For the love of Monopoly

Monopoly is the game most people think of when we 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 for the 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 is due to the fact that Monopoly was created to illustrate the economic system of capitalism ( fun), specifically the negative consequences of monopolies, with a focus on wealth accumulation and competitive gameplay, sounds way fun.. And very 1980’s, despite the onslaught of different versions available. However, it still has a place in many hearts, but you are not alone in drinking 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 have the intention of critiquing 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 became a widely popular game, its original purpose was to highlight and warn about the negative effects of monopolies in capitalist economies.

Today, with more understanding and science behind creating fun games, if you left your love of game playing at 10 years old on Boxing Day, in Time Out because of fighting with your sibling over paper money, I very much encourage you to explore new the world of games and indulge your children and family in fun mindful and skill practice with a host of Co Operative, dexterity and table top games, some with a fun twists of old classics…. And for me maybe, just maybe, a sneaky play of Monopoly, once a year, at Christmas, for old time's sake. 

Happy Gaming