Eric Wood – SVP of Publishing at Scopely – on transcending generations and geographies with MONOPOLY GO!

Eric, it’s great to connect. For anyone new to Scopely, can you talk us through the studio and the kinds of play experiences you focus on?
Scopely is the number one mobile games company in the US, driven by a mission to “inspire play, every day.” We specialise in creating deeply engaging interactive worlds where players can connect, collaborate, and build lasting communities.

We’re home to a very diverse portfolio of games on mobile, PC and console, including beloved titles like Stumble Guys, Star Trek Fleet Command, MARVEL Strike Force and MONOPOLY GO!, the biggest mobile game launch of all time. While our games span a wide range of genres, they are all highly-social, dynamic experiences that players want to return to for years on end.

Let’s dive into MONOPOLY GO! What brought you and Hasbro together?
The Scopely and Hasbro teams have a long-standing partnership with a shared belief in the power of play. We are both passionate about bringing timeless games to life in new and innovative ways for modern audiences. Since 2015, we’ve worked together to reimagine beloved games into Yahtzee with Buddies, Scrabble GO, and MONOPOLY GO! as the latest milestone in that journey.

“We wanted to preserve the emotions of the original game, while creating something entirely new and fresh.”

It may sound like an odd question but what appealed about crafting something around the MONOPOLY IP?
The original MONOPOLY board game is a cultural touchstone that has connected families and friends for 90 years. It’s one of those rare games that’s instantly recognisable and universally loved. That’s because it’s more than a game; it’s an experience that evokes nostalgia filled with playful rivalries – from the highs of charging your parents rent, to the lows of getting bankrupted by a friend.

Absolutely. And what was it important to retain from the classic game in MONOPOLY GO!? And where did you see opportunities for innovation?
With MONOPOLY GO!, the talented game making team at Scopely wanted to preserve the emotions of the original game, while creating something entirely new and fresh. The team integrated modern social features, ongoing live events and a thriving in-game ecosystem where players can engage daily in friendly competition, form alliances and celebrate wins together. It’s been an amazing journey watching MONOPOLY GO! connect with a massive global audience that transcends generations and geographies.

Were there any key decisions during the development of the game that proved key to its success?
First and foremost, the team has always prioritised community-driven experiences. Players see the faces of friends and family on their game boards and build their fortunes faster by making connections with others. The competitive spirit of MONOPOLY is alive and well, as players can knock down each other’s landmarks or rob their friend’s bank. But teamwork is also essential to the game… For example, opening the Community Chest requires help from at least five friends.

“Players aren’t just rolling dice; they’re teaming up with friends, joining community-driven events, and forming global connections.”

The gameplay is a highly dynamic live service experience, which allows us to continuously introduce new content, events, and features. There’s always a new challenge to uncover or world to explore in MONOPOLY GO!

Finally, we took a global approach to ensure we created a game that resonated with players worldwide. MONOPOLY GO! is available in 15 languages and is filled with cultural references and hidden Easter eggs, as well as hundreds of uniquely crafted city boards that appeal to a wide audience across backgrounds and demographics.

As mentioned, MONOPOLY GO has been a mammoth success story. Why do you feel it has resonated to such an extent?
At its core, MONOPOLY GO! resonates because it captures the emotions that have made MONOPOLY a beloved game and cultural icon for nearly a century. Our team has worked hard to capture the thrill of the game and the unpredictability that makes it fun – while modernising it for a mobile-first audience in a colourful, pocket-sized package.

Beyond gameplay, we designed MONOPOLY GO! to be a shared experience. Players aren’t just rolling dice; they’re teaming up with friends, joining community-driven events, and forming global connections.

MONOPOLY GO has since spawned a tabletop board game from Hasbro. Does that feel as much a ‘full circle’ moment as it looks on the outside?
Absolutely – it’s the ultimate “meta” moment! Seeing MONOPOLY GO! evolve from an idea to the number one mobile game launch of all time, and now into a physical board game that families and friends can play together in person, is truly special.

It’s a testament to how digital and physical experiences now complement and feed into each other in exciting new ways. The MONOPOLY GO! board game captures the high-energy fun of the mobile version and translates it into an easy-to-learn, competitive IRL experience that brings people together – just like its mobile counterpart. It’s surreal, rewarding and, most of all, a reminder that great game design can bridge platforms.

Absolutely. Last question – MONOPOLY celebrates its 90th anniversary this year. Why do you feel the brand continues to endure?
MONOPOLY has remained relevant for 90 years because it taps into universal and timeless themes – strategy, luck, competition and social interaction – that resonate across generations. Whether played around a kitchen table or a smartphone, MONOPOLY has a unique ability to bring people together, creating lasting memories of joy and nostalgia.

Another key factor to its longevity is the game’s versatility. From themed editions and digital adaptations to mobile-first experiences like MONOPOLY GO!, the brand has continuously evolved to meet players where they are while staying true to its essence.

Eric, thanks for making time and congrats again on the success of the game.