{"id":1046,"date":"2023-02-03T18:46:15","date_gmt":"2023-02-03T22:46:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/elan-lee-co-creator-of-exploding-kittens-how-to-raise-millions-on-kickstarter-deconstructing-mega-successes-secrets-of-game-design-the-power-of-positive-constraints-the-delights-of-craf\/"},"modified":"2023-02-03T18:46:15","modified_gmt":"2023-02-03T22:46:15","slug":"elan-lee-co-creator-of-exploding-kittens-how-to-raise-millions-on-kickstarter-deconstructing-mega-successes-secrets-of-game-design-the-power-of-positive-constraints-the-delights-of-craf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/elan-lee-co-creator-of-exploding-kittens-how-to-raise-millions-on-kickstarter-deconstructing-mega-successes-secrets-of-game-design-the-power-of-positive-constraints-the-delights-of-craf\/","title":{"rendered":"Elan Lee, Co-Creator of Exploding Kittens \u2014 How to Raise Millions on Kickstarter, Deconstructing Mega-Successes, Secrets of Game Design, The Power of Positive Constraints, The Delights of Craftsmanship, and The Art of Turning Fans Into Superfans (#653)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/hop.clickbank.net\/?affiliate=infohatch&amp;vendor=J1R2C\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10614 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px.png\" alt=\"Profit Gen\" width=\"400\" height=\"217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px.png 400w, https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px-300x163.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-66352 jetpack-lazy-image\" width=\"600\" height=\"479\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Elan-Lee-Illustration-scaled.jpeg?resize=1024%2C819&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Elan-Lee-Illustration-scaled.jpeg?resize=300%2C240&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Elan-Lee-Illustration-scaled.jpeg?resize=768%2C614&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Elan-Lee-Illustration-scaled.jpeg?resize=1536%2C1229&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Elan-Lee-Illustration-scaled.jpeg?resize=2048%2C1638&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Elan-Lee-Illustration-scaled.jpeg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Elan-Lee-Illustration-scaled.jpeg?w=1800&amp;ssl=1 1800w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 90vw, 600px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Elan-Lee-Illustration.jpeg?resize=600%2C479&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Elan-Lee-Illustration.jpeg?resize=600%2C479&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-66352\" width=\"600\" height=\"479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Elan-Lee-Illustration-scaled.jpeg?resize=1024%2C819&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Elan-Lee-Illustration-scaled.jpeg?resize=300%2C240&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Elan-Lee-Illustration-scaled.jpeg?resize=768%2C614&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Elan-Lee-Illustration-scaled.jpeg?resize=1536%2C1229&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Elan-Lee-Illustration-scaled.jpeg?resize=2048%2C1638&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Elan-Lee-Illustration-scaled.jpeg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Elan-Lee-Illustration-scaled.jpeg?w=1800&amp;ssl=1 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, 600px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Illustration via <a href=\"http:\/\/99designs.com\/tim\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow external noopener noreferrer\">99designs<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong><strong>\u201d I don\u2019t want a game to be in the spotlight. I want the players to be in the spotlight.\u201d<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><cite>\u2014\u00a0Elan Lee<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><strong>Elan Lee<\/strong> (<a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/elanlee\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow external noopener noreferrer\">@elanlee<\/a>) is the co-creator and chief executive officer of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.explodingkittens.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow external noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Exploding Kittens<\/strong><\/a>, a leading gaming and entertainment company. Under his leadership, Exploding Kittens has expanded its portfolio to nearly 30 different games with more than 20 million games sold in more than 50 countries since its founding in 2015.<\/p>\n<p>Before founding Exploding Kittens, Lee was the chief design officer at Xbox Entertainment Studios, where he led the Interactive Entertainment Portfolio. Prior to that, he was the founder and chief creative officer of Fourth Wall Studios and co-founder of 42 Entertainment. He began his career at Microsoft Games Studios as a lead designer on the original Xbox.<\/p>\n<p>Lee has won a Primetime Emmy for the series <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt2331613\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><em>Dirty Work<\/em><\/a>; Game Innovator of the Year for Exploding Kittens; a Peabody Award for the world\u2019s first alternate reality game, <a href=\"https:\/\/peabodyawards.com\/thebeast\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">The Beast<\/a>; and an IndieCade Trailblazer Award for a distinguished career in interactive entertainment, among others.<\/p>\n<p>Please enjoy!