Move aside Monopoly; a new economics-themed game is here. Last year, Planet Money collaborated with Exploding Kittens to develop a board game. We’ve chronicled its journey in a podcast series. Now, that game, titled Sell Me A Sasquatch, is available in various stores.
The Game’s Economic Foundations
Sell Me A Sasquatch draws its inspiration from a renowned economics paper, “The Market for Lemons,” authored by George Akerlof in 1970. Akerlof later received a Nobel Prize in Economics, primarily for this groundbreaking work.
The paper examines the used car market to reveal why reliable information is vital for healthy commerce. It focuses on what happens when sellers possess more knowledge than buyers, a condition known as “asymmetric information.” For instance, when buying a used car, distinguishing between a reliable vehicle and a faulty one becomes difficult. Buyers avoid paying top dollar due to this uncertainty.
This reluctance leads owners of well-maintained vehicles to withhold them from sale, while sellers of faulty cars happily proceed. Eventually, this results in a market dominated by poor-quality cars, a phenomenon called “adverse selection.” Over time, unchecked adverse selection can cause market failures. This concept applies to various industries, including dating apps and health insurance.
The game Sell Me A Sasquatch reflects these ideas. Instead of cars, players trade mythical creatures. They alternate roles between buyer and seller, evaluating deals with incomplete information, mimicking the dynamics of the “Market for Lemons.”
Gameplay and Concept
Through bluffing, bargaining, and dubious trades, gameplay leads to eroding trust and increased adverse selection, spiraling into chaotic fun. The essence of economic interactions in the game might go unnoticed by casual players, but those familiar with economics can appreciate an additional layer of depth.
Easter Eggs and Economic References
Beyond the game’s foundation, numerous references to economic concepts are embedded. Players may encounter cards featuring mythical creatures with economic references. Planet Money solicited ideas from listeners, receiving over 1,600 submissions.
- The Laffer Exploding Kittens: This features a curved, laughing hyena, symbolizing the Laffer Curve theory, associated with economist Arthur Laffer. It suggests certain tax rates can decrease taxable income, influencing government revenue.
- Scabby: Named after Scabby the Rat, this reference draws from a Planet Money episode on labor strikes, where inflatable rats mark picket lines.
- The BullBear: This creature combines symbols of bull and bear markets. Bulls represent optimism in rising markets, while bears signify pessimism. A listener’s challenge led to the creation of a creature embodying both views.
- The Veblen: Inspired by economist Thorstein Veblen, this peacock illustrates “conspicuous consumption,” a concept where people buy things to signify status rather than utility.
Future Episodes and Engagement
Planet Money will continue exploring the board game process through future episodes. The game is now available for discovery, encouraging players to host game nights and identify economic nuances within. While the economic intricacies might not appeal to everyone, those aware will understand the game’s enriched context.