By Gio Arteaga
Monopoly, the timeless classic of wheeling and dealing in the world of property, has taken a leap into the digital age with Monopoly Go. But hold onto your top hats and wheelbarrows, folks, because this isn’t just any digital makeover. Monopoly Go has decided to embrace its inner influencer and plaster the board with more ads than you can shake a Chance card at! However, I had an unfortunate encounter with the app and decided to play with my friends which proved to be a massive mistake for the following reasons…
Gone are the days of peacefully buying up railroads and utilities; now every move you make is accompanied by a sponsored message. Want to buy Boardwalk? Sure, just sit through a 30-second ad for luxury yachts first. Thinking of mortgaging your properties to raise some cash? Well, first you’ll need to watch a video on how to get the perfect beach body in just 10 days!
But wait, there’s more! Monopoly Go isn’t content with just bombarding you with ads during gameplay. Oh no, they’ve taken it a step further. Now, when you roll the dice, instead of hearing the satisfying clack-clack of plastic on cardboard, you’re greeted with a voiceover announcing, “This dice roll is brought to you by Monopoly Go Plus – for when regular Monopoly just isn’t enough!”
And let’s not forget the Community Chest and Chance cards. Those innocent little pieces of cardstock that used to bring joy (or despair) are now virtual billboards for the latest products and promotions. “You’ve won second prize in a beauty contest! Redeem your prize at Sephora for 20% off your next purchase!” Thanks, but I think I’ll stick to my “Get Out of Jail Free” card, if you don’t mind. Of course, Monopoly purists are up in arms about this blatant commercialization of their beloved game. “It’s like playing inside a shopping mall,” one disgruntled player lamented. “I just wanted to bankrupt my friends, not be bombarded with ads for things I don’t need!”
But for others, the ads are just part of the experience. “I love seeing what new products they’re promoting,” one enthusiastic player said. “I mean, who knew I needed a Monopoly-themed toaster until now?”
Love it or hate it, one thing’s for sure – Monopoly Go ads are here to stay. So the next time you roll the dice and land on a square advertising the latest fad diet or trendy gadget, just remember: it’s all part of the game. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to sit through another ad before I can pass “Go” and collect my $200.