<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><strong><em><strong><em>Listen to the episode on <a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/653-elan-lee-co-creator-of-exploding-kittens-how-to\/id863897795?i=1000597775614\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Apple Podcasts<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/episode\/7uBSIeBslmlEzGj9JNaP4G?si=Sf1X1-XSQ7yf8RM5G0KWdg\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow external noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/overcast.fm\/+Kebuc8CCE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Overcast<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/podcastaddict.com\/podcast\/2031148#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Podcast Addict<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/pca.st\/timferriss\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Pocket Casts<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/castbox.fm\/channel\/id1059468?country=us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Castbox<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.google.com\/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9yc3MuYXJ0MTkuY29tL3RpbS1mZXJyaXNzLXNob3c&amp;ved=0CAAQ4aUDahcKEwjI_ezXzuDnAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Google Podcasts<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/show\/the-tim-ferriss-show\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Stitcher<\/a>, <strong><em><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/music.amazon.com\/podcasts\/9814f3cc-1dc5-4003-b816-44a8eb6bf666\/the-tim-ferriss-show\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Amazon Music<\/a>,\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong>or on your favorite podcast platform<\/em><\/strong>. <\/em><\/strong><em><strong>You can <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/C1H3d4V655I\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"nofollow external noopener noreferrer\">watch the interview on YouTube here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Brought to you by\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/athleticgreens.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><strong><em>Athletic Greens\u2019s AG1<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em>\u00a0all-in-one nutritional supplement,\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/helixsleep.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><strong><em>Helix Sleep<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em>\u00a0premium mattresses, and\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/shopify.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><strong><em>Shopify<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em>\u00a0global commerce platform providing tools to start, grow, market, and manage a retail business.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-tim-podcast-link-main podcast-block wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><a class=\"podcast-block__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow external\" href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/653-elan-lee-co-creator-of-exploding-kittens-how-to\/id863897795?i=1000597775614\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"podcast-block__link-icon jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/themes\/timferriss\/inc\/blocks\/podcast-link\/images\/apple-podcast.png?w=600&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/data:image\/gif;base64,https:\/\/tim.blog\/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/themes\/timferriss\/inc\/blocks\/podcast-link\/images\/apple-podcast.png?w=600&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"podcast-block__link-icon\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><span class=\"podcast-block__link-text-top\">Listen on<\/span><span class=\"podcast-block__link-text\">Apple Podcasts<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-tim-podcast-link-main podcast-block wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><a class=\"podcast-block__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow external\" href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/episode\/7uBSIeBslmlEzGj9JNaP4G?si=Sf1X1-XSQ7yf8RM5G0KWdg\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"podcast-block__link-icon jetpack-lazy-image\" src=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/themes\/timferriss\/inc\/blocks\/podcast-link\/images\/spotify.svg?is-pending-load=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/data:image\/gif;base64,https:\/\/tim.blog\/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/themes\/timferriss\/inc\/blocks\/podcast-link\/images\/spotify.svg\" class=\"podcast-block__link-icon\"\/><\/noscript><span class=\"podcast-block__link-text-top\">Listen on<\/span><span class=\"podcast-block__link-text\">Spotify<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-tim-podcast-link-main podcast-block wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><a class=\"podcast-block__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow external\" href=\"https:\/\/overcast.fm\/+Kebuc8CCE\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"podcast-block__link-icon jetpack-lazy-image\" src=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/themes\/timferriss\/inc\/blocks\/podcast-link\/images\/overcast.svg?is-pending-load=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/data:image\/gif;base64,https:\/\/tim.blog\/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/themes\/timferriss\/inc\/blocks\/podcast-link\/images\/overcast.svg\" class=\"podcast-block__link-icon\"\/><\/noscript><span class=\"podcast-block__link-text-top\">Listen on<\/span><span class=\"podcast-block__link-text\">Overcast<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"podcast-player\">\n<div class=\"podcast-player-inner-wrap\">\n<p>#653: Elan Lee, Co-Creator of Exploding Kittens \u2014 How to Raise Millions on Kickstarter, Deconstructing Mega-Successes, Secrets of Game Design, The Power of Positive Constraints, The Delights of Craftsmanship, and The Art of Turning Fans Into Superfans<\/p>\n<p><noscript><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.art19.com\/shows\/58dacbdc-646e-4585-9914-19c3de11d1ba\/episodes\/32a6040d-9745-470a-bdfb-82bfacfdf3ac\/embed?type=micro\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 30px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<p>\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Co-Creator of Exploding Kittens \u2014 How to Raise Millions on Kickstarter | Elan Lee\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/C1H3d4V655I?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>This episode is brought to you by\u00a0<\/strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.athleticgreens.