Running the Fed isn't easy. We tried it

“Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal plays a game from time to time with our Friday regulars called “What’s Jay Powell thinking in five words or less?” Turns out there’s an actual video game for that.

It’s called the Federal Reserve Simulator, a game on Steam where you play as the Chair of the Federal Reserve, managing the economy and the Fed’s dual mandate of stable prices and maximum employment.

It was created by John and Andrew Dobson, twin brothers who’ve been making video games together since middle school. They both have a background in finance and economics and released this game in February.

“We wanted to actually make this an informative game, educational for people to actually learn what the Fed does, because I have a master's in economics, and we didn't really talk about the Federal Reserve in any of my classes,” said John about their inspiration to make this game.

“Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal played the game with John and Andrew as Chair Jerome Powell.

Use the audio player above to hear how he did.