For the love of Monopoly

Monopoly is the game most people think of when I start talking about games. 

However, despite the masses of new versions found on supermarket shelves, including Brbie and even a drinking version called Board Crawl, you would be forgiven for thinking that this is also the most beloved game. 

With a very low rating of 4.4 on Board Game Geek, it seems the interest in the game may not reflect the love for the game itself!

Monopoly may only be in our hearts as a reminder of childhood memories and nostalgia. More like any red flag relationship! Keeping us hooked, with a mix of just enough new interest and long-term family memories… which, in the most part, are emotional disagreements and relationship turbulence.

This may be due to the fact that Monopoly was created to illustrate the economic system of capitalism (umm fun?), specifically the negative consequences of monopolies, with a focus on wealth accumulation and competitive gameplay, (which sounds like a lot of fun?). And very 1980s, despite the onslaught of different versions available. However, it still holds a place in many hearts, but you are not alone in savouring a rather large glass of wine while playing this game (over 18, obviously).

It was originally invented in 1903 by Elizabeth Magie, a social activist and economist, under the name The Landlord's Game. Magie intended the game to teach players about the dangers of land monopolies and the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few.

The game was designed to show how monopolistic practices lead to inequality and economic injustice.

The rules of the game allowed players to accumulate land, build properties, and charge rent to other players. Eventually, the game would make it clear how the wealthiest player could dominate and bankrupt everyone else, thus reflecting Magie's concerns about the monopolistic nature of capitalism.

In the 1930s, Charles Darrow, a man from Pennsylvania, modified Magie’s game and sold it to Parker Brothers, who then marketed it under the name "Monopoly." Darrow’s version, unlike the original, did not intend to critique capitalism. Instead, it became a popular entertainment game, with its focus on wealth accumulation and competitive gameplay, aligning more with the ideals of capitalism rather than critiquing it.

So, while Monopoly has become a widely popular game, I feel it still struggles to be fully fun and in line with its original purpose of highlighting and warning about the negative effects of monopolies in capitalist economies.

If you left your love of game playing at 10 years old on Boxing Day, in a time out, because of fighting with your sibling over paper money! I highly encourage you to explore the new world of games and engage your children and family back into fun, mindful, and skill-building activities with a host of new cooperative, dexterity, and tabletop games.

And for me, maybe, just maybe, a sneaky play of Monopoly, once a year, at Christmas, for old time's sake. 

Happy Gaming