The assumption is that everyone involved just made a ton of money. Which is absurd, right? How does a simple card game raise over $8 million, and what the heck will that money be used for? The criticisms of the product, and its immense success, began well before the campaign was over, and at first glance the economics of the project appear to be a dream come true. It's a card game for two to five players that has become the most successful gaming Kickstarter of all time, raising $8,782,571 from 219,382 backers. Exploding Kittens is the work of game designers Elan Lee and Shane Small, along with artist Matthew Inman of The Oatmeal.