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><strong>Athletic Greens<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong>\u00a0I get asked all the time, \u201cIf you could use only one supplement, what would it be?\u201d My answer is usually\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.athleticgreens.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">AG1<\/a> by <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.athleticgreens.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Athletic\u00a0Greens<\/a>, my all-in-one nutritional insurance. I recommended it in\u00a0<em>The 4-Hour Body<\/em>\u00a0in 2010 and did not get paid to do so. I do my best with nutrient-dense meals, of course, but\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.athleticgreens.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">AG<\/a>\u00a0further covers my bases with vitamins, minerals, and whole-food-sourced micronutrients that support gut health and the immune system.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Right now,\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.athleticgreens.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><strong>Athletic Greens<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u00a0is offering you their Vitamin D Liquid Formula free with your first subscription purchase<\/strong>\u2014a vital nutrient for a strong immune system and strong bones.\u00a0<strong>Visit\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.athleticgreens.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><strong>AthleticGreens.com\/Tim<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u00a0to claim this special offer today and receive the free Vitamin D Liquid Formula (and 5 free travel packs) with your first subscription purchase!\u00a0<\/strong>That\u2019s up to a one-year supply of Vitamin D as added value when you try their delicious and comprehensive all-in-one daily greens product.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>This episode is brought to you by\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/helixsleep.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><strong>Helix Sleep<\/strong><\/a>!\u00a0<\/strong>Helix was selected as the #1 overall mattress of 2020 by\u00a0<em>GQ\u00a0<\/em>magazine<em>, Wired,\u00a0<\/em>Apartment Therapy, and many others. With\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/helixsleep.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Helix<\/a>, there\u2019s a specific mattress to meet each and every body\u2019s unique comfort needs. Just take their quiz\u2014<a href=\"http:\/\/helixsleep.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">only two minutes to complete<\/a>\u2014that matches your body type and sleep preferences to the perfect mattress for you. They have a 10-year warranty, and you get to try it out for a hundred nights, risk-free. They\u2019ll even pick it up from you if you don\u2019t love it.\u00a0<strong>And now, Helix is offering up 20% off all mattress orders plus two free pillows at\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/helixsleep.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">HelixSleep.com\/Tim<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>This episode is brought to you by\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/shopify.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><strong>Shopify<\/strong><\/a><strong>!\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/shopify.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Shopify<\/a>\u00a0is one of my favorite platforms and one of my favorite companies.\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/shopify.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Shopify<\/a>\u00a0is<strong> designed for anyone to sell anywhere<\/strong>, giving entrepreneurs the resources once reserved for big business. In no time flat, you can have a great-looking online store that brings your ideas to life, and you can have the tools to manage your day-to-day and drive sales. No coding or design experience required.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Go to\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/shopify.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><strong>shopify.com\/Tim<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u00a0to sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period. It\u2019s a great deal for a great service, so I encourage you to check it out. Take your business to the next level today by visiting\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/shopify.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><strong>shopify.com\/Tim<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong><strong>Would you like <a href=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/2022\/03\/16\/jane-mcgonigal-imaginable\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">to hear another podcast episode<\/a> that features an alternate reality game designer?<\/strong> <\/strong>Have a listen to my most recent conversation with <a href=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/2022\/03\/16\/jane-mcgonigal-imaginable\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Jane McGonigal<\/a> in which we discussed video games to play for quieting your mind before bedtime, why Tetris is uniquely effective at treating PTSD, eerily prescient 2020 predictions from a 2010 simulation, politics and cryptocurrency, urgent optimism, trust warfare, emergency preparedness, <a href=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/2022\/03\/16\/jane-mcgonigal-imaginable\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">and much more<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"podcast-player\">\n<div class=\"podcast-player-inner-wrap\">\n<p>#579: Jane McGonigal \u2014 How She Predicted COVID in 2010, Becoming the Expert of Your Own Future, Trust Warfare, the 10-Year Winter, and How to Cultivate Optimism<\/p>\n<p><noscript><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.art19.com\/shows\/58dacbdc-646e-4585-9914-19c3de11d1ba\/episodes\/d97ca1b3-4219-4b68-9fa2-bb9a7eebe862\/embed?type=micro\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 30px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know <a href=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/2023\/02\/03\/elan-lee\/#respond\">in the comments<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SCROLL BELOW FOR LINKS AND SHOW NOTES\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span id=\"more-66351\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE<\/h3>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/elanlee\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Twitter<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/in\/elanlee\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Connect with <strong>Exploding Kittens<\/strong>:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/explodingkittens.