As I dialed Tim Barney, the producer behind the upcoming MONOPOLY: Queens Edition, I was hit with an unexpected wave of nostalgia. Growing up in Queens, this borough is not just where I’m from—it’s who I am. So when I heard about a MONOPOLY game based on my hometown, I felt a surge of excitement. And I wasn’t alone. Tim spoke enthusiastically as we explored why Queens was chosen for this special edition and how the game would capture the borough’s vibrant culture.
Queens, widely recognized as the most diverse borough in New York City and possibly the world is a vibrant melting pot of cultures. It’s a place where over 130 languages are spoken, and you can find neighborhoods with their own distinct identities: from the South Side of Jamaica, where I grew up, to the lively arts scene in Astoria. “Why not Queens?” Tim echoed during our conversation. “It’s a perfect place to make a game for—you’ve got everything we’re looking for.” He wasn’t wrong.
Tim explained that the community largely drove this project. Thousands of nominations poured in from residents, suggesting beloved local landmarks, restaurants, and sports teams. “I really did try to read every single one of them,” Tim admitted. His goal? To create something that would feel like home for the people of Queens. But curating the board was no small task. “We were spoiled for choice,” he said, referencing the hundreds of landmarks and neighborhoods, each special in its own right.
I couldn’t help but laugh when Tim joked that they could have made a board dedicated to just one neighborhood—Astoria or Forest Hills, for example. And as someone who hails from Jamaica, Queens, I had to ask the inevitable question: “Is Jamaica represented?” Tim stayed tight-lipped, keeping details about the final game a secret until its unveiling. But he reassured me that the Queens edition, set to be revealed at the Queen Center Mall on October 5th, would capture the borough’s essence in all its diversity.
As we spoke, Tim delved deeper into how local pride shaped the game. From jazz festivals in St. Albans to restaurants hosting open mic nights, the team behind MONOPOLY wanted to highlight both the iconic spots and the hidden gems that make Queens unique. “It’s not just about big names,” Tim said. “It’s those little Mom-and-Pop places that only locals know that truly make the community special.”
We laughed as we discussed the tokens, which remained unchanged: the familiar race car, top hat, and Scotty dog. Tim admitted to being a race car guy, while I leaned toward the top hat. “It’s my 2024 toupee,” I joked, embracing my own baldness.
In our chat, the word that kept coming up was “connection.” At its heart, MONOPOLY is more than just a game—it’s a way to connect with loved ones. It brought back memories of hours-long sessions with my sisters, where we’d pause to eat and then return to the board. “It’s one of the last places we can put down our phones and truly connect,” Tim reflected. That’s the beauty of this project—MONOPOLY: Queens Edition isn’t just about buying properties but creating moments that last.
Right before we hopped off the phone, I asked Tim what he hoped people would take away from the game. His answer was simple yet poignant: “I want them to take away a piece of home.” This edition of MONOPOLY is designed not just for tourists who marvel at Queens’ diversity but also for the locals who live it every day. It’s a celebration of the borough and a tribute to its people.
Whether riding the 7 train, grabbing a slice at your favorite pizzeria, or strolling through one of Queens’ many parks, you’ll see pieces of your life reflected on the board. And in true MONOPOLY fashion, you’ll have the chance to own those beloved spots, cementing their importance in your personal and communal history.
As I hung up the phone, I couldn’t help but smile. Growing up, I never imagined my neighborhood would become part of something as iconic as MONOPOLY. But here we are, and I can’t wait to roll the dice.
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