What You Need to Know
• Planet Money, in collaboration with Exploding Kittens, has released a new board game titled Sell Me A Sasquatch.
• The game is inspired by George Akerlof’s 1970 paper “The Market for Lemons,” which discusses asymmetric information in markets.
• Sell Me A Sasquatch is designed for players aged 10 and up, making economics accessible to a wider audience.
Planet Money, a podcast from NPR, has launched a new board game called Sell Me A Sasquatch, developed in partnership with Exploding Kittens. The game, which is now available in stores, aims to make economics engaging for everyone, not just enthusiasts. It draws inspiration from George Akerlof’s influential 1970 paper “The Market for Lemons,” which highlights the challenges of asymmetric information in markets, particularly in the used car industry. This concept illustrates how sellers often have more information than buyers, leading to market inefficiencies. The game is suitable for players aged 10 and older, encouraging a broader understanding of economic principles through interactive play.
Why It Matters
The release of Sell Me A Sasquatch signifies an effort to make economic concepts more relatable and enjoyable for a general audience. George Akerlof’s research, which earned him a Nobel Prize, underscores the importance of information transparency in markets. By using a board game format, Planet Money and Exploding Kittens aim to educate players about economic principles in a fun and engaging way. This approach could foster greater interest in economics among younger audiences and promote discussions about market dynamics.
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