Dr. Thom Van Every
Medical Doctor • Entrepreneur • Game Designer
Based in Guildford, UK, Thom Van Every is the creative mind behind Smoothie Wars. As both a qualified medical doctor and entrepreneur, he brings a unique perspective to game design—combining rigorous educational value with genuinely fun gameplay.
His mission is simple: make business skills accessible and engaging for everyone, from teenagers learning economics to families enjoying game night together.
A Unique Background
Medical expertise meets entrepreneurial spirit in game design
Medical Doctor
Qualified physician with deep understanding of education and human learning
Entrepreneur
Real-world business experience informs every aspect of game design
Passionate Educator
Dedicated to making business skills accessible and fun for all ages
Game Designer
Creator of Smoothie Wars, blending strategy with educational value
Design Philosophy
"I wanted to create a game that teaches real business skills without feeling like a lesson," says Thom."The best learning happens when you're having fun and don't even realize you're being educated."
Thom's goals for Smoothie Wars were threefold:
- 1.Create a fun, competitive strategy game that players genuinely want to play again and again
- 2.Teach important business skills like supply and demand, cash flow, and strategic thinking
- 3.Make it easily understandable for young and old players alike—accessibility was paramount
The result is a game that playtesters have responded to with genuine enthusiasm—the kind of reception that comes from getting the details right.
Beyond the Game
What makes Thom tick
Passionate about smoothies (especially anything with mango)
Loves tropical locations and island adventures
Always travels with a copy of Smoothie Wars in his suitcase
Believes learning should be fun, engaging, and accessible
"Would Play Again"
What playtesters and reviewers keep saying about Smoothie Wars
"This game is just so fun and easy to learn...it's an adult game, it's a family game, it is a game for everyone." — Board Game Dad
"This is an ideal game in an educational setting if you get this to your classroom." — Economic Board Games
Discover Thom's Journey
From medical doctor to game designer—the full story behind Smoothie Wars