A homeschool family has taken a current events talk with their kids and turned it into a nationally selling board game. The game, Bailout!, was inspired by the bailout news that dominated the headlines last year, including the fall of Lehman Brothers; the $85 billion bailout of AIG and Bank of America's takeover of Merrill Lynch.
The game was developed by Shari Sopourn, a homeschool mom, and her husband Jordy, with input from their two daughters.
Shari says the idea for the board game came about in September of 2008. The family was sitting at the dinner table talking about the bailout. They say that like most homeschool families, current events are a standard part of their curriculum. While the older kids (ages 9 and 10 at the time) were interested in the topic, it was hard to understand. Dad Jordy explained about the history of Monopoly and the importance that real monopolies played in American history. Realizing that the game Monopoly was really relevant to American history, they suggested making a game about the bailout. While the parents laughed and said it was a good idea, the kids encouraged them to make it real.
Over a period of months, the family developed the game and made multiple versions. The kids helped make it fun and the whole family reported that it brought them closer. They used some of their savings to make prototypes and run focus groups, and started mass production in May of 2009.
While Bailout! has a lot in common with Monopoly, there are a lot of differences. One major one is that in Monopoly, the goal is to acquire as much money and property as possible, while in Bailout! the aim is to acquire the most debt — and qualify for a government bailout. The motto of the game is: When you lose, you win!
Made by Liberty Street Games, Bailout! is now available for sale online, and the family reports that sales have been strong as the Christmas season approaches. The game is made in the USA.
Our family tried the game and you can read our review here.
Comments
Neat idea. Can't wait to read your review.
You can buy this in Broward County at Learning Express or online at www dot bailoutthegame dot com
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