By The Numbers

New Monopoly: No jail, and done in 30 minutes

Chau Tu Jul 25, 2013

First it was the tokens, now it’s jail.

Hasbro has taken another major step in revamping its classic board game Monopoly by introducing a new version that eliminates the jail from the board, thereby making the game easily playable in just 30 minutes, according to the game maker.

Monopoly Empire allows players to own and play with major world brands like Coca-Cola and McDonald’s, and promises “fast, fun gameplay.”

The reason, according to the Wall Street Journal, is the busy schedule of children’s lives these days, what with all the after-school activities and sports and obligations. The story says kids prefer to play short games while on the sidelines of their soccer games or on-the-go to another music lesson.

Other board-game companies are turning down the path of “fast games” as well. A round of Scrabble Flash, a version of Scrabble, is supposed to last only 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

Busy or not, the traditional Monopoly game will remain the same: So remember to choose your token wisely.

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