Exploding Kittens
Creator and Founder
Shane originally created the game as a digital casual game for a previous company he founded, Funtini. Life took over and he put game on the backburner. When Xbox Studios shut down, he resurrected the game as a physical card game to play with his former coworkers. When his friends could not stop talking about it, Shane knew the game could be a hit. So he put it up on Kickstarter and the rest as they say is history.
Shane Small is the creator and founder of the blockbuster card game Exploding Kittens. Exploding Kittens is the third biggest Kickstarter campaign of all time, raising $8.7 million from 219,382 backers. Exploding Kittens since has became a global phenomenon, referenced on multiple TV shows, and was even a question on Jeopardy.(R.I.P. Alex Trebek).
Boom!
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Shane co-created Exploding Kittens by transforming an earlier digital-game concept into a physical card game built around simple mechanics, distinctive humor and highly shareable original IP. The Kickstarter raised $8.7 million from 219,382 backers, becoming one of the platform’s most successful campaigns.
ROLE & CONTRIBUTION
Founder and product creator responsible for the original game concept, product vision, creative direction, gameplay development, visual-world development and early launch strategy. Shane helped carry the idea from dormant digital prototype through physical product and crowdfunding launch.
STRATEGIC VALUE
Exploding Kittens demonstrated how a clear product idea, memorable brand voice and community-driven launch could create a new entertainment franchise. The work combined game design, storytelling, product strategy and direct audience participation—turning a small experimental concept into widely recognized original IP.
LET’S BUILD WHAT’S NEXT
Looking for a creative executive who can connect strategy, story, product and emerging technology?
CONTACT SHANE →
shanesmall@gmail.com