Hasbro has released a new game, “Monopoly for Millennials,” and it’s getting some blowback from the very demographic the game is supposedly meant to entertain.
The game’s rules and cover art all play up stereotypes the age group is known for.
The box for the game shows Mr. Monopoly taking a selfie, wearing headphones and a participation medal and holding a coffee. The taglines read: “Forget real estate, you can’t afford it anyway,” and “Adulting is hard. You deserve a break from the rat race!” Rather than win by collecting the most money, the game prompts players to collect experiences—including visiting a friend’s couch, going to a vegan bistro, and hitting a week-long meditation retreat. Game pieces include a hashtag and crying emoji.
Though some people are amused by the game, others found the mockery infuriating and took to Twitter to express their irritation.
Many people expressed their annoyance by taking a jab at Baby Boomers.
Next, Monopoly for Baby Boomers: where you buy property for below value price, only people of color go to jail, and when you pass “Go” you get to complain about Millennials!!! Pic.twitter.com/Nb8vSl79AW
— jon (@jknit135) November 12, 2018
Others questioned Hasbro’s loyalty in creating the game.
@Hasbro Can you provide the URL for the Hasbro-official website featuring "Monopoly for Millennials," where you trash on my age demographic because baby boomers caused an economic catastrophe that rendered us financially impotent for a decade? Thanks! Pic.twitter.com/wmm0WQwnld
— Steven Briggs (@The_Owlchemist) November 11, 2018
Some Twitter users expressed their disappointment in the game and the things it got wrong.
Https://twitter.com/SarahTeeRaymo/status/1061826839444885504
Older Twitter users responded by finding the game amusing.
#MonopolyforMillennials is just too funny!
Well for Generation X it is anyway. 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/STCeHykLN7— Paul Raftree 😈 █ 🎮 (@J3RS3Y_DEVIL) November 14, 2018
Some even took the opportunity to further poke fun at millennials.
Https://twitter.com/JMFingSparks/status/1062761004461776896
Though the game is not found on Hasbro’s website, it is for sale at Walmart.
In a statement, Hasbro defended its decision to make the game and even said some its staff are millennials:
We created Monopoly for Millennials to provide fans with a lighthearted game that allows Millennials to take a break from real life and laugh at the relatable experiences and labels that can sometimes be placed on them. With many of us being Millennials ourselves, we understand the seemingly endless struggles and silly generalizations that young Millennials can face (and we can’t even!). Whether you are a lifestyle vlogger, emoji lover or you make your ‘side hustle’ selling vegan candles, Monopoly for Millennials is for you!