will be a direct representation of our current economy. I just hope they don't try to change anymore of my childhood board games. Apples to Apples the PC version? Risk the UN addition? The future of board games looks bleak indeed.