The Game of Life~!

I recently read in a USA Today: Money article that the game of life is going to be taking some changes. A brand new line of Life games is going to be printed, except with one distinct difference. Paper money will no longer exist.

This has to be the most desperate brand-recognition/aggressively competitive marketing technique that I have ever seen. In a never before performed phenomenon, Visa has put its trademark on The Game of Life. As if that statement weren't cliche enough. As if credit cards in general didn't already rule so many peoples' lives.

Now, in The Game of Life, instead of having paper money, players have a credit card with the Hasbro and Visa logos on it. When you wish to use money, either by receiving it or spending it, you must put your credit card into a digital machine that now comes in the Game of Life box.

Visa claims that this sort of outreach with credit type services is good for young people to get used to the process of using a credit card, and to teach them responsible spending habits as such. At the same time, all that kids playing the new version of The Game of Life will remember 10 years from now is the VISA logo in the back of their head.

Brand recognition at its best. Technology is making its way into even the most classic of frivolities. Credit cards involve the use of technology, especially the particularly advanced technology of sending in credit card verifications through high-speed DSL lines. Regardless, I feel as though this is a petty scheme on the part of Visa for coming up with something like this in the first place, however I have no doubts that it will complete the mission they have set out to accomplish with it.