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Website<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/gameofkittens\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Twitter<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/instagram.com\/gameofkittens\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Instagram<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/tiktok.com\/@explodingkittens\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">TikTok<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/youtube.com\/c\/ExplodingKittensInc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Poetry-Neanderthals-Exploding-Kittens-Adults\/dp\/B09R3XH5M5\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Poetry for Neanderthals NSFW Edition | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.explodingkittens.com\/pages\/rules-poetry-for-neanderthals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">How to Play Poetry for Neanderthals | Exploding Kittens<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discovermagazine.com\/planet-earth\/is-it-neander-tal-or-neander-thal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Is It Neander-TAL or Neander-THAL? | Discover Magazine<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thinklikeagamedesigner.com\/podcast\/2019\/11\/14\/think-like-a-game-designer-20-elan-lee\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Elan Lee | Think Like a Game Designer with Justin Gary #20<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Exploding-Kittens-WMBT-CORE-4-New-Game\/dp\/B09R41QXS6\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Hand-to-Hand Wombat | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.explodingkittens.com\/pages\/how-to-play-hand-to-hand-wombat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">How to Play Hand-to-Hand Wombat | Exploding Kittens<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=J5bF1qel_RE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Hand-To-Hand Wombat Developer Interview | Exploding Kittens<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/UNO-Card-Game-Original-Mattel\/dp\/B005I5M2F8\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">UNO | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gamedeveloper.com\/business\/why-the-core-gameplay-loop-is-critical-for-game-design\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Why the Core Gameplay Loop is Critical For Game Design | Game Developer<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ordcamp.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">ORD Camp<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Alien-4K-UHD-Tom-Skerritt\/dp\/B08GS85927\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Alien | Prime Video<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Jaws-Roy-Scheider\/dp\/B009CG9CXO\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Jaws | Prime Video<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Jaws-Space-Powerful-Screenwriters-Essentials\/dp\/1843447339\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Jaws in Space: Powerful Pitching for Film and TV Screenwriters by Charles Harris | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Exploding-Kittens-Explicit-Content-ADULTS\/dp\/B010TU7LP2\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Exploding Kittens NSFW Edition | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.explodingkittens.com\/pages\/rules-kittens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">How to Play Exploding Kittens | Exploding Kittens<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Russian_roulette\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Russian Roulette | Wikipedia<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kickstarter.com\/blog\/exploding-kittens-is-the-most-backed-project-of-all-time\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Exploding Kittens Is the Most-Backed Project of All Time | Kickstarter<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Alternate_reality_game\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Alternate Reality Game | Wikipedia<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/theoatmeal.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Comics by Matthew Inman | The Oatmeal<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbr.com\/the-oatmeal-an-eisner-surprise\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">\u2018The Oatmeal\u2019: An Eisner Surprise | CBR<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Exploding-Kittens-Tacocat-Spelled-Backwards\/dp\/B08TQZ1FRM\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Tacocat Spelled Backwards | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.explodingkittens.com\/pages\/rules-tacocat-spelled-backwards\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">How to Play Tacocat Spelled Backwards | Exploding Kittens<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/thetechnium\/1000-true-fans\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">1,000 True Fans by Kevin Kelly | The Technium<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B07CQ8B47B\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Appetite For Destruction by Guns N\u2019 Roses | Amazon Music<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nCIgcvK8elo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Elan Lee: Exploding Kittens &amp; The Key to Running a Successful Kickstarter | Talks at Google<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theringer.com\/movies\/2018\/8\/2\/17641822\/box-office-reporting-mojo-the-numbers-marvel-star-wars\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Moneyballing the Movies: How the Box Office Became a Sport | The Ringer<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=qC3RbJ3SjTA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Secrets and Cost to Make iPhone Box Revealed | Process Minted<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gameparts.