Cards Against Humanity

Cards Against Humanity is an adult party game created by eight Highland Park High School friends and launched via Kickstarter in 2011. Players complete fill-in-the-blank statements with hilariously inappropriate answers, breaking social barriers and sparking laughter at gatherings.

Brand Authority

• Origins: Conceived at a 2008 New Year's Eve party by eight Chicago friends who shared cards online free before Kickstarter funding in 2010
• Launch: Officially released May 2011—became Amazon's number one game within one month of commercial availability
• Founders: Josh Dillon, Daniel Dranove, Eli Halpern, Ben Hantoot, David Munk, David Pinsof, Max Temkin, and Eliot Weinstein
• Business Model: Completely bootstrapped with no outside investment—game remains available as free PDF download under Creative Commons licence
• Commercial Success: Valued at $500 million with estimated $40-50 million annual revenue—Chicago Sun-Times reported $12+ million profit
• Continuous Updates: Game rewritten annually with fresh jokes replacing dated references—current edition 2.3 almost completely different from original
• Manufacturing: Produced by Ad Magic in New Jersey with Amazon Fulfilment handling distribution worldwide
• Philanthropy: Science Ambassador Scholarship provides $500,000 for women and non-binary students pursuing STEM degrees

Product Range

Base Game

The original 600-card set containing black question cards and white answer cards. Each round one player reads a black card whilst others submit their funniest white card response. Simple rules enabling immediate play without lengthy setup. Perfect for breaking ice at couples' gatherings and adult parties. Continuously updated with fresh cultural references replacing outdated material.

Major Expansions

Large 300-card boxed expansions significantly expanding gameplay possibilities. Red Box, Blue Box, Green Box, Absurd Box, Everything Box, and Hot Box each adding unique card collections. Absurd Box features bizarre humour including cats with hands and surreal scenarios. Everything Box covers topics from Beethoven to Bitcoin. Can function as standalone games or shuffle into base deck.

Themed Packs

Smaller 30-card expansions focusing specific topics. Science Pack written with astronomers supporting STEM scholarships. Dad Pack celebrating paternal humour. Period Pack, Weed Pack, and Ass Pack comprising the adults-only Nasty Bundle. Provocative content designed for mature audiences comfortable with explicit themes. Theatre Pack, Fantasy Pack, and Sci-Fi Pack for genre enthusiasts.

Family Edition

Toned-down 600-card version developed with child psychologists for ages 8 and up. Same gameplay mechanics without adult content enabling multi-generational play. Glow in the Dark Box expansion adds 300 family-appropriate cards. Written By Kids Pack features content created by actual children. Perfect introduction before graduating to adult editions.

Bundles and Collections

Curated multi-pack collections offering themed experiences. Nasty Bundle combines six provocative packs too spicy for mainstream retailers. Nerd Bundle features pop culture and gaming references. Hidden Gems Bundle resurrects discontinued fan favourites. Excellent value compared to purchasing individual packs separately.

Accessories

Storage solutions and gameplay enhancements. Bōks leather case holds nearly 2,000 cards in premium packaging. Your Dumb Jokes pack includes 50 blank cards for custom content creation. Clam Pack featuring unique prizes packaged inside novelty Clam-O-Naise mayonnaise jars. Limited edition merchandise and promotional items released periodically.

Technology Deep-Dive

• Card Czar System: Rotating judge role ensures different perspectives evaluate humour each round preventing single-player dominance
• Fill-in-the-Blank Mechanics: Black cards present incomplete statements whilst white cards provide potential answers creating unexpected combinations
• Creative Commons Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 allows free sharing and remixing whilst preventing commercial exploitation
• Annual Content Refresh: Writing team continuously updates cards replacing dated references with current cultural touchpoints
• Helvetica Typography: Clean minimalist design focuses attention on text content without visual distractions
• Pick 2/3 Cards: Some black cards require multiple white cards creating complex multi-part answers
• Gambling Variant: Official rules include wagering mechanics allowing players to bet on their submissions
• Online Testing: Cards Against Humanity Lab enables public participation in testing potential new cards
• International Editions: Localised versions for UK, Canada, Australia containing country-specific cultural references
• Modular Expansion: All packs designed to shuffle seamlessly into existing decks creating personalised experiences

Ideal User Profile

Cards Against Humanity serves adults seeking intimate party games breaking conversational barriers through shared laughter. Perfect for couples wanting to discover partners' hidden humour and creativity. Ideal for house parties, bachelorette celebrations, and gatherings where alcohol flows and inhibitions lower. Suits friend groups comfortable with provocative content.

Recommended for those believing laughter creates connection and shared experiences strengthen relationships. Appeals to comedy enthusiasts appreciating dark humour and absurdist scenarios. Excellent for breaking awkward silences at new social gatherings. Suits adults who grew up playing Apples to Apples seeking mature alternatives. Perfect gift for friends with twisted senses of humour.

Comparison Table

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Chicago-born party game phenomenon turning awkward personalities into entertainment since 2011. Cards Against Humanity bringing horrible people together through laughter—ships discreetly Australia-wide.