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Card Game Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fanatics Collectibles

Rules Editor

Seattle, WA

This role sits at the intersection of game design, editorial, and systems design - ensuring that every card is expressed with precision, consistency, and readability, while contributing to the ...

Fanatics Collectibles

Rules Editor

Seattle, WA · On-site

This role sits at the intersection of game design, editorial, and systems design - ensuring that every card is expressed with precision, consistency, and readability, while contributing to the ...

Fanatics

Narrative Designer - Sports

Seattle, WA · On-site

... a trading card game. The role involves translating the energy and mythology of sports into ... Design so mechanics and narrative reinforce one another. • Collaborate with Art and Creative to ...

Fanatics

Lead Producer - TCG

Seattle, WA · On-site

... trading card game business. This role is responsible for driving execution on high-priority ... design, art, product, brand, licensing, and operations--ensuring alignment at all levels • ...

Fanatics Collectibles

Lead Producer - TCG

Seattle, WA · On-site

About the Team Fanatics TCG is a new trading card game business, the newest member of the Fanatics ... Drive cross-functional execution across game design, art, product, brand, licensing, and operations ...

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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 Jun 5, 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.
More about Card Game Design jobs
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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 40% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 13% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,762 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

General Interest - Trading Card Games

Fanatics Collectibles

Seattle, WA

$141K - $143K/yr

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

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 TCGs in the world. 

Role Summary 

The Fanatics TCG studio expects to hire across multiple disciplines and levels as new roles open. This General Interest posting is for candidates with trading card game experience who want to be considered for future opportunities as the team continues to scale. 

By submitting your application here, you'll join our talent pipeline and allow our recruiting team to connect with you as relevant TCG roles become available. 

Areas of Interest May Include 

  • Game Design (Systems, Set, Play Design) 
  • Narrative design and worldbuilding 
  • Art Direction, Illustration, or Visual Development 
  • Production, Content, or Creative Operations 
  • Business development 
  • Partnerships management 
  • Product Management (Physical, Digital, or Hybrid) 
  • Live Operations, Balance, or Gameplay Analytics 

Qualifications & Experience 

  • Professional experience working on trading card games, collectible games, or similar products 
  • Experience with physical products, digital platforms, or live game ecosystems 
  • Passion for TCGs, gameplay systems, collectibles, and fan-driven experiences 
  • Ability to collaborate in cross-functional, creative environments 

Skills & Abilities 

  • Strong communication and collaboration skills 
  • Creative, analytical, or execution-focused strengths relevant to your discipline 
  • Comfort working in evolving, fast-growing teams 
  • Player- and fan-first mindset 

Location & Compensation 

All employees of Fanatics TCG are expected to be onsite in our Seattle office five days per week. Compensation details will vary by role and will be shared when specific opportunities open. 

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 atwww.fanaticsinc.com/careers 

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