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Card Game Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

MGA Entertainment

VP, Trading Card Games

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

This leader will architect game design, rarity economics, organized play, manufacturing strategy ... Trading Card Games or tabletop gaming * Experience at companies such as: * Wizards of the Coast

Elsewhere

Art Lead (San Francisco)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140K - $147K/yr

We're a venture-backed indie studio working on a surreal card game set inside your own dreaming ... Experience and intuition working on visual, UI/UX, and product design in Figma or similar.

AgreeYa Solutions

Software Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Partner with design and production to identify areas where automation streamlines designer ... Experience building content pipeline or set development tooling for a card game, tabletop game, or ...

INSPYR Solutions

Software Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$86.62 - $111.92/hr

You will partner with production, design, and engineering to identify friction points and ship the ... Experience building content pipeline or set development tooling for a card game, tabletop game, or ...

INSPYR Solutions

Software Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$86.62 - $111.92/hr

You will partner with production, design, and engineering to identify friction points and ship the ... Experience building content pipeline or set development tooling for a card game, tabletop game, or ...

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All JobsCard Game Design JobsCard Game Design Jobs in California

Card Game Design information

See California salary details

$78.5K

$129K

$193.4K

How much do card game design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for card game design in California is $129,049.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,600.00 and $148,000.00 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 are popular job titles related to Card Game Design jobs in California? For Card Game Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Card Game Design jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Card Game Design jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Card Game Design jobs? Cities in California with the most Card Game Design job openings:
Card Game Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Card Game Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,049 per year, or $62 per hour.

VP, Trading Card Games

MGA Entertainment

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$200 - $250/hr

Other

Re-posted 21 hours ago

Job description

CA EMPLOYEE PRIVACY RIGHTS: https://www.mgae.com/ca-employee-privacy-rights

MGA Entertainment is launching a global Trading Card Game (TCG) division leveraging our iconic brands (e.g., Bratz, LOL Surprise, Rainbow High, and future IP). We are seeking a proven TCG executive to build this business from concept to global franchise. This leader will architect game design, rarity economics, organized play, manufacturing strategy, retail expansion, and competitive community infrastructure. This is not a licensing management role. This is a build-the-next-Pokémon role.

Core Responsibilities1. Franchise & Game Strategy
  • Develop long-term TCG roadmap (core sets, expansions, seasonal drops)
  • Define gameplay philosophy (competitive vs collectible vs hybrid)
  • Build rarity tiers, chase mechanics, and secondary market strategy
  • Create sustainable meta evolution structure
  • Design 3-5 year global franchise growth plan
2. Product Development
  • Lead in-house or external game designers
  • Develop gameplay systems (rules engine, balancing, testing cycles)
  • Oversee art direction aligned with MGA brands
  • Design booster pack economics, starter decks, premium SKUs
  • Integrate digital elements (QR codes, AR, companion app, etc.)
3. Community & Organized Play
  • Build tournament ecosystem (local, regional, and global championships)
  • Develop retail hobby store partnerships
  • Create influencer and competitive ambassador program
  • Design player acquisition funnel (kids + competitive teens + collectors)
  • Establish judge program and tournament governance
4. Commercial & Retail Strategy
  • Define channel strategy (mass retail vs hobby vs DTC)
  • Manage printing partners (Cartamundi, etc.)
  • Forecast supply and demand cycles
  • Protect IP from counterfeiting
  • Build global distribution playbook
5. Team Building
  • Recruit game designers, competitive play managers, brand managers
  • Establish internal balancing/testing team
  • Build analytics capability for meta tracking and player behavior
Ideal Candidate ProfileMandatory Experience
  • 10+ years in Trading Card Games or tabletop gaming
  • Experience at companies such as:
    • Wizards of the Coast
    • Pokémon Company International
    • Konami (Yu‑Gi‑Oh!)
    • Bandai (One Piece, Digimon)
    • Upper Deck
  • Proven experience launching or managing at least one successful TCG expansion cycle
  • Deep understanding of rarity mechanics, chase strategy, and secondary market dynamics
Strongly Preferred
  • Experience scaling organized play globally
  • Understanding of female player demographics (critical for Bratz / LOL)
  • Digital integration experience (hybrid physical/digital models)
  • Experience negotiating print and distribution contracts
Key Competencies
  • Strategic thinker with franchise-building mindset
  • Data-driven balancing philosophy
  • Community-first mentality
  • Entrepreneurial, willing to build from zero
  • Understands both "kid" and "competitive" markets
  • Knows how to create scarcity without destroying goodwill
What Success Looks Like (First 36 Months)
  • Year 1: Launch first core set + 2 expansions
  • Year 2: 500+ hobby store network + national tournaments
  • Year 3: Global championship event + $100M+ revenue trajectory
Salary

$200,000 - $250,000 /year

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