EA Announces Monopoly Streets

The EA Play Label of Electronic Arts Inc. today announced it is developing Monopoly Streets for the Wii, Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system, and PlayStation3 computer entertainment system.

For the first time ever, players will experience Monopoly, one of the world’s favorite family game brands, as a fully dynamic, living, 3D world that continuously evolves with the video game action. Additionally, Monopoly Streets will feature online multiplayer and unique downloadable content for Xbox360 and PlayStation 3 players around the world. Scheduled to launch in the Autumn of 2010, the experience will offer an assortment of features that add to the thrill of becoming a Monopoly real estate mogul. Hasbro’s classic Monopoly will also be available on the Nintendo DS in conjunction with the release of Monopoly Streets.

In recognition of the Monopoly brand entertaining families around the globe for 75 years, Monopoly Streets will offer players the ability to become completely immersed within a Monopoly-themed world, re-imagined to experience the game at street level. Developing properties within high rent districts will produce lavish houses and hotels that appear within the world and further substantiate its visual appeal, while developing in the less expensive areas provide more modest, but no less interesting, establishments. The game will also feature player-owned headquarters that rise and fall along with the Player’s fortunes – large and luxurious when winning, stunted and minuscule when losing. For purists, Monopoly Streets will offer classic game board modes, as well.

Monopoly Streets will come loaded with an array of imaginative twists such as the ability to establish “house rules” where players can save their own set of customized rules tailored to their group of friends. In addition, players will be able to create and play as their own Wii Mii™ or Xbox 360 avatar, and have the city populated by their friend’s Wii Mii or Xbox 360 avatars. Online play will also ratchet up the fun allowing players to find and challenge other aspiring moguls while tracking ranking and progress on local, national and world leaderboards. Additionally, the game will feature an assortment of downloadable content such as a variety of themed boards, characters, tokens and avatar gear.

“We’re taking Hasbro’s No. 1 family game brand and masterfully striking the balance of offering the classic Monopoly play experience and adding a spectacular new visual treatment as we bring the classic board to life with players walking the streets of Monopoly,” said Chip Lange, General Manager and Senior Vice President of EA’s Hasbro Division. “Monopoly Streets will bring people together and connect families all over the world by offering online gameplay through their gaming consoles. We think this unique, combined offering will bring families together around the TV this holiday season for a classic family gaming tradition they’ll remember for years to come.”

In addition, EA will further extend its Monopoly franchise with Monopoly City, currently in development for Pogo.com. At launch, players will be able to download the game from www.pogo.com for instant fun on the PC.