Monopoly goes online with giant global game using Google Maps



Google is to team up with one of the world’s biggest board game manufacturers to create an online version of Monopoly.

The search engine has called on Hasbro to produce the game, which will use Google Maps as a board so players can choose from millions of streets around the world to buy.



The online version will be the same as the traditional board game but players will be able to build football stadiums and skyscrapers as well as the usual houses and hotels.

Buy your own address: An online Monopoly view of Mayfair in London. The game uses Google Maps as a board

Building up: The online Google Maps version is being used to launch Monopoly City Streets

The Chance cards will also give players the chance to build prisons and rubbish dumps on their rivals’ streets.

Players start the free game with three million Monopoly dollars and can buy Downing Street for $231,000, while Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, where the White House stands, costs $2 million.

Rent is paid automatically each day, from $50,000 for a house to $100 million for a skyscraper.

Hasbro said: 'It’s a chance to escape the harsh reality of recession and enjoy building up an empire.'

Traditional: The Monopoly board game as we know it. Now manufacturer Hasbro is taking it into the digital age