Box of the "Ms. Monopoly" board game featuring an animated female character in the foreground, with the tagline "The first game where women make more than men", colorful buildings in the background, and the Monopoly logo at the top.
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Ms. Monopoly (2019)

ByMichail

Ms. Monopoly

Ms. Monopoly is a version of the classic board game Monopoly that was released by Hasbro in 2019. The game recognizes women inventors and gives bonuses to female players. The game was created to celebrate women who have challenged the status quo and to inspire everyone, young and old. However, the game has been criticized for its misplaced feminism and for failing to recognize the enormous role that Lizzie Magie played in the creation of Monopoly. Magie created the game upon which Monopoly was based, but Charles Darrow copied her idea and sold it to Parker Brothers, which later became a Hasbro brand.

Why is Ms. Monopoly Popular?

Ms. Monopoly is significant because it recognizes women inventors and celebrates women entrepreneurs and inventors. However, the game has also been criticized for its patronizing pointlessness and for creating a surface-level fantasy world where women succeed simply because of their gender. The game has sparked a conversation about the role of women in board games and the importance of recognizing the contributions of female inventors.

Game Components of Ms. Monopoly

  • Gameboard: Features inventions created by women.
  • Tokens: Include a notebook and pen, a jet, a glass, a watch, a barbell, and Ms. Monopoly’s white hat.
  • Invention cards: Highlight groundbreaking inventions by women.
  • Chance and Community Chest cards: Provide different payouts based on gender.
  • Headquarters: Replace traditional houses and hotels.
  • Money pack: Includes different starting amounts and salaries for male and female players.
  • Dice: Standard two dice for movement.
  • Game guide: Instructions for setup and gameplay.

    How To Setup Ms. Monopoly

    To set up Ms. Monopoly, begin by placing the gameboard in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a token and places it on the “Go” space. Female players start with $1,900, while male players start with $1,500. Each player receives their respective starting amount and salary rules are explained. Shuffle and deal the Invention cards, Chance cards, and Community Chest cards. Determine who goes first by rolling the dice; the player with the highest number goes first.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Starting Money: Female players start with $1,900; male players start with $1,500.
  • Salary: Female players collect $240 when passing “Go”; male players collect $200.
  • Properties: Replaced by inventions created by women, such as WiFi, chocolate chip cookies, and modern shapewear.
  • Headquarters: Built instead of houses and hotels.
  • Chance and Community Chest: Cards provide gender-specific payouts.
  • Objective: The goal is to bankrupt other players and own everything on the board, similar to traditional Monopoly.

    Player Experience

    Ms. Monopoly offers a unique player experience by flipping the traditional Monopoly script, where women have financial advantages. This game is designed to spark conversations about income inequality and celebrate women’s contributions to science, technology, and everyday life. Players navigate a board filled with historical inventions by women, adding an educational element to the game.

    Pros

  • Educational: Highlights women’s inventions and contributions.
  • Conversational Starter: Brings attention to income inequality.
  • Empowerment: Celebrates female empowerment and achievements.
  • Variety: Offers a fresh twist on the classic Monopoly game.

    Cons

  • Gender Bias: Criticized for giving unfair advantages to female players.
  • Surface-Level Solution: Seen as glossing over the complex issue of income inequality.
  • Resentment: Could create resentment among male players.
  • Historical Oversight: Fails to acknowledge Lizzie Magie, the original inventor of The Landlord’s Game, the precursor to Monopoly.

    Personal Thoughts on Ms. Monopoly

    Ms. Monopoly is for those who are interested in a game that not only entertains but also educates and sparks important conversations. It is particularly suited for families with children aged 8 and up, as it combines fun with learning about women’s historical contributions. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a traditional Monopoly experience or those who are sensitive to the game’s gender-based mechanics. Despite its controversies, Ms. Monopoly serves as a creative way to address and discuss real-world issues in a playful setting.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl