The Planet Money team announced an almost final version of their board game project for testing, incorporating feedback from hundreds of listeners, on January 16, 2026. This marks a significant advancement in the development of the game, a project that began with an open call for design ideas in episode two of their podcast series, according to Alex Goldmark and Nick Fountain. The duo highlighted the overwhelming response from their audience, noting that the community's input directly influenced key changes in the game's mechanics and overall design.

"We were blown away by the creativity and thoughtfulness of the suggestions," said Goldmark during the audio update. "It's like having hundreds of extra players contributing to the strategy." Fountain added that the team carefully analyzed each submission, looking for ways to integrate the best ideas into a cohesive and engaging gameplay experience.

The Planet Money board game project aims to demystify economic principles through interactive play. This approach mirrors the podcast's mission to make complex financial topics accessible to a broad audience. The team's decision to involve listeners in the design process is unprecedented in the board game industry, setting a new standard for community-driven development.

Looking ahead, the team will finalize the game's theme and solicit card suggestions from the public. This phase is akin to drafting a star player in the final round of a fantasy sports league, where the right choice can dramatically impact the game's overall success. Following the design phase, the series will shift its focus to the production and distribution challenges of bringing a board game to market, including securing prime shelf space in major retail outlets.

"Getting a game into big box retail is like making it to the playoffs," Goldmark explained. "It's a highly competitive environment, and you need a solid strategy to stand out." The team encourages interested individuals to sign up for updates to receive the latest news, including the game's official name announcement later this month. The project's progress can be followed on Facebook, Flipboard, and via email updates.