<h2>Compare it to a legitimate copy</h2>

<p>The easiest way would be to compare it to copy that's known to not be a counterfeit. To start with you might want to look at some pictures of the box on <a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/image/2608812/exploding-kittens" rel="nofollow noreferrer">board game geek</a> and see if there are any differences. As with other counterfeit things, looks for misaligned printing, coloring that is off, or other differences. Due note though, the picture I linked to is from the Kickstarter, and the retail boxes might be different (look at the amazon/etc listings and compare those pictures too!)</p>

<p>If it externally looks legit, it could still be a fake; to know for sure you'll need to open it up and actually look at the contents. Are the cards very flimsy? Misprinted? Miscolored? Is the packaging "weird"? My copy came with each deck in shrinkwrapped plastic, if the decks are held together with paper slips, or rubber bands, or not at all, that's a sign it might be counterfeit. For games aside from Exploding Kittens, check other components too... Are pawns made of plastic when they're supposed to be wood? Are they the wrong shape/size?</p>

<p>Ultimately though, it might not be possible to tell just by examination, you may need to find out where the store bought them, and follow the distribution chain to see if it actually leads back to "The Oatmeal" or not. It doesn't hurt to ask the store WHY the item is so cheap compared to MSRP.</p>

<p>For $10 I wouldn't be surprised if it was a) counterfeit and b) made with cheaper materials.</p>

<p>All of that said, do also keep in mind that often times Kickstarter versions of games (which you'll frequently see in pictures on BGG) have better quality components than those that are included in retail versions, so when comparing pictures make sure you are indeed comparing retail to retail (or KS version to KS version).</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-11-06T20:27:01.130Z
2019-11-06T20:27:01.130Z
aslum
<p>There's one of those cheap random items/party supplies stores at the local mall that sells copies of Exploding Kittens for $10 each. </p>

<p>It's a bargain price - it's $15 on Amazon here in Australia, $40ish at most FLGS. </p>

<p>So that makes me suspect that it's a counterfeit copy - but how would I know? </p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-11-06T07:13:28.180Z
You could contact the manufacturer if that store is a regular seller. 

And maybe they buy in bulk to save money. Or they like to get rid of the game once they found out it doesn't contain real exploding kittens.
Toon Krijthe
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-11-06T07:33:39.230Z
Or they like to get rid of the it once they found out it doesn't contain a real game
Cohensius
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-11-06T07:54:51.787Z
I think it's hard to distinguish compared to foods or electronics which have more standard or official processes or labels to check.
Conifers
<exploding-kittens>
How do I tell if a game is counterfeit?
dwjohnston
# How do I tell if a game is counterfeit?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2019-11-06)

There's one of those cheap random items/party supplies stores at the local mall that sells copies of Exploding Kittens for $10 each.

It's a bargain price - it's $15 on Amazon here in Australia, $40ish at most FLGS.

So that makes me suspect that it's a counterfeit copy - but how would I know?

**Tags:** exploding-kittens

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: You could contact the manufacturer if that store is a regular seller.   And maybe they buy in bulk to save money. Or they like to get rid of the game once they found out it doesn't contain real exploding kittens.  
> **username_2**: Or they like to get rid of the it once they found out it doesn't contain a real game  
> **username_3**: I think it's hard to distinguish compared to foods or electronics which have more standard or official processes or labels to check.  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_4 on 2019-11-06. Score: 4

## Compare it to a legitimate copy

The easiest way would be to compare it to copy that's known to not be a counterfeit. To start with you might want to look at some pictures of the box on [board game geek](https://boardgamegeek.com/image/2608812/exploding-kittens) and see if there are any differences. As with other counterfeit things, looks for misaligned printing, coloring that is off, or other differences. Due note though, the picture I linked to is from the Kickstarter, and the retail boxes might be different (look at the amazon/etc listings and compare those pictures too!)

If it externally looks legit, it could still be a fake; to know for sure you'll need to open it up and actually look at the contents. Are the cards very flimsy? Misprinted? Miscolored? Is the packaging "weird"? My copy came with each deck in shrinkwrapped plastic, if the decks are held together with paper slips, or rubber bands, or not at all, that's a sign it might be counterfeit. For games aside from Exploding Kittens, check other components too... Are pawns made of plastic when they're supposed to be wood? Are they the wrong shape/size?

Ultimately though, it might not be possible to tell just by examination, you may need to find out where the store bought them, and follow the distribution chain to see if it actually leads back to "The Oatmeal" or not. It doesn't hurt to ask the store WHY the item is so cheap compared to MSRP.

For $10 I wouldn't be surprised if it was a) counterfeit and b) made with cheaper materials.

All of that said, do also keep in mind that often times Kickstarter versions of games (which you'll frequently see in pictures on BGG) have better quality components than those that are included in retail versions, so when comparing pictures make sure you are indeed comparing retail to retail (or KS version to KS version).


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