Former US President Donald Trump is taking bold steps into the digital asset space, with reports suggesting the launch of a new project that merges gaming and cryptocurrency. As detailed by Fortune, the project is set to debut in late April and aims to encapsulate the essence of mobile gaming similar to MONOPOLY GO!, where players navigate a digital board and earn rewards by constructing virtual buildings.
Bill Zanker, a close associate of Trump and part of the team responsible for introducing Trump’s memecoin and various NFT collections, reportedly spearheads this initiative. Although a spokesperson for Zanker refuted claims of any affiliation with Monopoly, the game is still in development, prompting intrigue about its mechanics and broader implications.
The original Monopoly, a widely recognized board game, is owned by Hasbro—an acquisition that dates back to 1991 when Hasbro merged with Parker Brothers, the game’s original publisher. Sources indicate that Zanker has already approached Hasbro in May 2024 to explore the possibility of licensing a Trump-branded version of Monopoly, indicating serious intentions to merge the two realms.
Examining Trump’s Shift Towards Cryptocurrency
Once skeptical of cryptocurrencies, Trump has shown a growing enthusiasm for Web3 technologies throughout his 2024 presidential campaign. His crypto-related initiatives include the launch of Official Trump (TRUMP), a memecoin currently valued at approximately $1.5 billion, alongside multiple NFT projects and a decentralized finance venture named World Liberty Financial.
In February, his company, DTTM Operations, filed for several trademarks concerning a Trump-themed metaverse and NFT marketplace. This envisioned metaverse would enable users to purchase both physical and virtual goods and offer various transportation options, including limousines and aircraft.
Trump’s pivot towards cryptocurrency signals a significant shift in perspective, especially given his past comments labeling Bitcoin as a “scam against the dollar”. This transformation is underscored by his recent executive order aimed at creating a strategic Bitcoin reserve in the US, which has drawn attention from crypto advocates.
The Challenges Facing Web3 Gaming
Despite the excitement surrounding Trump’s entry into the crypto gaming space, there are potential hurdles ahead. A recent report from DappRadar indicates a concerning trend: daily active users in Web3 gaming have decreased by 6% in the first quarter of 2025, with investments in the sector dropping a staggering 71% compared to previous quarters.
This downturn can be attributed to a challenging macroeconomic climate marked by trade wars and geopolitical instability. DappRadar points out that investor sentiment remains cautious, which poses significant challenges for new ventures like Trump’s upcoming game.
As the landscape of cryptocurrency and gaming continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Trump’s new project will be received amidst these challenges. Combining the worlds of gaming and crypto may offer innovative opportunities, but the current economic context suggests that potential players and investors will tread carefully.
