Don’t buy another Monopoly game
You read that right – we don’t think your family should buy Monopoly.
Why?
Because chances are you already have 1 too many Monopoly games and they’re the dustiest board games on your game shelves. In the US, Monopoly is perhaps the most sold and least played game around.
Sure it may be the most popular game on the game store aisle of the big box stores, and it may be the first game that comes to mind if asked what board games you played growing up. But that doesn’t mean that it’s particularly a good family board game or that you have fun playing it. In fact, the most we hear about Monopoly games are that they go on way too long or that people walk away before the game is over. And it’s not like the game mechanics change as the game progresses. So after 2 hours you’re still just rolling the dice and going in circles. Not much chance for any thinking or strategy there.
So why do so many people keep buying Monopoly?
- People buy games based on familiarity – they buy what they know or what they grew up playing and want to pass it on down the line.
- Most people only shop at big box stores for their games – that’s not to say that you can’t find good games at those stores. In fact, lately the selection of games have been improving at those stores.
- People like the themes, not the game – Monopoly has done so well with adding themes to the base game that people buy because they like the theme: Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Disney, National Parks, Peanuts, Nintendo, and the list goes on and on.
Well, we want to see the madness stop. So please don’t buy another Monopoly game for your kids or grandkids for Christmas. Buy a fun family board game instead.
But what if you actually do like Monopoly?
First we suggest you ask yourself what it is about Monopoly that you really like. Then check out this great video by Scott Nicholson, an expert when it comes to analyzing board games. In this episode he takes each aspect of Monopoly and recommends other games related to those aspects. So for example, if you like to Collect Sets of Stuff, then take a look at Zooloretto. If you like Buying Properties, then try Acquire, and so on.
Note: If you want to skip the animated intro, skip ahead to 1:50.
What do we recommend instead?
For ideas of other games that your family might enjoy instead, take a look at the games we consider to be “Must-Have” family board games. They all offer lots of fun for your family game time.
So head to your friendly, local game store this week and find some great new games that you can give your family for Christmas. Christmas really is the perfect season to spend time with your family playing great board games together.
I love this game and i already have some of them.
I love this game and i already have some of them.
Great article and recommendations. The video is interesting too. My son was given a Monopoly for Xmas 2 years ago, and I haven’t been able to bring myself to play it. It goes on for too long for a game with no strategy, excitement or changes. After seeing my son being able to play it and sit for over an hour at the table with his grandmother I’ve decided to get him more board games that I knew I’d be keen to play : labyrinth and mastermind. They were a big hit so after doing some research I stumbled across your website and others (Islaythedragon for example) and was wowed by all those games out there! Since I’ve invested in more games : Kingdomino, Dragonwood, Sleeping Queens, Qwirkle to name a few.. all worth it and monopoly is nearly forgotten! I also hope to get my partner into games a bit.
Johanna – Glad you’ve been able to find more games that capture the experience you’re looking for!
I sense the Millennial and GenZ attitude. Younger generations brought up on computer games and instant gratification. My generation have patience and don’t mind spending all evening playing MONOPOLY.