Created by Jacob Brumby, Sam Hawkes, and Ben Logan, this fast-paced, strategic game has already scored a global distribution deal with UK games giant, The Fantastic Factory. But the journey of these young game creators started in a classroom back in Year 5 at Stirling East Primary School.
It all began when Jacob, Sam, and Ben finished their schoolwork early and started experimenting with a deck of cards in the back of the classroom, sparking the idea for an original game.
Over the next six months, they worked tirelessly to refine the rules, test gameplay, and add a few “special cards” (thanks to Jacob’s twin sister Grace). With the help of Jacob’s uncle, a graphic designer, they polished Swipee into a professional product.
The boys received their first stock in 2023 and launched Swipee with a fundraising event at school, raising money for new sports equipment as a thank-you to their community.
Their school principal, spotting their potential, invited them to attend the Youth Entrepreneur Summit in Adelaide. There, a few social media posts caught the attention of The Fantastic Factory, and soon after, the boys landed a global distribution deal!
So, what makes Swipee so popular? The rules are simple but addictive: each player lays out a 3×3 grid of nine cards and races to line up three of the same cards in a row while shouting, “Swipee!” Special cards can add a twist by letting you swipe cards from other players or wipe out their progress, keeping every game unique.
Since its release, more than 3,500 games have been sold in Australia through market stalls and their website. With regular monthly stalls at Stirling Laneways and local stockists like Games World and Imagine If Toys, Swipee is a true homegrown hit. And it’s not just staying local—Fantastic Factory has already distributed 5,000 units across Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland, with plans to expand to the U.S., Brazil, the UK, and Germany. Plus, an Australian distributor will be coming on board in 2025, setting Swipee up for an even bigger future.
If you’re looking to add some excitement to your family game nights, Swipee is available at Imagine If Toys in Mitcham and Burnside, and through the Swipee website.
These kids are just getting started, and Swipee is proof that the next big thing in gaming can come from anywhere—even a classroom in the Adelaide Hills!
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