Monopoly Debuts: Parker Brothers Publishes Game
Parker Brothers published Monopoly on February 6, 1935. They credited Charles Darrow as the sole inventor and paid him royalties. He became the first millionaire game designer. But Darrow didn't invent it. He'd learned it from friends in Atlantic City who'd been playing homemade versions for years. Those versions came from Elizabeth Magie, who'd patented The Landlord's Game in 1904 to teach people why monopolies were bad. Parker Brothers bought her patent for $500, no royalties. The game designed to critique capitalism became capitalism's most popular board game. Magie died in 1948. Most players still think Darrow invented it.
February 6, 1935
91 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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