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Card Game Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

MobilityWare

Product Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

MobilityWare is one of the leading mobile game publishers of card and puzzle games, dedicated to ... Responsibilities : • Support Product Owners in sprint reviews, planning, and design backlog, and ...

MobilityWare

Product Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

As a Product Manager, you'll help drive the development of our flagship card games while gaining ... Support Product Owners in sprint reviews, planning, and design backlog, and agile workflows.

MobilityWare

Product Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

As a Product Manager, you'll help drive the development of our flagship card games while gaining ... Support Product Owners in sprint reviews, planning, and design backlog, and agile workflows.

Mobilityware

Product Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

As a Product Manager, you'll help drive the development of our flagship card games while gaining ... Support Product Owners in sprint reviews, planning, and design backlog, and agile workflows.

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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 24, 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 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 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 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 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 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,049 per year, or $62 per hour.

Senior Director, Publishing

Fanatics Collectibles

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 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 Sr. Director of Publishing to own the go-to-market execution, set lifecycle management, and player-facing release strategy for Fanatics TCG's game portfolio. You'll work directly with the VP of Publishing and cross-functional partners across game design, product, commercial, and marketing to translate publishing strategy into sequenced, well-executed release plans. This is a role for someone who thrives in the intersection of product, operations, and community.

Responsibilities
  • Drive the release planning and set lifecycle management for Fanatics TCG's game portfolio
  • Define and manage the go-to-market calendar for each release, coordinating across game design, production, marketing, and commercial teams to ensure on-time, on-strategy launches
  • Develop the player communication strategy: product previews, announcement timing, spoiler season management, and ongoing release-window content strategy
  • Work with organized play, retail, and product teams to ensure publishing plans align with event schedules, store support programs, and inventory planning
  • Act as the publishing function's primary cross-functional integrator - the person who holds the whole plan and makes sure every team knows what they need to do and when
  • Build and maintain the publishing operations infrastructure: launch checklists, project management frameworks, retrospective processes, and documentation standards
  • Track and report on key publishing health metrics including sell-through rates, product sentiment, and release timing accuracy, and use the data to continuously improve
  • Represent the publishing function with commercial, retail, and external partners as needed
Qualifications & Experience
  • 10-15 years in publishing, product operations, or go-to-market roles within TCG, tabletop games, gaming, or adjacent hobby categories
  • Direct experience managing release planning or set lifecycle management for a trading card game or complex physical product line
  • Proven ability to manage cross-functional launch processes across many stakeholders and workstreams simultaneously
  • Strong commercial instincts: you understand how publishing decisions affect sell-through, channel relationships, and player trust
  • Experience working cross-functionally with game design, marketing, retail, and operations teams
  • Comfort operating in ambiguity, defining programs before full structure exists, and building repeatability into everything you do
Preferred Experience
  • Senior publishing leadership experience inside a major TCG publisher
  • Familiarity with direct-to-consumer, digital-physical hybrid, or subscription product ecosystems
  • Experience working with licensing, IP partnerships, or entertainment franchise ecosystems
  • Passion for trading card games and genuine engagement with the player and collector community
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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