How to develop a board game like Monopoly Go?

Board games have been a source of entertainment for families and friends for generations. From simplest games like Snake & Ladder and Ludo, to complex games like Businessman, Monopoly, etc. countless games have filled our childhoods with laughter and competition. In recent years, these classic experiences have been reimagined for the mobile world, allowing us to play anywhere, anytime. 

One such successful adaptation is Monopoly GO!, the digital version of the iconic Monopoly board game. Since its debut, the game has consistently ranked among the top family and board game apps.

This article explores the popular mobile game Monopoly GO!, a digital adaptation of the iconic board game Monopoly.

We’ll delve into the core gameplay mechanics that make Monopoly GO! successful, along with its unique features that cater to the mobile platform. Whether you’re a nostalgic Monopoly fan or a curious entrepreneur, this article will provide valuable insights into what makes a mobile board game like Monopoly GO! thrive.

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What is Monopoly GO?

Monopoly GO! is the digital adaptation of the beloved board game Monopoly, bringing the classic experience to mobile devices. Developed by Scopely, a leading mobile game publisher, Monopoly GO! launched in 2023 and has quickly captured the hearts of players worldwide. It faithfully recreates the core gameplay mechanics of buying properties, building houses and hotels, and collecting rent from opponents as they land on your holdings.

But Monopoly GO! isn’t just a digital version of the board game. It expands the Monopoly universe with various themed boards beyond the classic layout. Players can explore vibrant cityscapes, fantastical landscapes, and more, all while engaging in the strategic competition that Monopoly is known for.

• Developer & Founder: Scopely
• Owner: Hasbro
• Founding Year: April 11, 2023 (Scopely)
• Headquarter: Culver City, California, USA
• Genre(s): Board Game, Strategy
• Play Store Download: 50M+ (Download Now)
• Valuation: $2 billion

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How to Play Monopoly GO! – A Guide to Mobile Monopoly Mayhem

 

Monopoly GO! takes the classic board game formula and injects it with a fresh dose of mobile-friendly features. Here’s a breakdown of getting started and mastering the key mechanics:

Getting Started

1. Download and Launch: Download Monopoly GO! from the App Store or Google Play and launch the game.
2. Choose Your Token: Select a token to represent you on the board. You can unlock additional tokens as you progress through the game.
3. Tutorial: A helpful tutorial will guide you through the basic mechanics of the game. Pay close attention to learn the ropes!

Core Gameplay Mechanics of Monopoly GO!

Monopoly GO! streamlines the classic Monopoly experience for mobile play with a unique twist on familiar mechanics. Here’s a breakdown of the core gameplay loop:

1.Dice Rolls

Unlike traditional Monopoly, players have a limited number of dice rolls to move around the board. These rolls recharge over time, and additional rolls can be earned through rewards, events, or completing boards.

2. Unique Board Spaces

While players land on various spaces representing locations, they don’t directly purchase properties on the main board. Instead, landing on these spaces grants them in-game currency based on the level of development on that location (represented by houses built in a separate “Properties” section).

3. Property Development

Players manage their properties in a dedicated “Properties” section. Here, they can build and upgrade a set number of properties, increasing their earning potential. Once a property is fully upgraded, players can unlock a new themed board with a fresh set of properties to develop.

4. Strategic Action Cards

Action Cards replace the traditional Chance and Community Chest cards. These cards introduce strategic elements, allowing players to gain benefits (like collecting extra money) or hinder opponents’ progress (like forced property shutdowns).

5. Dynamic Rent Collection

Rent is no longer solely based on landing on another player’s developed property. The level of development in the “Properties” section determines the rent collected when players land on corresponding locations on the main board.

6. Multipliers and Faster Play

Players can use multipliers to accelerate their dice rolls and potentially earn greater rewards. These multipliers come in varying strengths, requiring a corresponding number of dice to activate.

7. Landing On The Trains Tile

Landing on a Train Station triggers special events, often determined randomly. These events can be either  “Bank Heist” – collecting money from other players or detrimental like “Shutdown” – destroying the property of another player and earning money by doing so. Players can use shields to protect their properties from shutdowns, but these are limited in number.

8. Albums & Card Collection 

Players can collect cards to complete albums, earning rewards like dice rolls upon completion. Additionally, regular events offer opportunities to acquire resources like dice, money, and cards.

9. Tokens

Monopoly GO! features various tokens that the users can collect and use to play the game. Collecting a certain number of tokens also triggers a special gift for the players where they can earn money, dice, and other gifts. 

This unique blend of familiar mechanics and innovative features makes Monopoly GO! a refreshing take on the classic board game experience, perfectly suited for mobile gameplay.

