Monopoly at 90: Celebrating nine essential versions of the world’s best-selling branded game

POW Edition
If you don’t yet know about this ‘edition’ hold onto your little pewter hat! During the Second World War, MI9 – a division of Britain’s Secret Service – persuaded Monopoly’s UK publisher, Waddingtons, to make special sets. Sent overseas to prisoners of war, these concealed tools designed to help soldiers escape! Hacksaw blades, fabric maps, real money and tiny compasses were hidden inside the board and playing components. You can find out more about this extraordinary story in a chat with Maggie Graham here.

The Landlord’s Game
Yes, yes, yes; I know! It’s not really Monopoly… But look: Monopoly’s early history is an absolute mare’s nest. It’s bad enough that not everyone that had a hand in inventing the game truly benefited from it – but what an injustice it would be if this vital version were forgotten. The Landlord’s Game – designed by Elizabeth Magie Phillips in 1902 – was created to illustrate the dangers of unequal wealth distribution in society. It might not have been much fun, but it shouldn’t be forgotten.

Waddingtons – UK Classic
In 1935, legendary printing company Waddingtons was granted a license to manufacture a UK version of Monopoly. As a matter of urgency, Chairman Victor Watson Senior and his secretary, Marjorie Phillips, hurriedly taxied around London picking locations for the board. Their final port of call? A Lyon’s Café on the former site of the Angel Islington pub. In honour of this refection, Angel Islington appears on the board to this day – even though it was never a street!

Leeds City Takeover
Kudos to the good people of Leeds… Their 2024 City Takeover saw a remarkable installation in the hometown of Monopoly’s original UK publisher. The month-long event boasted eight enormous playing pieces, a trail to follow, interactive quizzes, displays and story-time sessions. Monopoly-money bunting festooned the high street while banners, posters and gonfalons seemed to grace every pillar, post and pole! A brilliant and unique way to celebtate the game in its spiritual home. Read more about it here.

Monopoly Deal
This is a fast-paced race to collect three sets of matching property cards… And it’s a perfect Monopoly spinoff – even if you don’t like Monopoly! Accurately billed as ‘The card game where anything can happen!’, the addictive game packs in Forced Deals, Debt Collectors and Deal Breakers… All of which means your luck can change on the turn of a card.

Charles Darrow: Handmade Set
On December 17th, 2010, the National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, paid $146,500 for a Monopoly game of note… It was a set created by the man widely credited with the game’s invention: Charles Darrow. Hand made in 1933, this version included cards, money, deeds and a circular game board made out of oilcloth. It also included some tokens – while the earliest commercial versions had none! The rules suggested using thimbles, coins or trinkets from charm bracelets.

Star Wars: Limited Collectors Edition
Whether you like Star Wars or not, this version is undoubtedly one of the most important Monopoly sets of them all. Why? Because it was the first licensed edition! Countless other versions followed in its wake, thoroughly disproving the widely held opinion that Hasbro paid too much when they bought out Waddingtons Games in 1994. Pish and tosh! Read about the extraordinary rise and rise of Waddingtons here.

Monopoly Lifesized
Not quite doing what it says on the tin, Monopoly Lifesized arrived in London as the world’s first – and so far only – venture of its kind. Of course, you don’t actually race around the city visiting locations made famous by the game. Rather, you earn money, build houses, charge rent, traverse the ‘life-size’ board… And complete escape room-style challenges. For those that harbour hopes of racing around the real locations, know that it can be done… On August 5th, 2018, one Alex Radford broke the world record for visiting every London Monopoly board location on foot. After several test runs, he achieved the impressive time of one hour, 45 minutes, 35 seconds.

Disney Edition
A stunning set from the House of Mouse! This 2001 release brings a touch of Disney magic to the board. Aiming to collect classic film titles, you can also buy cottages and castles as you go. While Tinker Bell guides you along, you may – of course – play as one of eight iconic Disney characters… Choose from the beautiful sculptures of Mowgli, Dumbo, Cinderella, Lady & the Tramp, Snow White, Peter Pan, Pinocchio and Alice-in-Wonderland.

–

To stay in the loop with the latest news, interviews and features from the world of toy and game design, sign up to our weekly newsletter here

More Recent Feature

Stuff We Loved: What are the industry’s favourite toy and game launches of 2024?

We asked figures in the industry for their favourite toy and game launches of the year. The only caveat… They couldn’t choose a product they were involved in!

Cluedo at 75: The history and mysteries of the boardgame Clue… And why the inventor vanished!

What was the first Clue?! As the game turns 75, Deej Johnson looks at the inventor’s original patent.

A two-player game won the Spiel des Jahres this year… Is this category an exciting opportunity for designers and publishers – or a tough sell?

We ask publishers and designers about whether Sky Team’s success could spark a wider interest in two-player games.

Talking Brands: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS celebrates its 50th anniversary this year… What’s the secret to its longevity?

“It’s more than a game, it’s the progenitor of a whole new form of entertainment”: As D&D turns 50, we asked figures in the industry for their thoughts as to why it continues to survive – and thrive!

Introverts, Extraverts and Inventing

Which personality type is more useful for a career in toy and game invention? Inventors share their thoughts…

Stuff We Loved: What are the industry’s favourite toy and game launches of 2023?

We asked figures in the industry for their favourite toy and game launches of the year. The only caveat… They couldn’t choose a product they were involved in!