With rugby fans gearing up for the highly anticipated second round of Six Nations fixtures, new UK research from Scopely’s hit mobile game MONOPOLY GO! – the biggest mobile game launch ever and first Official Mobile Gaming Partner of the Six Nations, highlights the growing role of digital tools in keeping people connected on and off the pitch.

The findings reveal that in the UK, physical distance is preventing more than a third (35%) of Brits from spending as much time in person with family and friends as they would like.

Key findings include:

Millennials (31%) and Generation X (35%) feel they are missing out on quality time with loved ones and wish they could spend at least half a day more per week together.
However, in today’s digital world, 96% acknowledge that technology has helped them stay connected, with nearly two-thirds (61%) stating that digital interactions create meaningful moments with family and friends.
Generation Z (55%) and Millennials (46%) are increasingly turning to mobile games as a way to connect with friends and family, with nearly 1 in 5 reporting that playing games like MONOPOLY GO! has helped them stay in touch with their social circles more regularly.
Just under half (49%) feel watching rugby is a great way for friends to connect with each other as over a third (36%) of those surveyed are planning to watch the Six Nations with family and friends.
“The goal posts for socialising are changing”, according to Matt Dawson, former England rugby captain and World Cup winner, knows all too well.

“Connection creates Champions! In rugby, strong connections on and off the field are crucial for success,” said Matt Dawson. “Just as teamwork drives performance in the Six Nations, staying connected with loved ones—whether in person or through digital means—plays a vital role in our daily lives. It’s great to see MONOPOLY GO! helping people bridge these gaps and create meaningful moments together.”

In 2003, Matt Dawson and his teammates built a bond that extended beyond the pitch—one that played a crucial role in their Rugby World Cup success. They were connected in mindset, purpose, and camaraderie, which translated into world-class performances when it mattered most.

During a major tournament, such as the Six Nations, teams face a unique challenge: fostering a strong connection among players from multiple clubs, to unite as one.

With distance as a challenge, Matt shares how digital connectivity is the modern-day solution. “The evolution of connectivity has given rise to mobile gaming as a powerful new way for players to build camaraderie and trust, regardless of physical distance. Whether in different training camps or on the move, mobile gaming provides a shared experience, helping foster the bonds that lead to a stronger, more united team. It offers an innovative way to create strong team chemistry, no matter where players are.”

“MONOPOLY GO!,” which launched in April 2023, cemented its position as the most successful mobile game launch of all time. To date, players have passed “GO” more than 150 billion times, completed nearly 6 billion boards, and landed in jail more than 20 billion times. The game’s social aspects are a huge part of its appeal. Players see the faces of friends and family on their game boards and build their fortunes faster by making connections with others, underscoring the game’s mass appeal that transcends generations and geographies.
Sophie Young, VP Regional Marketing at Scopely added “Whether you’re building connections on the pitch or digitally, the importance of staying in touch and connecting with friends and family can’t be underestimated. MONOPOLY GO! – a game where friends become rivals, landmarks are toppled, and daring bank heists unfold, fuelling the excitement and drive to win, provides a unique experience for adults of all ages to connect and build meaningful memories.”