Exploding Kittens
- Ezra Readhead
- Nov 3, 2022
- 2 min read
Exploding kittens is an indefinitely playable, lethal game of chance, as a witty, feline-infused twist on Russian roulette. Tension builds with each card drawn as there becomes an increasing potential of picking up the exploding kitten- eliminating the player from the game.
Since its release in 2015, they have distributed 9 editions and 3 expansion packs, all being just as popular as the original. Adding new cards refreshes the gameplay, with unique mechanics and even more fun strategies to ‘absolutely demolish your nemesis’ (Barking Kittens Expansion Pack by Exploding Kittens - for Adults Teens and Kids - Fun Family Games - a Russian Roulette Card Game : Amazon.com.au: Toys & Games, n.d.).
The creators of Exploding Kittens pride themselves in its accessibility from a cognitive perspective, evident through the inclusion each expansions learn time within its description (fig.1).
With little setup required and a 4-minute video explaining the rules, as well as a sample round, it is extremely easy to grasp. This clear instruction eliminates any confusion, which tends to be apparent when reading extensive pages of gameplay.
As well as this, each card utilises hilarious illustrations to explain its function alongside a short sentence for when the player requires reminding of its use (fig.2). Each power has been clearly colour coded for instant recognition to more experienced players.
Living in a digital age, the developers aim was to revive the public zest for table-top games. By making the game quick to learn, visually engaging and throwing in the occasional innuendo, younger audiences like Gen-Z and millennials are much more inclined to join in on games night. A clever combination of destruction, excitement and strategy also attracts a wide range of audiences to the table.
When looking at the analytics for explodingkittens.com, it is evident that they have been successful in this challenge (fig.3).
The gender distribution (fig.4) was almost evenly split between men (55.61%) and women (44.39%). Giving light to the idea that this game is appropriate for any group scenario where people are looking to end the monotony of card playing.
Despite releasing the original game in 6 languages, it remains most popular within the US, UK, and Australia (fig.5). This may be influenced by the expansion packs only existing as English versions.
This is a card game for people who are into kittens and explosions and laser beams and sometimes goats.
(Exploding Kittens, 2019)
The leading feature of this game is its niche premise surrounding feline hyperboles. The catchphrase alone is enough to intrigue someone into making sense of this wacky concept. Each card has a unique illustration, developing the narrative of how a palindromic 'tacocat' might award you the winning title. And, no doubt, every player will take their time to admire the artwork laid out on the hand in front of them.
References
Barking Kittens | Exploding Kittens Expansion Pack. (n.d.). Exploding Kittens. Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://www.explodingkittens.com/products/barking-kittens-expansion-pack
Barking Kittens Expansion Pack by Exploding Kittens - for Adults Teens and Kids - Fun Family Games - A Russian Roulette Card Game : Amazon.com.au: Toys & Games. (n.d.). Www.amazon.com.au. Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://www.amazon.com.au/Exploding-Kittens-LLC/dp/B089DTJ1ZY?th=1
Exploding Kittens. (2019, August 27). Kickstarter. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/elanlee/exploding-kittens
Exploding Kittens (Fanart) by minkyme068 on DeviantArt. (n.d.). Www.deviantart.com. Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://www.deviantart.com/minkyme068/art/Exploding-Kittens-Fanart-775725812
Explodingkittens.com. (2022, September). Explodingkittens.com; SimilarWeb. https://www.similarweb.com/website/explodingkittens.com/#overview
ZOMBIE KITTENS (BY EXPLODING KITTENS) – Games World. (n.d.). Games World. Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://www.gamesworld.com.au/product/zombie-kittens-by-exploding-kittens/
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