Poetry for Neanderthals was developed by Exploding Kittens cofounders Elan Lee and Matt Inman.

The original idea was brought by a group of Lee's friends, who suggested a game where you had to describe experiences like passing a driving test using only one-syllable words.

Beta-testing families of the game enjoyed it enough that they avoided sending them back to the company.

[2] The pandemic also caused difficulties for the development of the game, especially in finding suitable manufacturers for its inflatable clubs, which would have normally been made in China.

[2][5] It is intended for two or more players ages seven and up and takes an estimated fifteen minutes to play.

[7] In addition to the standard Poetry for Neanderthals game, Exploding Kittens has released other versions.

On May 24, 2022, Exploding Kittens announced a not-safe-for-work (NSFW) edition of Poetry for Neanderthals with 800 new clues that are intended for players ages 17+.