Matt Dawson: Changing The Goal Posts with MONOPOLY GO!
Not many people get to meet their heroes. Today, I spoke to one of mine.
Growing up a scrum-half, I couldn’t not idolise ‘that pass to Jonny’. Pure composure. What skill to buy half a second. To make the Wallabies jump, before setting up the knock-out with pinpoint precision. It’s less sport, more art.
Matt Dawson is cemented amongst the English rugby greats. 77 tests, 7 Lions caps, and most importantly… A Question of Sport‘s finest. Yet, his most recent endeavour might just trump them all.
Strengthening Relationships
As anticipation builds for the second round of Six Nations fixtures, MONOPOLY GO! has cemented its place as a key player in digital connectivity. The game, in which players have passed “GO” more than 150 billion times, is the first Official Mobile Gaming Partner of the Six Nations, highlighting the growing synergy between sport and digital entertainment.
New UK research from Scopely, the MONOPOLY GO! developers, highlights the growing role of digital tools in keeping people connected on and off the pitch. This data, alongside the mentorship of stars such as Matt Dawson, can propel the sport of rugby in the right direction, bolstering connections and relationships on and off the pitch.
“You can’t dismiss the enormous following and interest that something like MONOPOLY GO! has” said Matt. “Having that ability to be doing that remotely can only create stronger relationships.”
As a World Cup winner, Matt understands firsthand the importance of connection. From the heaps of down time to mingling restrictions, making the most of all facets on tour can make or break the success of a team.
“Those micro conversations and connections build up to a more powerful connection, that can create champions.”
Bridging The Gap
For younger generations, gaming has accelerated as one of the main mediums in maintaining relationships. Of those surveyed, 55% of ‘Generation Z’ and 46% of ‘Millennials’ reported that mobile games have helped them stay in touch with friends and family. One in five people specifically mentioned that playing games like MONOPOLY GO! has strengthened these social bonds, providing regular opportunities for interaction.
This shift towards digital engagement reflects the how times have changed in which people connect. Reflecting on his playing career, Matt acknowledged that the camaraderie built through shared experiences is what creates true champions, whether that stems digital or physical experiences.
“Having that ability to connect remotely can only strengthen relationships” Matt explained. “All of those micro conversations and interactions add up, building a more powerful bond.”
Whether through mobile gaming, sports, or digital interactions, one thing is clear: technology is revolutionising the way we stay connected, ensuring that relationships thrive even when distance separates us. Mobile games in particular offer an accessible and enjoyable method for maintaining such friendships, particularly when meeting in person isn’t always possible.
Connectivity Creates Champions
Beyond gaming, sports like rugby serve as a powerful ways for fostering connections. Almost half of those surveyed believe that watching rugby is a great way for friends to bond, with over a third also plan to watch the Six Nations with family and friends. This reinforces Matt’s ideas that shared experiences – whether in person or online – strengthen relationships.
“Fans want insight, they want behind the scenes, they want to know what it’s really like in camp.”
In a predominantly digital age, football teams in particular have used social media to flourish. Historically, however, rugby has taken a traditional stand towards such mediums, leaving the sport in limbo. Modern day fans, especially younger individuals, get excited by what they see online. There’s still a lack of this desired content, but in wake of events such as the Six Nations, we get to see glimpses of the best of rugby social media.
These digital connections create a unique atmosphere around the subject. Whether it’s an interesting managerial call or a quirky photo from training, nowadays fans are desperate to access as much content as possible. These instances fuel conversation, which keep the game ticking. Discussion is what rugby is desperate for in order to grow… after all, any news is good news, right?
What Comes Next?
The partnership between sports and digital content is set to deepen, with mobile gaming becoming an integral part of the fan experience. As MONOPOLY GO! continues its collaboration with the Six Nations, expect more interactive features, including in-game, rugby challenges with real-world rewards on offer.
Future developments may see digital engagement expand through virtual reality experiences. Live match integrations and community-driven competitions spring to mind as ways to progress our sport even further in the right direction. Rugby has the potential to be a pioneer for these experiences, making for some hugely exciting prospects.
This evolving synergy will not only increase fan participation, but also redefine how rugby enthusiasts connect, blurring the lines between physical and digital engagement while developing stronger bonds between players and fans alike. I’m certain that the England camp in particular will get stuck into MONOPOLY GO! throughout the tournament, as per team-bonding tradition of previous generations.
Mind you, I was shocked hearing Tindall led the board games off the pitch in 2003. My money was on Del Boy.
MONOPOLY GO! – the biggest mobile game launch ever and first Official Mobile Gaming Partner of the Six Nations, gives fans a chance to win a Tycoon-style, luxury trip to Super Saturday in Paris! Check out @SixNationsRugby on Instagram for details on how to enter.
