Prius has a role in the new "Monopoly Here & Now" game Toyota's Prius has a key role in the new game. Remember the little metal car used as one of the game pieces? The Packard roadster is now replaced by America's number one hybrid automobile. Other new game pieces include a laptop, a cell phone, an airplane, McDonald's french fries, a Starbucks coffee mug and a New Balance running shoe.
Much more has changed. Railroads are now airports; utilities have become an Internet service and a cell phone provider; taxes have changed to interest on credit card debt; and all game values have increased by $10,000.
A mammoth public relations and advertising campaign will introduce "Monopoly Here & Now" nationwide between mid-September and the year-end holiday season. Millions of wallet-size game boards and game pieces will be distributed in a Monopoly McDonald's promotion as well.
Monopoly has been phenomenally successful since the game was invented in 1934 by Charles Darrow and launched by Parker Brothers in 1935. It's been published in 27 languages, sold in 81 countries and played by 750 million people. More than 250 million games have been sold over the years, and current worldwide retail sales amount to more than $200 million a year.
Much more has changed. Railroads are now airports; utilities have become an Internet service and a cell phone provider; taxes have changed to interest on credit card debt; and all game values have increased by $10,000.
