From Virtual Tables to Tangible Decks: Solitaire.io Breaks the Mould

Gaz Thomas

Gaz Thomas, founder of Solitaire.io, has always had a creative edge, having spent 15 years as an entrepreneur developing unique digital experiences. Over the past 18 months, he’s narrowed his focus to one of the most enduring and quietly popular formats in gaming: solitaire.

Solitaire.io began as a platform for web-based solitaire games — a modern, accessible take on the classic pastime. As Gaz noticed continued traction and growing interest in the genre, particularly online, he saw an opportunity to go beyond digital cards. That idea has since evolved into something bold and unexpected: physical, collectable, augmented reality-enabled playing cards.

Cards That Rock

Recently launched on Kickstarter, the new product, Mosh Idols: Punk Rock Playing Cards,  is a vibrant fusion of punk rock aesthetics and cutting-edge technology. Each deck isn’t just a nod to the alternative scene; it also includes AI-enhanced features and augmented reality (AR) functionality, thanks to the creative minds of Charles and Rob (known collectively as Reality Boffins), who developed the AR elements, and Chaz, the lead artist behind the distinctive, edgy design.

Gaz has been working closely with Chaz to bring the decks to life, blending attitude, artistry, and interactivity into a product that feels truly original. The result is two deck options, both designed to offer an immersive, collectable experience unlike anything else currently available.

The project received a significant boost after securing Seed funding from Media Cymru, which enabled the team to prototype and launch the concept. Taking the innovation overseas, Gaz took a business card-sized prototype to the GDC Conference in California, where it received overwhelmingly positive feedback from gaming professionals and enthusiasts alike.

The Team Behind the Table

Solitaire.io is currently a lean but driven team of three. Despite their small size, their output has been ambitious — and impressively executed. For Gaz, one of the biggest points of pride is simply how quickly and effectively the team has brought this idea to life.

“Looking at the product, you'd never guess it was made by such a small team in such a short time. I really am proud of all that we’ve achieved", he says.

The cards in action

The Challenge of Traction

Like many entrepreneurs, Gaz admits that one of the biggest challenges has been gaining traction, not in terms of ideas or enthusiasm, but in getting widespread visibility in a busy marketplace.

“There’s no shortage of great ideas. The hard part is getting eyes on them,” he explains. But by combining novelty, striking visuals, and interactive tech, Solitaire.io is carving out a unique niche in both the gaming and collectables space.

A Brave and Bold Approach

Gaz sees being a small team as one of their greatest advantages. “We’re braver and bolder than a lot of bigger companies. We’re not afraid to get a little weird,” he laughs. That creative freedom has allowed them to take risks — like blending punk rock, AR, and solitaire — and find a steadily growing and enthusiastic audience in return.

More Than Just Cards

Although the business began with browser-based games, Solitaire.io is now pivoting further towards web-first experiences and physical products — a move that reflects changing consumer habits and growing demand for hybrid digital-physical gaming.

With momentum building, a successful Kickstarter underway, and an original vision at its core, this looks like only the beginning for Solitaire.io.

Get your own immersive deck here: Mosh Idols: Punk Rock Playing Cards