The game grandparents are playing every time the grandkids visit

When the grandkids come to visit, finding something that everyone genuinely wants to do together can be harder than it sounds. The little ones want screens. The older ones want independence. And the adults want something that does not involve refereeing, cleaning up, or pretending to lose. 

For a growing number of Australian grandparents, the answer has turned out to be Dragon Odyssey, a fantasy strategy card game created by an unlikely designer: a nine-year-old boy from Melbourne. 

“I was bored of my old card games, so I decided to make my own,” says Sam Meldrum, who is now 11. “I started drawing dragons in my notebook and it just kind of grew from there.” 

What grew was a world of mythical dragons, brave knights, cunning thieves, and daring quests. Over more than a year of testing with family, school friends, and neighbours, Sam’s notebook sketches became a professionally manufactured card game for 2 to 5 players, and ideal for ages 8 years and over. 

Sam is also autistic. Some of the social situations that other kids navigate easily have always been harder for him. But around the game table, none of that mattered. Dragon Odyssey became his way of connecting with friends and family through something he had built. 

“When everyone is stealing each other's dragons and trying to complete quests, the playing field is level and the laughter is real,” says Sam’s father, James. “Watching Sam connect with people through something he created has been the best part of this whole journey for us.” 

Dragon Odyssey has already sold out its entire first production run of 1,000 units, earned over 78 verified five-star reviews, and was exhibited at the 2026 Melbourne Toy Fair alongside major industry brands. Sam is Australia’s youngest known card game creator. 

What the family did not expect was how strongly the game would connect with grandparents. 

“We started noticing that so many of our reviews were from grandparents,” James says. “About a third of our reviewers are grandparents who tell us the game has become the first thing they reach for when the grandkids visit. Several have bought multiple copies, one for their home and one for the grandchildren’s.” 

One grandmother plays it every week when she picks up her granddaughter after school. Another saw the game at a family camp, went home, and bought four copies for her grandchildren. A grandmother in Melbourne says all three generations play together, including a six-year-old who joins in with a little help. 

“My grandkids love playing this game, and even better, I enjoy playing it with them,” wrote one reviewer. Another described it simply: “Bought for my grandchildren but the whole family gets involved. It is now our favourite family game-night game.” 

The appeal makes sense. Dragon Odyssey takes about five minutes to learn and 15 to 25 minutes to play. It sits in the sweet spot between simpler children’s card games that kids outgrow quickly and complex adult games that leave younger players behind. 

“I think it has just the right amount of complexity,” says another grandmother from Queensland, who plays weekly with her granddaughter. “A game lasts just the right amount of time. The box and cards are very good quality. I am very glad I bought this game.” 

And unlike a board game or a jigsaw puzzle, Dragon Odyssey is perfect for taking on holidays. It fits in a handbag, goes on holiday, and comes out at the dining table without any setup. Reviewers mention taking Dragon Odyssey on camping trips, to birthday parties, and on family holidays. 

“I didn't think anyone except my friends would buy it,” Sam says. “It’s pretty cool that families actually like it.” 

For grandparents looking for something enjoyable and fun to do with their grandchildren this winter, Dragon Odyssey offers 15 to 25 minutes of genuine, face-to-face fun. No batteries, no Wi-Fi, no screens. Just dragons, strategy, and the kind of laughter that only happens when someone steals your best card at the worst possible moment. 

Dragon Odyssey is available at www.dragonodyssey.com and select independent game and toy retailers across Australia, priced at $34.95

Win a copy of Dragon Odyssey

Bring the whole family to the table with Dragon Odyssey, a fantasy strategy card game created by Sam Meldrum, who started designing it at age 9, making him Australia's youngest known card game creator. 

Sam is autistic, and the game became his way of connecting with friends and family. What started as dragon sketches in a notebook became a professionally manufactured card game that sold out its first 1,000 units and earned over 76 verified five-star reviews from families across Australia. 

Dragon Odyssey is designed for 2 to 5 players aged 8 and up, takes 15 to 25 minutes to play, and is packed with strategic twists: steal other players' dragons, cast spells, complete quests, and try to outwit your opponents. It is easy enough to learn in five minutes but has enough depth to keep everyone coming back for more. 

Grandparents have become some of the game's biggest fans, describing it as their favourite thing to pull out when the grandkids visit. As one reviewer wrote: "My grandkids love playing this game, and even better, I enjoy playing it with them." 

Perfect for school holidays, rainy afternoons, a birthday or Christmas present, or any time you want to get the family off screens and around the table. 

For your chance to win a copy of Dragon Odyssey, submit the form below. If the details are not correct, please update your details through My Account. The competition closes 12:00 AM AEST on 30 June. Only one entry per member is permitted and only one prize will be awarded to the winner. This prize will not be exchanged for any other, unless specified by National Seniors Australia.