Monopoly board game History Timeline and Biographies

1903

The Inspiration: The Landlord's Game

In 1903, Lizzie Magie created "The Landlord's Game," designed to demonstrate the evils of monopolistic practices and promote the Economic Theories of Henry George. This game laid the groundwork for what would later become the Monopoly board game.

Monopoly is Published by Parker Brothers

In 1935, Parker Brothers began publishing the Monopoly board game. The game quickly gained popularity, becoming a best-seller in America, largely due to its engaging gameplay and competitive nature.

The First Official Monopoly Tournament

The first official Monopoly tournament was held in 1936 in New York City, attracting players eager to showcase their skills in the Monopoly board game, further cementing its status in American culture.

Monopoly during World War II

During World War II, the Monopoly board game became a tool for British spies. Special versions were created that included maps and tools hidden in the game components to assist prisoners of war in escaping.

The Rise of Specialty Editions and Variations

Throughout the early 1970s, Monopoly saw the introduction of various specialty editions, including themed versions reflecting popular culture and local communities, expanding the Monopoly board game franchise.

Introduction of the Electronic Banking Edition

In 1985, the Monopoly board game was updated with the introduction of electronic banking, moving away from traditional cash transactions to a more modern system that appealed to younger players.

Monopoly Goes Global: The International Editions

The early 1990s marked the rise of international editions of the Monopoly board game, tailored to different cultures and languages, allowing fans worldwide to experience Monopoly in their local context.

The Digital Revolution: Monopoly on Video Game Consoles

With the digital era underway, Monopoly was adapted into video game format for various consoles, including PC and PlayStation, broadening its audience beyond traditional board game enthusiasts.

Monopoly's 75th Anniversary Edition

To celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2008, Hasbro launched a special edition of the Monopoly board game that featured updated tokens, rules, and classic properties from the original game.

Monopoly's Token Voting Campaign

In 2013, Hasbro initiated a campaign allowing fans to vote for new tokens to replace traditional ones in the Monopoly board game, showcasing the brand's commitment to keeping the game fresh and engaging.

In 2017, Monopoly began releasing themed editions based on popular movies and TV shows, further diversifying the Monopoly board game collection and appealing to fans of various franchises.

The Introduction of Virtual Editions and Online Play

The Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated the digital transformation of the Monopoly board game, leading to the introduction of online versions that allow players to connect and compete remotely.

In 2023, Hasbro celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Monopoly board game with special promotions, limited editions, and events, reflecting on its long-standing impact on gaming culture.

Monopoly Embraces Sustainability

Looking toward the future, in 2024, the Monopoly board game is being produced with eco-friendly materials, emphasizing Hasbro's commitment to sustainability and appealing to eco-conscious consumers.