Winning Strategies

• Prioritize Property Development: Focus on building and upgrading your properties in the dedicated section. This is the key to generating a steady stream of income.
• Manage Your Dice Rolls: Use your limited dice rolls wisely. Consider waiting for opportunities to use multipliers when aiming for significant progress.
• Do Shutdowns & Money Heists Often: Shutdowns and Money Heists is the best option for you to earn more money, so use them wisely. 
• Participate in Events: Regularly participate in events to acquire valuable resources and boost your progress.
• Collect Cards & Tokens: When you finish albums, and collect enough tokens, you will get amazing rewards. 
• Daily Log-in: When you log-in daily, you get rewards that will become better with each passing day, so log-in daily without fail.
• Have all the shields: Depending on your level, you can have anywhere around 3-5 shields. Always make sure that you have active shields to protect your property from damages. 

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Business Model of a Game like Monopoly GO

Monopoly GO! utilizes a Freemium business model, meaning the core game can be downloaded and played for free. However, this model incorporates strategic in-app purchases, (IAPs) and advertisement model to generate revenue and keep the game sustainable. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:

Free-to-Play Core Gameplay

• Players can download and play Monopoly GO! without spending any money.
• This allows a wider audience to experience the game, fostering a larger player base.

Monetization through In-App Purchases

Players can choose to purchase various items to facilitate their gameplay:

• Additional Dice Rolls: Speed up your progress by purchasing extra dice rolls.
• Boosters and Multipliers: Enhance your gameplay with temporary boosts or multipliers for dice rolls and rewards.
• Property Upgrades: Accelerate property development by purchasing additional upgrades beyond the natural progression system.
• Other Items: Purchase different tokens to personalize your gameplay, and cards to complete your album. 

Advertisements

Monopoly GO! incorporates an advertisement model to generate revenue for the game while keeping it free for the players. Additionally, it also uses optional advertisements in which the players can choose to view these ads in exchange for in-game rewards like dice rolls, currency, or cards to complete albums. This system is entirely voluntary and doesn’t force players to watch ads to progress.

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How to develop an app like Monopoly GO?

Monopoly GO! stands as a successful example of translating a classic board game experience to the mobile platform. If you’re looking to develop a similar game app, here’s a roadmap to guide you through the process:

1. Concept Development and Uniqueness

• Refine Your Concept: Brainstorm and define a unique game concept that captures the essence of your chosen board game while offering innovative features for mobile play. Consider what mechanics translate well and what needs adaptation for a faster-paced, engaging experience.
• Market Research and Competitor Analysis: Research existing mobile board game adaptations and identify their strengths and weaknesses. Learn from successful titles like Monopoly GO! while carving out a unique niche for your own game.

2. Planning and Design

• Gameplay Mechanics: Clearly define the core gameplay mechanics of your board game. How will players move around the board? What actions can they take? How will winning be determined? Ensure these mechanics are well-suited for a mobile format and offer strategic depth.
• User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design: Design an intuitive and user-friendly interface that caters to mobile gameplay. The UI should be visually appealing, easy to navigate, and provide clear information to players. Prioritize a smooth UX to keep players engaged and prevent frustration.

3. Technology Stack Selection

• Front-End Development: Choose appropriate development tools and frameworks for the front-end of your app. Popular options include Unity, Unreal Engine, or native development tools (Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android). Consider the complexity of your game and your team’s expertise when making this decision.
• Back-End Development: Select a robust back-end solution to handle server-side functionality, user data storage, and real-time communication (if applicable). Options include cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Google Cloud Platform (GCP), or dedicated game back-end solutions like GameSparks or PlayFab.

4. Development and Implementation

• Agile Development: Consider adopting an Agile development methodology for efficient development. This allows for iterative development cycles with frequent testing and feedback loops to ensure the game evolves in the right direction.
• Prototyping and Testing: Create prototypes throughout the development process to test your game’s core mechanics and user interface. Gather feedback from potential players and refine your design based on their input.

5. Monetization Strategy

• Freemium Model vs. Premium Model: Decide on your preferred monetization strategy. Freemium models with in-app purchases are popular for mobile board games, allowing players to experience the core game for free while offering optional purchases for faster progress or cosmetic items. A premium model requires players to pay upfront for the app, but avoids in-app purchases.
• In-App Purchases: If choosing a Freemium model, identify strategic in-app purchases that enhance the gameplay experience without becoming pay-to-win. Consider offering additional dice rolls, boosters, cosmetic items, or property upgrades as purchasable options.

6. Launch and Marketing

• App Store Optimization (ASO): Optimize your app store listing with relevant keywords, captivating screenshots, and engaging descriptions to increase discoverability in the app store.
• Marketing and User Acquisition: Develop a marketing strategy that targets your ideal audience. Utilize social media marketing, influencer marketing, or targeted advertising to promote your game and attract players.

Additional Considerations

• Social Features: Consider incorporating optional social features like online multiplayer modes, friend leaderboards, or chat functionalities to enhance engagement and foster a community around your game.
• Live Events and Content Updates: Regularly introduce new content and events to keep players engaged. This could include themed boards, new characters, or special events that offer unique challenges and rewards.
• Data Analytics and Player Feedback: Continuously monitor player data and gather feedback to understand user behavior and preferences. Use this data to refine your game, fix any issues, and introduce features that players desire.

