Planet Money BOARD GAMES 3: What’s in a name?
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Jan 22, 2026 
Jamie Walansky, a game consultant and retail expert, joins the discussion about naming a new board game inspired by economic principles. He emphasizes that a strong game title is crucial for retail success. The team grapples with various themes and settles on 'Sell Me a Sasquatch' due to its catchy appeal. They explore why nostalgia resonates with millennials and share insights on international market challenges. Ultimately, they decide to stick with the Sasquatch theme, inviting listeners to suggest their own cryptids for the game.
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Name Can Make Or Break A Game
- A great game mechanic isn't enough to reach mass retail shelves. The game's name and theme can sink or launch it in big-box stores.
Match Theme To Core Gameplay Feel
- Theme should amplify core gameplay emotions like tension from trading. Choose whimsical, memorable imagery that invites players to spend time in the game's world.
Three Theme Options Tested
- Exploding Kittens pitched three whimsical themes: mascots, cryptids, and career cats. The team felt pulled toward the playful cryptid idea they couldn't stop saying.