On November 5, 1935, American game company Parker Brothers officially released the Monopoly board game, introducing a property-trading game that would go on to become a worldwide phenomenon.
Players compete to buy, develop and trade properties, collect rent and build financial fortunes while trying to avoid bankruptcy. Its familiar board, featuring streets, railway stations, utilities and iconic playing pieces, has become recognisable across generations.
From a homemade game to a commercial success
The game was developed by American Charles Darrow, who presented it to Parker Brothers in 1934. The company initially rejected it, citing concerns about its complexity and design.
Darrow then produced and sold copies independently in Philadelphia. Growing demand eventually convinced Parker Brothers to reconsider, and the company acquired the rights in 1935, beginning commercial sales on November 5 of that year.
An earlier history behind the game
Although Darrow became widely recognised as the game’s inventor, Monopoly’s origins go back further. It was based on The Landlord’s Game, created by Elizabeth Magie in 1904 to demonstrate the economic consequences of land monopolies and unequal wealth.
Over the years, Monopoly developed into an international success, with editions adapted for different countries and cities.
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