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Producer of Custom Dice, Poker Chips, Dominoes, and Game Sets and Parts Since 1906 | Game Parts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fool.com\/the-ascent\/small-business\/email-marketing\/articles\/power-direct-consumer-model\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">The Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) Model: A Complete Guide for 2023 | The Motley Fool<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Hasbro-A5640-Connect-4-Game\/dp\/B00D8STBHY\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Connect 4 | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/MONOPOLY-Family-Board-Players-Community\/dp\/B0949HBRRJ\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Monopoly | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Iron_Chef\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Iron Chef | Wikipedia<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.psu.edu\/therift\/2021\/09\/09\/what-it-truly-means-to-be-a-manga-artist\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">What It Truly Means to Be a Manga Artist | The Rift<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Apostrophe-Games-Blank-Playing-Finish\/dp\/B01H4CZQ14\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Apostrophe Games Blank Playing Cards | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/steelsupplements.com\/blogs\/steel-blog\/arnold-schwarzenegger-s-real-workout-plan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Arnold Schwarzenegger\u2019s Real Workout Plan | Steel Supplements<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dnd.wizards.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">The World\u2019s Greatest Roleplaying Game | Dungeons &amp; Dragons<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Players-Handbook-Advanced-Dungeons-Dragons\/dp\/3890840299\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">AD&amp;D Player\u2019s Handbook by Gary Gygax | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Dungeon-Masters-Guide-Gary-Gygax\/dp\/B0006XAV6E\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">AD&amp;D Dungeon Masters Guide by Gary Gygax | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.netflix.com\/watch\/80077368?source=35\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Stranger Things | Netflix<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=Chess&amp;crid=29S702T07RNQ5%2F%3Ftag%3Doffsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Chess | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=Backgammon&amp;crid=8HCZXCVA4PWM%2F%3Ftag%3Doffsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Backgammon | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=Japanese+Chess&amp;crid=L07BNHA8NHEX%2F%3Ftag%3Doffsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Shogi | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=Go+game&amp;crid=7G7DM8VI2EUP%2F%3Ftag%3Doffsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Go | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pokemongolive.com\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Pok\u00e9mon GO<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Cards-Against-Humanity-LLC-CAHUS\/dp\/B004S8F7QM\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Cards Against Humanity | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/What-You-Meme-Core-Game\/dp\/B09R6FF1LY\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">What Do You Meme? | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Joking-Hazard-LLC\/dp\/B07K5BD5F4\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Joking Hazard | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Mattel-Games-Apples-Party-Box\/dp\/B00K12LGK0\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Apples to Apples | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Rio-Grande-Games-Dominion-2nd\/dp\/B01LYLIS2U\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Dominion: 2nd Edition | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Pok%C3%A9mon-Assorted-Cards-50-Pieces\/dp\/B001CJVTLC\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Pok\u00e9mon Assorted Cards | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Magic-Gathering-Starter-Ready-Play\/dp\/B098884RQ5\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Magic: The Gathering 2021 Arena Starter Kit | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Throw-Burrito-Dodgeball-Exploding-Kittens\/dp\/B07TS96J7Q\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Throw Throw Burrito | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.explodingkittens.com\/pages\/rules-throw-throw-burrito-original-edition\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">How to Play Throw Throw Burrito Original Edition | Exploding Kittens<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/SET-Family-Game-Visual-Perception\/dp\/B00000IV34\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">SET | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Catan-Studios-cantan2017\/dp\/B00U26V4VQ\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Catan Base Game | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.playtonic.com.au\/settlers-of-catan-board-game\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Settlers of Catan Is One of the Best Family Board Games | Playtonic<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Catalyst-Labs-CAT3500D-Battletech-Armored\/dp\/B000AZBDBU\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">BattleTech: A Game of Armored Combat | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Crimson_Skies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Crimson Skies | Wikipedia<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jdJA5C_Po4U\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">BattleTech Center (1992) | Discovery Channel Beyond 2000<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.xbox.com\/en-US\/games\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Xbox Games | Xbox<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ilm.