Monopoly is one of my favorite classic board games, and one that almost all of us grew up playing. Many of us have passed the tradition down to our own kids as well, teaching them how to budget and spend the colorful paper cash that comes with the game. The excitement of stacking up all those paper bills may be coming to an end very soon.
Hasbro recently released its new “Ultimate Banking” Monopoly set at Toy Fair 2016, and the new version comes with significant changes. Instead of managing piles of pink, green, and blue paper bills, players will now scan bar codes on property cards to purchase or rent homes, and then tap a debit card on a card reader to finish the transaction.
It’s understandable that Hasbro feels pressure to keep up with a paperless world, but many parents are upset by the changes.
“I’m disappointed!” said Today money expert Jean Chatzky. “What parent hasn’t had the experience with a child wanting something, being told no, and the child saying something along the lines of, ‘We’ll just get more money from the machine’? Children need to understand how money gets into the machine to begin with.”
“I am worried my kids won’t even recognize cash!” added TODAY.com parenting editor and mother-of-two Rebecca Dube. “While I definitely appreciate the convenience of credit cards, it seems like counting up those ones, fives and tens is a good learning experience the next generation will miss out on.”
On Facebook, many parents are agreeing with the above sentiments.
“I’m sorry, but this version will make us lazier in learning and maintaining finances…. not to mention less fun for family nights,” wrote one parent. “Epic fail.”
“Do not want or like this version,” added another. “Maybe I am old fashioned but I like the original version.”
“How am I supposed to cheat now??” one person commented.
I think these are all valid concerns, however many of us only use plastic nowadays to make our purchases.
What are your thoughts on the changes?
