'Monopoly' Modernizes with Airports and Branding
The classic board game Monopoly is getting a makeover. Monopoly Here and Now features inflated rents, airports instead of railroads, and branded game pieces. Now players can choose to be represented by a Toyota Prius or a cup of Starbucks coffee.
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STEVE INSKEEP, host:
Recapping our top business story, the board game Monopoly is getting a makeover.
Monopoly Here and Now features inflated rents, airports instead of railroads, and branded game pieces. You can forget about moving the shoe, thimble or top hat around the board. Players now choose to be represented by a Toyota Prius or a box of McDonalds French fries, or a cup of Starbucks.
Just as in real life, you can spend the game surrounded by product placement, and the only unrealistic part is that the brands did not ask for this advertising - or pay for it.
It's MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm Steve Inskeep.
RENEE MONTAGNE, host:
And I'm Renee Montagne.
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