In August of 2013 Hasbro Inc. announced that they would be replacing the iconic iron game piece in the classic Monopoly board game with a cat. And not just any cat; a democratically picked cat which was chosen through an internet poll.
Gizmodo released a rather lengthy and cheeky review saying, “This cat is the product of democracy in action. This cat is America.”
We reviewed the new Monopoly token. You know, the cat: http://t.co/EEjeZDfqEH
— Gizmodo (@Gizmodo) August 28, 2013
Since the replacement, the social sphere has been a buzz with tweets, videos, opinion pieces and even Gizmodo’s cat Photoshop contest. It seems that everyone has an opinion of this new fan-chosen feline.
Not all Monopoly fans are happy about the change though. What about their fond childhood memories?
“Cat Monopoly Token Makes Debut” http://t.co/yPREkQwZ3v I see too much celebrating of the cat, not enough mourning of the iron
— Ben Greenman (@bengreenman) August 28, 2013
*Sets up Monopoly board* *Hands out Monopoly money* *Cat grabs car token first* *…* *Knocks over Monopoly board* *Kicks cat* — Hey Zeus Re-Erected (@HeyZeus666) August 28, 2013
RT @WenkR22: The iron monopoly game piece has been replaced by a cat piece after 78 years. You should all be ashamed you let this happen…
— Matt Weston (@Matt_West0n) August 29, 2013
Even local news reporters are getting in on the social debate:
New #monopoly token is in games at stores! Who voted for the #cat? #hasbro http://t.co/f5XwO2dAfg
— Kara Sewell (@KWCHKara) August 29, 2013
A new Monopoly Commercial was launched to introduce the new game piece. The gaming company may even be poking fun at itself, or cat fans.
[Video Source: PassGoMonopoly]
In the 1950’s Hasbro replaced the rocking horse, purse and lantern tokens with the wheelbarrow, horse and dog. Too bad the internet wasn’t around then; it would’ve been interesting to see the uproar. Or did Monopoly fans just simply embrace the new dog token back then?
The Scottie Dog is seeking revenge by throwing the Cat in the Community Chest. Reply if you are #teamcat or #teamdog! pic.twitter.com/kw2mXLh9V0
— Monopoly (@PassGoMonopoly) August 13, 2013
What do you think? Should the internet mascot officially be the cat?
[Main Image Source: Hasbro]