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Industrial Light &amp; Magic<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Star-Wars-Phantom-Liam-Neeson\/dp\/B00VF18WWG\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Star Wars: The Phantom Menace | Prime Video<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/beforesandafters.com\/2019\/05\/24\/jar-jar-binks-was-nearly-a-practical-suit-and-a-cg-head\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Jar Jar Binks Was Nearly a Practical Suit and a CG Head | Befores &amp; Afters<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Halo-Combat-Evolved-Xbox-Renewed\/dp\/B07KPN74WG\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Halo: Combat Evolved for Xbox | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/gamesblog\/2006\/mar\/15\/edoclaundryin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">edoc Laundry Interview | The Guardian<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shanesmall.com\/edoc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">edoc Laundry | Shane Small<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wired.com\/2005\/12\/hey-whats-that-on-your-shirt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Hey! What\u2019s That On Your Shirt? | Wired<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockthevote.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">2024 Starts Now | Rock the Vote<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Artificial-Intelligence-Haley-Joel-Osment\/dp\/B00QFNLJZQ\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">A.I. Artificial Intelligence | Prime Video<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/peabodyawards.com\/thebeast\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">The Beast,\u00a0A.I.\u00a0Transmedia Experience | The Peabody Awards<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Beast_(game)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">The Beast (Game) | Wikipedia<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Hasbro-Gaming-Kingdom-Adventures-Exclusive\/dp\/B00000DMF5\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Candy Land | Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pixar.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Pixar Animation Studios<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/2014\/08\/12\/ed-catmull\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Ed Catmull, President of Pixar, on Steve Jobs, Stories, and Lessons Learned | The Tim Ferriss Show #22<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/crossborder.fedex.com\/us\/assets\/prohibited-restricted\/russia\/index.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Russia Prohibited and Restricted Items | FedEx Cross Border<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/artsycr8tor.medium.com\/exploding-kittens-interview-with-game-designer-elan-lee-4f91c6c0a3de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Exploding Kittens: Interview with Game Designer Elan Lee by Meagan J. Meehan | Medium<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tcg.co\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">TCG Invests in Companies That Define Culture | The Chernin Group<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Judges-Butt-Head-Official-Trailer-Paramount\/dp\/B0B5P8GKM6\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Mike Judge\u2019s Beavis and Butt-Head | Prime Video<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hulu.com\/series\/king-of-the-hill-52b8dd8a-eff2-4ed2-9b8d-7c0039df1c53\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">King of the Hill | Hulu<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/The-Office-An-American-Workplace\/dp\/B000U7O8LA\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">The Office | Prime Video<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hulu.com\/movie\/office-space-d38591ec-d8ec-45d7-8b39-cfd07b860a8d\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Office Space | Hulu<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.netflix.com\/tudum\/articles\/exploding-kittens-animated-series-card-game\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">\u2018Exploding Kittens\u2019 Game and Animated Show Coming to Netflix | Netflix Tudum<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ri02qv6CeiQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Exploding Kittens Official Game Trailer | Netflix<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/food52.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Food Community, Recipes, Kitchen\u200c &amp; Home Products, Cooking Contests | Food52<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themeateater.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Your Link to the Food Chain | MeatEater<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/2020\/10\/06\/steven-rinella-meateater\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Steven Rinella on Hunting (and Why You Should Care), Reconnecting with Nature, Favorite Trips, and More | The Tim Ferriss Show #470<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hodinkee.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Hodinkee<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barstoolsports.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Barstool Sports<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/roosterteeth.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Rooster Teeth<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scopely.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Scopely<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/hello-sunshine.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Hello Sunshine<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.explodingkittens.com\/pages\/contact-us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Support | Exploding Kittens<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SHOW NOTES<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>[06:00] <em>Poetry For Neanderthals<\/em> and collaborating with creative cohorts.