Exploding Kittens: The Game That Broke Kickstarter Records
Review of the record-breaking Exploding Kittens card game campaign. Is this the ultimate party game or just overhyped?
Campaign Details
Rating
Exploding Kittens didn’t just break Kickstarter records—it proved that simple, fun games could capture the internet’s imagination like nothing before.
Why it matters
This campaign showed that crowdfunding could create cultural phenomena. By combining simple gameplay with internet humor and the star power of The Oatmeal, Exploding Kittens became the most-backed game in Kickstarter history.
The details
The game is essentially Russian Roulette with cards. Players draw cards until someone draws an Exploding Kitten and explodes. Special cards can defuse bombs, force opponents to draw, or peek at the deck. Games last 2-5 minutes with 2-5 players.
Verdict
With a 4.6/5 rating, Exploding Kittens succeeds as both a gateway game and party entertainment. While hardcore gamers might find it too simple, it’s perfect for introducing non-gamers to tabletop fun. The campaign’s success paved the way for countless other simple party games on crowdfunding platforms.