Monopoly Live board game eliminates disputes with IR tower
updated 12:30 pm EST, Wed February 9, 2011
Monopoly Live to have electronic overseer
A electronically-controlled version of the classic board game Monopoly is due to arrive in stores this fall, the New York Times says. Called Monopoly Live and made by Hasbro, the board has a 10-inch tower in the center that is powered by four AA batteries and covers the board in infrared light. A camera sees reflectors on each game piece, tracking them and ensuring rent is paid.
The board even makes sure players land on the right piece, controls the flow of money and even rolls virtual dice. Users just need to hide their game piece from the camera with their hand and virtual dice will be rolled, with the respective accompanying sound.
Coming this fall are versions of classic board games like Monopoly that watch your every move and know whose turn is next.
New events include a horse race, auctions and a gas tax, as well as an option to pay to upgrade to utilities with green credentials; surely a sign of the times.
The game will cost $50, or about $35 more than the classic version with the paper money and lack of electronics. Other electronic board games are expected to arrive as well, though what they are isn't yet known.
