The Journey from Doctor to Game Designer
How a medical professional with an entrepreneurial spirit created a board game that teaches business skills to players around the world
A Unique Vision
Dr. Thom Van Every isn't your typical game designer. As a qualified medical doctor based in Guildford, UK, and an experienced entrepreneur, Thom brings a unique perspective to educational game design. His background in medicine taught him how people learn, while his entrepreneurial ventures gave him firsthand experience with the business principles that would become the foundation of Smoothie Wars.
The concept emerged from a simple observation: business education was inaccessible and, frankly, boring. Textbooks filled with dry theory didn't engage students. Thom knew from his medical training that experiential learning—learning by doing—creates deeper understanding than passive reading ever could.
"What if," Thom thought, "you could learn supply and demand, cash flow, and strategic thinking while battling friends on a tropical island?" This question became the seed for Smoothie Wars.
The Smoothie Wars Journey
From initial concept to beloved board game
The Idea
Early DevelopmentAs a medical doctor and entrepreneur, Thom recognized a gap in accessible business education. Traditional teaching methods were dry and theoretical. He envisioned a game that could teach real economic principles through engaging, competitive gameplay set in a fun tropical theme.
Kickstarter Launch
CampaignSmoothie Wars launched on Kickstarter with a clear mission: make business skills fun and accessible. The campaign resonated with backers who saw the potential for educational entertainment. The community rallied around the tropical island concept and strategic depth.
User Testing
RefinementThrough extensive playtesting with diverse age groups, Thom refined the rules and balanced the gameplay. The results were remarkable: 100% of testers said they would play again, and 75% said they would buy the game. Feedback shaped every aspect of the final design.
Production
ManufacturingAfter finalizing the design, Smoothie Wars moved into professional production. Every component was carefully crafted—from the vibrant game board depicting the tropical island to the wipe-clean strategy cards and custom weather die.
Limited Edition Release
TodayThe limited edition deluxe version is now available to players worldwide. Thom continues to support the community, travel with the game, and share the joy of strategic business gameplay with families and board game enthusiasts everywhere.
Behind the Scenes
The challenges and triumphs of bringing Smoothie Wars to life
Development and Launch
Thom spent months refining the game mechanics. Every rule needed to serve two masters: strategic gameplay and educational value. The pricing system went through countless iterations. The loan mechanic was added to teach debt management. The bluffing element emerged from understanding that real business involves negotiation and understanding your competitors.
The game launched on Kickstarter, where it found a community of backers who believed in the vision. Families wanted educational games that didn't feel like homework. Educators wanted classroom tools that students would actually enjoy. The campaign succeeded, and Smoothie Wars moved into production.
Success and Impact
The results exceeded expectations. Independent testing showed 100% of players would play again. Teachers used the game to help students grasp economic concepts. Families battled it out repeatedly on game nights. Reviews praised the perfect balance of fun and learning.
Today, Smoothie Wars is a limited-edition deluxe game that continues to teach business skills through engaging tropical gameplay but plans for extensions and expansion continue. Thom still travels with a copy, ready to introduce new players to the island business battle. The mission continues: make business education accessible, fun, and effective for everyone.
The Tropical Theme
Why smoothies on a tropical island? Thom wanted a theme that was universally appealing, visually vibrant, and inherently fun. The tropical setting allowed for creative location variety (beach, city, park, residential) while the smoothie business provided a relatable framework for economic competition. Plus, Thom admits he's passionate about tropical locations and smoothies—especially anything with mango!
A Personal Mission
"I wanted to create something that brings people together, teaches valuable skills, and sparks joy. Every time someone plays Smoothie Wars and learns something new about business while laughing with friends—that's why I do this."
— Dr. Thom Van Every, Creator of Smoothie Wars
Be Part of the Smoothie Wars Story
Join the community and experience the game that combines education with island adventure