Lizzie G. Magie

American designer

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July 16, 2026

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Lizzie G. Magie was an American designer who created "The Landlord's Game" in 1904. This game was a precursor to the popular board game Monopoly. Magie's original intention was to illustrate the economic exploitation of tenants by landlords and to promote the concept of a single tax on property owners as a solution to land speculation and economic injustice. Her game did not initially include the concept of a monopoly. Magie revised and renewed the patent for her game in 1924. While Magie's game circulated, various versions emerged, eventually leading to Charles Darrow's "Monopoly," which was sold to Parker Brothers in 1935 and became a widespread success.12

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Monopoly
…game designed and patented by Lizzie G. Magie in 1904. She revised and renewed the patent on her game in 1924. Notably, the version Magie originated did not involve the concept of a monopoly; for her, the point of the game was to illustrate the potential exploitation of tenants by…
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…game designed and patented by Lizzie G. Magie in 1904. She revised and renewed the patent on her game in 1924. Notably, the version Magie originated did not involve the concept of a monopoly; for her, the point of the game was to illustrate the potential exploitation of tenants by…
Read More