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Card Game Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Playstudios US LLC

Lead Game Designer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

As a Lead Game Designer , you will lead the design process, collaborating with the rest of the team ... Create mathematical models of slot machines and card games * Create or adapt game features; offer ...

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 ...

Fanatics Collectibles

Business Strategist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$123K - $154K/yr

About the Team Fanatics TCG is a new Seattle-based trading card game studio within the Fanatics ... Partner with game design, product, and commercial teams to ensure strategic analysis is grounded in ...

Spin Master

Design Lead

New York, NY · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

As Design Lead you have expertise in developing Kids/Family games and puzzles. Executes concepts ... Possesses a deep familiarity with the trading card game space. Knowledge of players, mechanics ...

Hasbro

Narrative Designer - Contract

Renton, WA

$50/hr

Coordinate with Creative Set Leads to ensure goals for card sets are represented in art briefs and ... Game design or background in art is a plus Additional Details: Please note that this is a temporary ...

Elsewhere

Art Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$142K - $149K/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.

Netflix

Senior Game Producer - Party & Puzzle Games

$170K - $250K/yr

Strong understanding of game development - Design, Programming, Art, Audio, Localization, QA, ... card games. * Highly-adaptable to fast-paced, dynamic environments * Open to receiving and giving ...

Netflix

Senior Game Producer - Party & Puzzle Games

OR · On-site +1

$170K - $250K/yr

Strong understanding of game development - Design, Programming, Art, Audio, Localization, QA, ... card games. Highly-adaptable to fast-paced, dynamic environments Open to receiving and giving ...

Netflix

Senior Game Producer - Party & Puzzle Games

$170K - $250K/yr

Strong understanding of game development - Design, Programming, Art, Audio, Localization, QA, ... card games. * Highly-adaptable to fast-paced, dynamic environments * Open to receiving and giving ...

Hasbro

Narrative Designer - Contract

Renton, WA · On-site

$50/hr

Coordinate with Creative Set Leads to ensure goals for card sets are represented in art briefs and ... Game design or background in art is a plus Additional Details: Please note that this is a temporary ...

Spin Master

Art Developer

New York, NY · On-site

$38 - $40/hr

Ensure all commissioned art, card frames, and promotional assets strictly adhere to external partner brand style guides and IP constraints. * Design auxiliary game components including rulebooks ...

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All JobsCard Game Design Jobs

Card Game Design information

See salary details

$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.

VP, Commercial - Trading Card Games

Fanatics Collectibles

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

About Us
Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform. We ignite the passions of global sports fans and maximize the presence and reach for our hundreds of sports partners globally by offering products and services across Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics Collectibles, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming, allowing sports fans to Buy, Collect, and Bet. Through the Fanatics platform, sports fans can buy licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods; collect physical and digital trading cards, sports memorabilia, and other digital assets; and bet as the company builds its Sportsbook and iGaming platform. Fanatics has an established database of over 100 million global sports fans; a global partner network with approximately 900 sports properties, including major national and international professional sports leagues, players associations, teams, colleges, college conferences and retail partners, 2,500 athletes and celebrities, and 200 exclusive athletes; and over 2,000 retail locations, including its Lids retail stores. Our more than 22,000 employees are committed to relentlessly enhancing the fan experience and delighting sports fans globally.
JOB PURPOSE
Fanatics Collectibles is building the future of trading card games. The Fanatics TCG studio is focused on creating the next generation of global trading card game franchises - combining compelling intellectual property, innovative gameplay, premium collectible objects, and deeply engaged communities. Our ambition is to build TCG ecosystems that reach millions of players and collectors worldwide and grow into multi-billion-dollar entertainment businesses.
We are seeking a Vice President, Commercial to lead the commercial strategy and business development for Fanatics TCG. This leader will be responsible for building and scaling the commercial infrastructure behind our games and IP - including distribution, retail strategy, and ecosystem growth. This role will partner closely with studio and sales/commercial leadership across product, design, marketing, and community to translate creative vision into successful global franchises.
The ideal candidate combines deep commercial experience in gaming, collectibles, or entertainment with a strong strategic mindset and the ability to scale new businesses.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Own Commercial Strategy for the TCG Studio
    • Define and lead the global commercial strategy for Fanatics TCG franchises.
    • Develop revenue models that support long-term franchise growth across physical, digital, and experiential channels.
    • Partner with studio leadership to translate product roadmaps into scalable businesses.
  • Build and Lead the Commercial Organization
    • Build and lead the commercial team for the TCG studio, including functions such as partnerships, licensing, distribution strategy, and retail programs.
    • Establish the processes, partnerships, and infrastructure required to support global growth.
    • Work cross-functionally across Fanatics Collectibles and the broader Fanatics ecosystem.
  • Distribution, Retail & Market Expansion
    • Develop global strategies across hobby retail, mass retail, direct-to-consumer, and international distribution.
    • Partner with Fanatics sales and commerce teams to optimize product launches and channel strategy.
    • Identify opportunities to expand the reach of TCG franchises into new markets and regions.
  • Go-To-Market Leadership
    • Oversee commercial planning for major product launches and franchise initiatives.
    • Partner with marketing and product teams to deliver cohesive global launch strategies.
    • Leverage data and market insights to refine pricing, packaging, and product strategies.
  • Ecosystem & Community Growth
    • