Monopoly is one of the oldest games of all time, and the Essex version has to be up there with the top variants. Players have the chance to travel around all the iconic landmarks in the county, such as Southend Pier, Mountfitchet Castle, and the County Ground, Chelmsford.
The board game still appeals to residents of the region, but it may need updating for modern times. Now that Monopoly has modernised and branched out into a wide array of mobile games, it could be time for the Essex version to get a digital makeover.
Monopoly is Bigger Than Ever in the Digital Age
The main reason why developers should turn their attention to improving the Essex Monopoly offering is that the game has blown up in the digital age and is now bigger than ever. Board games are not as popular as they once were, with mobile games the most popular way of playing in the country. Indeed, according to research from One Shogun, there are more than 11 million people in the UK who play games from their portable devices. Many modern gamers are now discovering Monopoly for the first time through the App Store and the Play Store, rather than as a tabletop leisure activity.
Monopoly was first digitalised in 1997 when Hasbro released a handheld gaming console dedicated to it. It was simply called Monopoly: Electronic Hand-Held. Since then, there have been countless computerised versions that exist both online and as standalone games. Along with titles that players can play for fun, there are also real money Monopoly games that give players a chance to win cash. These include offerings such as Monopoly Grand Hotel, Monopoly Megaways, and Monopoly Mega Match. The games capture the essence of the iconic game, but also introduce a few fresh elements to attract iGaming fans.
How Could the Essex Version of Monopoly be Improved Upon?
Many would say that the Essex version of Monopoly is great as it is, and it doesn’t need improving. However, there are ways that it could be adapted for the digital age, and this could include adding a few new features. Since the localised edition of the classic game hit the market, there have been other board games released that are set in Essex. One of the best-known of these is The Only Way is Essex Board Game. The title is based on the TV hit TOWIE and features top scenes and trivia. Perhaps a computerised Monopoly could combine the best elements of these two offerings.
A digital version of the Essex Monopoly game could also double up as a marketing device to boost tourism in the county. There could be a 3D game that uses real footage, giving players the sense that they are travelling around and looking at all the famous landmarks. This would be an immersive way for people to get a true taste of what Essex has to offer. It could also be a novel experience for residents, who would be able to see their favourite buildings and locations when playing the game.
The Essex Monopoly game will always go down in history as one of the classics, but it may need a few updates to keep attracting contemporary players. Now is the perfect time for developers to create digital versions that offer fresh ways of playing.
