Idaho Math Teacher Turns Passion for Games into Success with Flip 7
Boise, ID — Eric Olsen, a high school math teacher since 2011, has found a new avenue for his creativity—game development. After creating his first game, Glyphics, in 2022, Olsen launched Messy Table Games with a friend, where they released three new games. The real breakthrough came with Flip 7, a card game that caught the attention of Usaopoly (The Op), a significant player in the board game industry.
In November, Flip 7 earned a nomination for Game of the Year by the Toy Foundation, placing it among notable brands like Mattel and Hasbro. “It’s surreal,” Olsen admitted, likening the nomination to an Academy Award nod. The recognition underscores Flip 7’s growing presence in the gaming community, with hopes for wider distribution in Canada and Europe.
Olsen describes Flip 7 as "blackjack for gamers," where players accumulate points while avoiding busting. With its strategic elements and easy-to-learn format, it appeals to families seeking engaging activities. The game has received stellar reviews, achieving a 4.8-star rating on Amazon, where it has been named an “Amazon’s Choice” product.
As Olsen balances teaching math and serving as principal at Idaho Technical Career Academy, he shares insights about following one’s passions. “The biggest lesson is about having an idea and following through,” he advises students, emphasizing that perseverance can lead to success.
With plans to attend Toy Fair 2025 in New York, Olsen remains optimistic about Flip 7’s future, dreaming of seeing it on shelves alongside popular games like Uno. “It’s amazing how much this thing has blown up,” he concluded.
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Photo credit www.eastidahonews.com
