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Card Game Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fanatics Collectibles

Game Designer - TCG

Seattle, WA

$176K/yr

Contribute to the design of core game systems, rules, and card mechanics across one or more trading card game franchises * Take ownership of individual mechanics or card cycles within a set, driving ...

Fanatics Collectibles

Game Designer - TCG

Seattle, WA · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

Contribute to the design of core game systems, rules, and card mechanics across one or more trading card game franchises * Take ownership of individual mechanics or card cycles within a set, driving ...

Fanatics Collectibles

Creative Producer

Seattle, WA · On-site

Reporting to the Director of Card Production, the Creative Producer manages the schedules, workflows, and coordination infrastructure that move creative work from game design through final card files.

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Card Game Design information

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$79.5K

$130.8K

$196K

How much do card game design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for card game design in the United States is $130,762.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,000.00 and $150,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a card game designer do?

A card game designer is responsible for creating the rules, mechanics, and overall experience of a card game. This includes developing the concept, designing the cards, balancing gameplay, and often playtesting to refine the game's flow and fairness. Card game designers may work on traditional games, collectible card games, or digital card games. Their role often involves collaborating with artists, developers, and publishers to bring the game to market.

What is the difference between Card Game Design vs Board Game Design?

AspectCard Game DesignBoard Game Design
Required CredentialsDesign skills, understanding of game mechanics, creativityDesign skills, understanding of mechanics, prototyping experience
Work EnvironmentCollaborative, often in game studios or freelanceSimilar, with focus on physical components and prototyping
Industry UsageUsed in tabletop gaming, card game companies, indie developersUsed in tabletop gaming, board game publishers, hobby industry
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing specific design roles in card gamesPeople interested in designing physical tabletop games

Card Game Design and Board Game Design share many skills, including mechanics development and prototyping. However, card game designers focus specifically on creating engaging card-based gameplay, while board game designers work on entire physical game systems. Both roles are vital in the tabletop gaming industry and often overlap in skills and work environment.

What are some common challenges card game designers face when balancing game mechanics for both new and experienced players?

Card game designers often encounter the challenge of creating mechanics that are engaging for experienced players while still being accessible to newcomers. Balancing complexity and simplicity is key—too many intricate rules can overwhelm beginners, while overly simple mechanics may not hold the interest of seasoned players. Playtesting with diverse groups, gathering feedback, and iterating designs frequently are standard industry practices to achieve this balance. Additionally, designers must ensure that the game's elements promote fairness and minimize dominant strategies to keep gameplay dynamic and enjoyable for all.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Card Game Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Card Game Designer, you need a strong understanding of game mechanics, probability, and player psychology, often supported by a background in game design, mathematics, or related fields. Familiarity with digital design tools like Adobe Creative Suite, prototyping software, and sometimes experience with playtesting platforms is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help designers iterate ideas and collaborate with artists and developers. These skills ensure the creation of engaging, balanced, and marketable card games that appeal to a wide audience.
What cities are hiring for Card Game Design jobs? Cities with the most Card Game Design job openings:
What states have the most Card Game Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Card Game Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Card Game Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Card Game Design jobs are:
Card Game Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Card Game Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,762 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Game Designer - TCG

Fanatics Collectibles

Seattle, WA

$176K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

About the Company

Fanatics Collectibles is a new company operating at the intersection of collectibles, culture, and technology. Backed by world-class investors, operators, and sports & entertainment partners, we are building the global leader in next-generation collectibles. As part of the broader Fanatics ecosystem, we leverage a digital sports platform that spans over 900 sports properties and engages more than 81 million fans. Together, we are reimagining every part of the collectibles experience for fans, partners, and creators.

About the Team

Fanatics TCG is a new Seattle-based trading card game studio within the Fanatics Collectibles family, founded by industry veterans with a long-term mandate: to build enduring franchises that live across tabletop, digital, community, and culture. We're looking for the most skilled and passionate talent in the games industry and beyond to help us create the best trading card games in the world.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking a Game Designer to contribute meaningfully to the design of Fanatics trading card game franchises. You'll work within the game design group on systems, mechanics, and set development alongside the greatest minds in the industry.

Responsibilities

  • Contribute to the design of core game systems, rules, and card mechanics across one or more trading card game franchises
  • Take ownership of individual mechanics or card cycles within a set, driving them from initial concept through playtesting, iteration, and final documentation
  • Participate actively in structured playtesting - running tests, recording observations, and contributing to feedback synthesis and design discussions
  • Write clear, precise rules text and internal design documentation for your areas of ownership
  • Collaborate with narrative design, creative, and product teams to ensure mechanics are well-integrated with the world and player experience
  • Engage thoughtfully with the broader TCG landscape - staying informed on design trends, competitive ecosystems, and what players are responding to across the industry

Qualifications & Experience

  • 3-5 years of professional game design experience, with meaningful time spent on trading card games or collectible card games
  • Demonstrated contribution to at least one shipped TCG product or set
  • Solid working knowledge of TCG design fundamentals: card economy, tempo, card advantage, format archetypes, and basic balance principles
  • Strong written communication skills, including the ability to produce clear rules text and design documentation
  • Deep passion for trading card games as both a designer and a player

Location

All employees of Fanatics TCG are expected to be onsite in our Seattle office five days per week.

Ensure your Fanatics job offer is legitimate and don't fall victim to fraud.  Fanatics never seeks payment from job applicants. Feel free to ask your recruiter for a phone call or other type of communication for interview, and ensure your communication is coming from a Fanatics email address (including @collectfanatics.com).  For added security, where possible, apply through our company website at www.fanaticsinc.com/careers

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