Ian Masters

FINDING ESCAPE AND INSPIRATION. From a young age, Ian Masters found solace and excitement in the world of computer games. Growing up gay in the northeast of England during the 1990s was challenging, but video games provided an escape and a glimpse into a world of endless possibilities. Ian vividly remembers completing his favorite game, Phantasy Star, and realizing that creating video games could be a career. “It was an epiphany that people were paid to make this game. This is a job,” he recalls. This realization set him on a path that would eventually lead to the founding of Flick Games, a company dedicated to reinvigorating the classic Solitaire game for a new generation.

Ian’s journey began with a decision to study Computer Science at Leeds University, and secured a position at Codemasters making a AAA racing game for the original PlayStation. The game’s success propelled Ian to the company’s London office in 2000, marking the beginning of a prolific career in the gaming industry. However, this period was also marked by a lack of comfort in being openly gay in professional settings. “There was the usual casual homophobia at the time,” Ian says. “When you were networking, it was something you felt like you had to hide.”

Codemasters soon closed the London studio, but Ian quickly found new opportunities, working on high-profile games like FIFA World Cup 2002, but another round of industry struggles lead to major job losses. Undeterred, Ian teamed up with friends to start AirPlay, a company that achieved significant success with the game Super Yum Yum, which was nominated for a BAFTA. “We were four people in our bedrooms who made this little puzzle game, and we nominated against Hello Kitty, FIFA, Tony Hawk’s, Ministry of Sound, and The Weakest Link. We couldn’t believe it.”

After several years, the pressures of running a startup eventually led to disillusionment, and AirPlay came to an end. Seeking a change, Ian transitioned to academia, becoming a lecturer and mentoring aspiring game creators. Despite the fulfillment Ian found in teaching, the entrepreneurial spark reignited in 2019 when Ian became obsessed with Solitaire. He launched Flick Games with the goal of modernizing the game for a new audience. “Solitaire is one of the most played games ever, but it’s seen as an older person’s game,” Ian explains. Flick Solitaire differentiates itself by featuring tactile, fluid gameplay and a strong focus on art that appeals to Gen-Z.”

ART AND INNOVATION. The company has commissioned 55 artists from around the world, including many diverse and underrepresented voices, to create unique card decks. “We’ve now commissioned decks for Pride, Black History Month, Diwali, International Women’s Day, and more. The players genuinely love it,” Ian says. These collaborations have been particularly meaningful for Ian.

Getting Flick Games off the ground was a challenging journey. Ian bootstrapped the company, funding it through teaching and other projects. Despite initial struggles, the game has grown steadily. The company continues to expand, with plans to push growth further and raise a larger funding round.

Ian acknowledges that being a solo founder in his latest venture has its difficulties, and his network of advisors and supporters has been more vital than ever. “Building your network and finding people who can support you is crucial,” Ian advises. His experiences have also underscored the importance of mentoring and co-founding Out Making Games in 2019, an organization supporting LGBTQ+ individuals in the gaming industry.

For aspiring LGBTQIA+ founders, Ian encourages everyone to seek out multiple mentors and cultivate relationships with people who can offer different perspectives. “Managing your mental health is a big part of the founder journey,” he explains. “Having mentors who can provide both professional advice and personal support is invaluable.”