BOARD GAMES 3: What’s in a name?
Planet Money
Jan 22
BOARD GAMES 3: What’s in a name?
BOARD GAMES 3: What’s in a name?
Planet Money
Jan 22
Naming a board game might seem like a small detail, but it can determine whether it flies off shelves or gathers dust in obscurity. For the Planet Money team, stepping into the world of retail means grappling with a new challenge: crafting a name and theme that sell not just gameplay, but a feeling.
The team dives into the high-stakes process of naming their economics-inspired board game, testing ideas ranging from car puns to mythical beasts. They land on 'Sell Me a Sasquatch,' a title evoking nostalgia and mystery, resonant with millennial buyers and fueled by cultural trends. Yet, international appeal becomes a hurdle—'Sasquatch' doesn’t translate across Europe, sparking debates over alternatives like 'Yeti' and dual regional branding. Despite logistical challenges, they commit to the Sasquatch identity, planning separate U.S. and European editions. The final decision balances emotional resonance with market reality, while inviting listeners to contribute economics-themed cryptids, turning the game into a collaborative creation poised for a July 2026 launch.
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03:11
A game’s name and theme are half the product
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14:29
Games have only three seconds to attract a customer in big-box stores
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20:14
European teams may not know what a Sasquatch is, risking international sales
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23:07
Different Exploding Kittens games have varying popularity in different countries.
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28:57
They introduce the title 'Sell Me a Sasquatch' after pitching many other titles to the hosts and giant retailers.
