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BOARD GAMES 2: Making our prototype

Creating a game that makes economics exciting might sound like a paradox, but the Planet Money team set out to do just that—transforming complex economic theories into an engaging card game experience. Teaming up with the creators of Exploding Kittens, they ventured into uncharted territory: blending education with entertainment in a way that feels less like learning and more like playing. This is the story of how an abstract idea evolved into a playable prototype through creativity, iteration, and a few surprising twists.
The Planet Money team collaborated with Exploding Kittens to design a card game that brings economic principles to life. After exploring numerous concepts, they focused on George Akerlof’s 'Market for Lemons,' building a game around asymmetric information. Early versions relied on bluffing, but evolved into a deeper strategic experience when sellers began revealing one card during deals, adding nuance. Internal testing revealed strong potential, leading to expert playtests where players engaged in tense, strategic trades involving hidden values. Feedback was positive, confirming the game’s balance and appeal. Now released for public playtesting, the game invites listeners to contribute insights before the final version launches, with a live AMA scheduled for November 1st to further refine the design based on community input.
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The 'Market for Lemons' idea was chosen because of its name and natural gameplay fit.
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The seller shows one card in the deal, giving the buyer strategic information.
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Jamie wins despite initial skepticism, revealing the game's surprising depth.
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The game prototype is available for download at planetmoneygame.com