THE GAME OF MONOPOLY IS STILL RELEVANT AND SELLS WELL IN OUR ELECTRONIC GAME-CRAZY WORLD

The game of Monopoly has come a long way from the year 1935 when Parker Brothers first introduced it. They have sold over 250 million copies throughout the world and now have 60 country and language editions. In the depths of the Depression this game became almost an instant success. It had its origins in a game introduced in 1903 called Landlord. It was invented by Charles Darrow, although others also claim inventiveness. In the 30’s he sold his patent rights to Parker Brothers for a few hundred dollars. Obviously this was a real bargain for the growing but almost bankrupt company, Parker Brothers.

The concept of the game, as everyone knows, is control of properties and entities…thus the name Monopoly. It provided a skill- testing and instructive method for children and adults to learn negotiation and mental skills. "Monopoly Money" is a symbol of inflation as we know it. Over the 75 plus years of production, the game company has printed over 3 trillion dollars worth of currency for the game.

Today Parker Brothers is owned by Hasbro Toys. The Monopoly game currently has deluxe versions that have many more places to land on and own. There are also many new features added so that the game is up to date and as current as can be. Also the small hundred dollar bills have grown in value to 100,000 and even million dollar bills. It is interesting to note that Parker Brothers also has manufactured many other games we know well, like Backgammon, Sorry, and dozens of other game staples.
There is talk of electronic versions being produced and maybe even 3D versions in the future.

We are all still ready for this kind of competitive recreation. A most delightful book, recently released, called “Monopoly The World’s Most Famous Game & How it Got That Way” by Philip E. Orbanes, is a historic story well told and available no where else. For all you game fans it is complete in every detail.