Monopoly was originally based on The Landlord’s Game , created by Elizabeth Magie in the early 1900s, but the version that became famous and was commercially popularized was developed by Charles Darrow in the 1930s.

Quick Scoop

  • Elizabeth Magie made the original concept to show the problems with monopolies and unequal wealth.
  • Charles Darrow later adapted and sold the game version that Parker Brothers turned into the hit board game we know today.
  • So, if someone asks “who made Monopoly,” the most accurate short answer is: Elizabeth Magie invented the original idea, and Charles Darrow commercialized the famous version.

Short version

If you want the simplest answer for a quick post: Elizabeth Magie made the original game idea, and Charles Darrow made the version that became Monopoly.