Monopoly, from humble beginnings to...

Monopoly can be traced back to the early 1900's, American Elizabeth Magie first came up with designs of a board game based on buying and selling land, and the development of that land. In 1934 a board game was created which is much like it's modern counterpart that we all know and love, several people in the USA were involved in the game's design and evolution. 

During Monopoly's early 'modern' life the game was subject to much controversy and legal argument. It was a popular 'myth' that Charles Darrow was the 'original' sole creator of the game, his name was printed in the game instructions as such by the games publisher Parker games. This was legally challenged in the 1970's, and the trademarks were not properly settled until 1985. The game's name remains the property of Parker games, as do its specific design elements. Parker games parent company Hasbro continues to license the Monopoly game to various companies, with Card games, Travel editions, Computer versions, and of course the multitude of popular geographical versions being extremely popular, and breathing new life into a tried and tested formula.

Such is Monopoly's popularity throughout the World that International Tournaments, which were first held in the 1970's, still continue to this day.

Created: November 5, 2008