Monopoly is undoubtedly one of the most famous and popular board games in the world. It is sold in over 30 languages and over 100 countries. The available variants are easily differentiated by country, but the game idea is always the same.
On the journey across the best hybrid bikes under 300 various streets on the game board, these are to be bought and built. Then the players have to pay money during a visit to their own fields. Gradually, one of the players gains control of the properties, while the others go bankrupt.
The history of Monopoly
The game was developed in 1904 in the United States by Elizabeth Magie and patented as “The Landlord’s Game”. Mrs. Magie wanted to use the game to illustrate her social reformist ideas. It should show that the wealth of the landowners causes poverty on the part of the population.
In 1909, she offered the game to the then most important game manufacturer Parker Brothers, who did not want to take it over. He found it too complex and also politically inspired. So “Lizzie” Magie distributed her game herself, but this did not bring her large sales figures.
Nevertheless, some specimens came to Atlantic City and Philadelphia and eventually ended up with Charles Darrow. He claimed he invented the game himself in 1930. He even applied for a patent himself and unsuccessfully offered it to Parker Brothers. But he continued to develop it and sold it in self-distribution until Parker became aware of it and finally took it over. Darrow paid a stake to everyone who had supported him, and Lizzie Magie transferred her rights to him.
Unfortunately, Parker Brothers no longer exist, but the name Parker Brothers were adopted as a brand name by HASBRO in 1991. This company today very successfully sells the game in different versions.
Countless Monopoly versions
An important reason why the game never loses its appeal is the competitive spirit itself as well as the many attractive versions.
If you still own an old game from D-Mark times (before 2001), you will be surprised about the “Classic Version”. Because it has new characters and is more modern and adapted than back then. In the GDR, by the way, the game was banned before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Today, in honor of the GDR, there is the version “Monopoly GDR: Resurrected from Ruins.”
In addition to the classic version, many (constantly new) variants are available, which are based on current computer games or cinema and television films. But there are also children’s or footballer versions to choose from.
We have given you some examples:
- Monopoly Classic
- Monopoly World Tour
- Monopoly cheating and moaning
- Game of Thrones
- Nightmare before Christmas
- Lord of the Rings
- The Walking Dead
- Avengers
- Star Wars
- Assassin’s Creed
- Fortnite
- Monopoly Gamer Mario Edition
- The Legend of Zelda
- Monopoly Junior
- Cars 3
New at the start: Ms. Monopoly (from September 2019)
To increase the fun factor, best kids mountain bike the manufacturer has come up with something. In the new game, women receive more money than the male players at the start. Also, they get a higher amount when they go through LOS.
In all games, you can always see Mr. Monopoly (with a white mustache and black hat). On the new game, however, Ms. Monopoly is depicted. In addition, no plots of land are offered for sale on the playing field, but female inventions. For example, solar heaters or Wi-Fi.
Curiosities and interesting facts
Even as a die-hard fan, you may haven’t even known some facts about the game.
Peculiarities of the German version
The first game was in 1936 with Berlin street names
Today, the German edition is the only variant with invented names.
The German mascot used to be called Uncle Pfennigfuchser.
Curiosities
For example, there was an anniversary edition with sound effects for the 75th birthday of the manufacturer HASBRO.
The game was played in strange places, even in a nuclear submarine and by an underwater diving club. For this purpose, the playing equipment had to be made of a 40 kg iron sheet and coated with cellophane. The diving club played for 45 days.
However, this was not yet the longest round of play. Because this lasted 70 days!
In 1987, a department store chain sold a chocolate version for $600, and in 1998, a California jeweler developed the most expensive game for around $2 million.
The game was even ordered by the NAS as a space-worthy version and the characters were allowed to fly into space with the Space Shuttle Atlantis in 2007.
Learn
The little man with the Schnauzer (the mascot) was called Rich Uncle Pennbyag in America. Since the 1980s, he has also been called Mr. Monopoly.
Statistically, you will most often come across the three fields “Prison”, “Go” and “Opera Square”.
Since 1973, Monopoly World Championships have been held every four years, where the winner wins real US dollars.
Since 2008 there is a tempo cube to shorten the playing time. So a game can no longer last 70 days.
There are many more interesting things to report about the game, which inspires and frustrates one like no other. With the large selection, however, you should rather gain your own experience with your favorite version. Have fun!