Exploding Kittens

Definition

Exploding Kittens is a popular card game that utilizes crowdfunding for its development and production, specifically through Kickstarter. The game combines elements of chance and strategy, engaging players in a humorous and competitive environment. Its success story highlights how innovative game concepts can attract funding from a large number of backers, demonstrating the power of community support in alternative financing options.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Exploding Kittens was launched on Kickstarter in 2015 and became one of the most-backed projects on the platform, raising over $8.7 million from more than 219,000 backers.
2. The game's quirky art and humorous theme were key factors in its marketing strategy, helping it stand out among other tabletop games and attracting a diverse audience.
3. Developers used stretch goals during their Kickstarter campaign to encourage higher funding levels, offering additional cards and expansions as rewards for backers.
4. The game's popularity led to multiple expansions and spin-offs, illustrating how successful crowdfunding can lead to ongoing product development and brand growth.
5. Exploding Kittens emphasizes the importance of building a community around a product, as its success relied heavily on social media engagement and word-of-mouth marketing.

Review Questions

• How did the crowdfunding campaign for Exploding Kittens contribute to its overall success in the gaming industry?
  • The crowdfunding campaign for Exploding Kittens was pivotal in establishing its success, as it raised a significant amount of capital while building a large community of supporters. By leveraging platforms like Kickstarter, the creators not only secured funding but also generated buzz around the game's unique concept and art style. This community-driven approach allowed them to validate their idea before launching fully into production, setting a benchmark for similar projects in the gaming industry.
• Discuss the marketing strategies employed during the Exploding Kittens Kickstarter campaign and how they affected backer engagement.
  • During the Exploding Kittens Kickstarter campaign, several effective marketing strategies were employed, including engaging visual content and humor that resonated with potential backers. The use of stretch goals encouraged more substantial contributions by offering attractive rewards, which fostered a sense of urgency among supporters. Additionally, the creators utilized social media platforms to share updates and interact directly with fans, enhancing community engagement and driving more traffic to their campaign.
• Evaluate the impact of Exploding Kittens on the crowdfunding landscape for board games and how it has influenced future campaigns.
  • Exploding Kittens had a profound impact on the crowdfunding landscape for board games, showcasing the potential for unique concepts to achieve remarkable financial backing through community support. Its overwhelming success set a precedent for future campaigns, encouraging creators to focus on engaging storytelling and clear marketing strategies. The game's influence has led many aspiring game developers to consider crowdfunding as a viable path for bringing their ideas to market while emphasizing community involvement as essential for success.

Related terms

Kickstarter:

A crowdfunding platform that allows creators to present their projects to potential backers in exchange for rewards, often used by startups and artists.

Crowdfunding: The practice of raising small amounts of money from a large number of people, typically via the internet, to fund a new project or business.

Tabletop Games: Games played on a flat surface, typically involving cards, boards, or dice, which are often designed for social interaction and entertainment.