<\/li>\n<li>[16:41] Kitty Test Pilots and core gameplay loops.<\/li>\n<li>[22:21] Crowdfunding, alternate reality games, and internet archaeology.<\/li>\n<li>[25:54] Matthew Inman and The Oatmeal millions.<\/li>\n<li>[32:18] The perils of operating faster than the speed of Gmail.<\/li>\n<li>[34:06] Converting casual fans into superfans.<\/li>\n<li>[34:51] What <em>not<\/em> to do when your Kickstarter goes better than expected.<\/li>\n<li>[36:51] The budget of production needs to fit the fun.<\/li>\n<li>[43:01] Does size matter?<\/li>\n<li>[44:44] From direct-to-consumer sales to being featured in big box stores.<\/li>\n<li>[47:07] Building a game from scratch quickly.<\/li>\n<li>[52:26] Guiding principles.<\/li>\n<li>[56:37] Foundational game recommendations for beginners.<\/li>\n<li>[1:05:10] Is <em>Settlers of Catan<\/em> the game you think it is?<\/li>\n<li>[1:07:35] Lessons learned from game design veteran Jordan Weisman.<\/li>\n<li>[1:08:50] If you built Jar Jar Binks\u2019 neck, they practically let you run the place.<\/li>\n<li>[1:11:38] If you can\u2019t rock the vote, then clothe the vote.<\/li>\n<li>[1:15:35] Other practical Jordanisms.<\/li>\n<li>[1:16:55] Steven Spielberg and <em>The Beast<\/em>.<\/li>\n<li>[1:23:19] Hate playing <em>Candy Land<\/em> with your kids? Design new games with them.<\/li>\n<li>[1:28:02] Growing <em>Exploding Kittens<\/em> from a game into a company.<\/li>\n<li>[1:32:56] International shipping nightmares.<\/li>\n<li>[1:36:13] Why an open-door policy had to be shut.<\/li>\n<li>[1:38:27] Employees and their roles.<\/li>\n<li>[1:41:50] Milestones.<\/li>\n<li>[1:43:06] When big asks get big results.<\/li>\n<li>[1:47:18] Investor expectations.<\/li>\n<li>[1:52:15] What kind of retirement does someone who makes fun for a living envision?<\/li>\n<li>[1:56:07] Dance partners, algorithm defiance, and other parting thoughts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MORE ELAN LEE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW<\/h3>\n<p><strong>\u201cWhen I was growing up, the biggest frustration I had with games was, first and foremost, the instructions. I don\u2019t have the patience to even read 20 minutes, let alone the seven hours to get into those crazy games. And so I really wanted to make games that 10-year-old me would really get a kick out of.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u2014\u00a0Elan Lee<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cA game should be beautiful. You should look at a game and smile. It should be a source of joy. These things should be dopamine engines, and part of that is you want to hold the thing and show it to all your friends.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u2014\u00a0Elan Lee<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201d I don\u2019t want a game to be in the spotlight. I want the players to be in the spotlight.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u2014\u00a0Elan Lee<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cI once took a week-long skydiving course, and at the end of it, I asked the instructor, \u2018Do you ever get bored of this?\u2019 And he said, \u2018Do you ever get bored of having sex?\u2019 And I thought, that\u2019s exactly it. That\u2019s how I feel about games. That\u2019s how I feel about this job. It\u2019s not a thing with an expiration. It\u2019s a little dopamine factory for me and the people who get to have these experiences. I don\u2019t know how you get bored of that. That\u2019s just eternal.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u2014\u00a0Elan Lee<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cI only care about one question. In fact, we do all these play tests, we don\u2019t even give out surveys anymore. There\u2019s only one question we ask, which is, \u2018When you finish playing the game, did you want to play again?\u2019 And a game is done when 100 percent of the people say \u2018Yes.&#8217;\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u2014\u00a0Elan Lee<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">PEOPLE MENTIONED<\/h3>\n<p><h3 class=\"jp-relatedposts-headline\"><em>Related and Recommended<\/em><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/podcast\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><strong>The Tim Ferriss Show<\/strong><\/a> <\/em><span>is one <\/span>of the most popular podcasts in the world with more than 900 million downloads. It has been selected for &#8220;Best of Apple Podcasts&#8221; three times, it is often the #1 interview podcast across all of Apple Podcasts, and it&#8217;s been ranked #1 out of 400,000+ podcasts on many occasions. To listen to any of the past episodes for free, check out <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/podcast\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">this page<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><script async defer src=\"https:\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/hop.clickbank.net\/?affiliate=infohatch&amp;vendor=J1R2C\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10614 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px.png\" alt=\"Profit Gen\" width=\"400\" height=\"217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px.png 400w, https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px-300x163.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><br \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Illustration via 99designs \u201d I don\u2019t want a game to be in the spotlight. I want the players to be in the spotlight.\u201d \u2014\u00a0Elan Lee [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1047,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1046","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-growth"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1046","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1046"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1046\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1047"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1046"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1046"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1046"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}