Monopoly players poke fun at new version of game which eliminates cheating

Monopoly has entered the digital age with the launch of an electronic, cashless edition of the classic board game.

Manufacturer Hasbro has unveiled ‘Monopoly Voice Banking’, which uses voice-recognition technology to manage and record “all of the game’s transactions”.

Players will communicate with a digital ‘Mr Monopoly’ banker, who will “keep tabs on players’ money and properties so there’s no cash or cards to think about,” Hasbro explained.

This means that anyone used to slipping a couple of coloured banknotes up their sleeve, or bartering over properties, will face a new challenge: they won’t be able to cheat.

Fans of the game have joked about the new system, vowing to get around the all-controlling Mr Monopoly or claiming indignantly that cheating was “half the fun”.

“Aha. I shall get my computer to hack the hat so I can cheat,” commented one amused user.

“Game changer!! Voice banking no money in new monopoly lol can't be sneaking extra cash into your own pile anymore,” tweeted another.

While another Twitter user wrote: “Monopoly was released as a capitalism simulation and if people in real life can cheat to get ahead then cheating in monopoly is totally within the rules.”

The latest version of the popular family game will replace its famous paper bank notes with a top hat-shaped smart-speaker and a button on top of the playing pieces.

Mr Monopoly will manage all of the players’ finances and transactions – all they will need to do is address the top-hat in the centre of the board.

The game’s description states: “Talk to Mr Monopoly and he responds. Press your token’s button and say, ‘Buy St James Place’ and Mr Monopoly will track the transaction, keeping the game moving.

“The iconic Monopoly top hat is voice-activated and the personality of Mr Monopoly really shines as he handles all of the transactions.”

The range of the electronic banker’s conversational abilities is not yet clear, although it is understood he will be able to announce “You’re bankrupt!” and “Go to jail!”

The new edition will also include some further alterations, including a four-player maximum instead of six, and fewer available properties on the board – 32 instead of 40 – in a bid to speed the game up.

The Monopoly Voice Banking game is currently only available in the US for $29.92 (£23.45).

It will reportedly be available in the UK from August, for £30.