NEW DELHI: Popular board game Monopoly feels cash-less is definitely the way forward and has introduced debit cards and an electronic banking unit to keep the gamers hooked on in India.
Mr Monopoly -- also called Rich Uncle Pennybags and the mascot of the game -- will also incentivise gamers switching from the old Monopoly paper notes to the new digital format by offering a cash discount.
The iconic board game, which originated in the US in 1903, has players hooked across the world today. It is published by Hasbro that also owns brands like Transformers and Play-Doh.
Monopoly Electronic Banking, a modern twist on the classic Monopoly, comes with 4 colour-coded debit cards and an easy play electronic banking unit, Hasbro India said in a statement.
"We are moving towards the digital age and India is progressing towards a cashless economy. We believe that the revolutionary step taken by Mr Monopoly is in sync with today's changing scenario," Hasbro India LLP Country Head Bhavesh Somaya said. He added that Monopoly Electronic Banking is part of the company's efforts to showcase how the brand has evolved and made constant innovations keeping in line with latest trends.
The electronic version is already available in markets like the UK, the US, China and some South-East Asian countries. As with the original version, players still operate with money, learn real-world economics, competition and strategy, try to stay out of jail, and try their best to get super rich and 'own it all'.
However, the in-game cash and bank is replaced with 4 debit cards that players can scan on a handheld Electronic Banking unit to make purchases and pay off debts.
The new electronic version of the board game is priced at Rs 1,799 and will be available at major retailers across the country.