By following these steps and carefully adapting your chosen board game concept for the mobile platform, you can develop an engaging and successful app that captures the spirit of the original game while offering a fresh, mobile-friendly experience for players.

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Key Technologies & Backend Team Required To Develop A Game Like Monopoly Go

Key Technologies

• Unity Engine (For Game Development)
• Node.js for Back-end Development
• AWS or Azure for Cloud
• SQL or MongoDB or Cassandra for Database
• Azure Stream Analytics for Real-time analytics
• Google Cloud Messaging and Apple push notifications service for Notifications
• Socket.io for Chat
• Google Map API
• AR SDK

Backend Team 

• Android Developer
• iOS Developer
• Back-end Developer
• Project Manager
• Business Analyst
• QA Engineer
• UI/UX Designer

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How much does it cost to develop a game like Monopoly GO?

Developing a mobile game like Monopoly GO! requires a significant investment, but the exact cost can vary depending on several factors. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors influencing the development budget and estimated cost ranges:

Factors Affecting Development Cost

Team Size and Location

The size and location of your development team significantly impact the cost. Hiring a larger team with experienced developers will naturally cost more compared to a smaller team or outsourcing to regions with lower development rates. Here’s a general range based on team location:

• North America (US/Canada): $150-$250 per hour (developers)
• Western Europe (UK/Germany): $100-$150 per hour (developers)
• Eastern Europe: $50-$100 per hour (developers)
• Asia (India): $30-$80 per hour (developers)

Game Complexity

More complex games with intricate mechanics, 3D graphics, and advanced features like real-time multiplayer will naturally have higher development costs compared to simpler games with 2D graphics and turn-based gameplay.

Development Time

The longer the development time, the higher the overall cost. This is influenced by the complexity of the game and the size/experience of your development team.

Licensing Costs

If your game is based on an existing board game franchise, you’ll need to factor in licensing fees to acquire the rights to use the intellectual property.

Estimated Cost Ranges

Based on the factors mentioned above, here’s a broad range of estimated development costs for a game like Monopoly GO!:

• Basic Version (2D Graphics, Turn-based Gameplay): $50,000 – $100,000
• Mid-Range Version (2.5D Graphics, Basic Multiplayer Features): $100,000 – $200,000
• Advanced Version (3D Graphics, Real-time Multiplayer, Social Features): $200,000 – $500,000+

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How much time will it take to develop a game like Monopoly GO?

The development timeline for a game like Monopoly GO! can vary significantly depending on several factors. Here’s a breakdown of these factors and estimated time ranges to give you a clearer picture:

Factors Affecting Development Time

• Game Complexity
• Team Size and Experience
• Development Methodology

Estimated Time Ranges

Here are some estimated development timeframes for a game like Monopoly GO!, based on complexity and team size:

• Basic Version (2D Graphics, Turn-based Gameplay): 6-12 months (Small team) | 3-6 months (Experienced team)
• Mid-Range Version (2.5D Graphics, Basic Multiplayer Features): 12-18 months (Small team) | 6-12 months (Experienced team)
• Advanced Version (3D Graphics, Real-time Multiplayer, Social Features): 18-24+ months (Small team) | 12-18 months (Experienced team)

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Why choose Capermint to develop a game like Monopoly Go?

Developing a mobile game like Monopoly GO! requires a team with expertise, dedication, and a player-centric approach. Here’s why Capermint stands out as the ideal partner for bringing your mobile board game vision to life:

Expertise in Game Development

Capermint boasts a team of experienced developers with a proven track record of success in the mobile game industry. They possess a deep understanding of the core principles of game design, mobile development best practices, and the specific nuances of translating classic board game mechanics to a captivating mobile experience.

Commitment to Quality

At Capermint, quality is paramount. They employ rigorous development processes, utilize cutting-edge technologies, and prioritize thorough testing to ensure your game delivers a polished and bug-free experience for your players. This commitment to quality translates into a game that not only functions flawlessly but also feels engaging and enjoyable to play.

Client Satisfaction

Capermint understands that your mobile game is your vision. They prioritize open communication, collaboration, and a client-centric approach throughout the development process.  Their team works closely with you to understand your specific needs, incorporate your feedback, and ensure the final product aligns perfectly with your vision for the game.

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Conclusion

The world of mobile board games offers a unique opportunity to combine the nostalgia and strategic depth of classic board games with the convenience and accessibility of mobile devices. By leveraging the right strategies and technologies, you can develop a captivating game that captures the hearts of players and thrives in the competitive mobile market.

If you are looking to bring your classic board game to life in the mobile version? Look no further than Capermint! Our team of passionate developers boasts a proven track record of crafting engaging mobile game experiences, just like Monopoly GO!. With expertise in game design, mobile development, and a dedication to quality and client satisfaction, Capermint is your trusted partner in transforming your board game vision into a mobile phenomenon. Let’s roll the dice on mobile board game success together!