Exploding Kittens’ New Board Game: Sell Me A Sasquatch
Last year, Planet Money teamed up with Exploding Kittens to create a new board game. The result, Sell Me A Sasquatch, is now available in stores. This game, inspired by economic concepts, is designed for players aged 10 and up.
The Economic Inspiration
Sell Me A Sasquatch draws on ideas from economics, particularly the famous paper “The Market for Lemons” by George Akerlof. Akerlof’s pioneering work, which won him a Nobel Prize, explored the significance of information in markets. He studied used car markets to demonstrate the issues of asymmetric information, where sellers often know more than buyers.
In the game, this idea translates to players buying and selling creatures and cryptids with limited information. Like used car buyers, players must navigate these transactions without full knowledge, leading to bluffing and bargaining. Over time, trust erodes, showcasing a playful but chaotic version of adverse selection, a situation that can destabilize markets in reality.
A Fun and Educational Experience
While playing Sell Me A Sasquatch, you experience the dynamics of adverse selection firsthand. Players may start by enjoying the game’s art and premise without realizing they are simulating complex economic scenarios. For those who understand the references, the game offers additional depth.
Hidden Economic References
The game incorporates various economics-themed Easter eggs into its design. These are based on over 1,600 submissions from Planet Money listeners. Here are some highlights:
- The Laffer Exploding Kittens: A laughing hyena references the Laffer Curve, which argues that tax rates can be too high, discouraging work and reducing tax revenue.
- Scabby Exploding Kittens: Named after Scabby the Rat, an inflatable figure used in American labor strikes, this reflects labor protest themes.
- The BullBear Exploding Kittens: This creature mixes bull and bear markets, representing differing beliefs about stock performance.
- The Veblen: A peacock embodies Veblen’s theory of conspicuous consumption, where luxury goods serve as status symbols, attracting more demand as prices rise.
Join the Experience
Stay tuned for more from the Planet Money board game series. The next episode will explore how products like this game make it to store shelves. If you’ve tried the game, share your experiences and insights, especially if you’ve spotted these Easter eggs. While not everyone will appreciate the economic nerdery, those who do will find rich enjoyment.