Who created The Landlord’s Game, the early predecessor of Monopoly?

Lizzie Magie created The Landlord’s Game, an early predecessor of Monopoly.

Magie patented The Landlord’s Game in 1904. She designed it to illustrate the effects of land ownership and different economic systems, including the way rent can concentrate wealth. The game circulated through homemade copies and later versions before the familiar Monopoly form emerged.

The modern Monopoly story is often simplified by crediting Charles Darrow as the sole inventor. Darrow did help popularize and commercialize the game, and Parker Brothers credited him when it published Monopoly nationally in 1935. However, the game’s development drew on earlier designs and play traditions, including Magie’s patented game.

Magie later sold rights connected with her patent to Parker Brothers for a small payment. Her role is now central to the documented history of Monopoly, while the commercial game changed substantially from her original educational design.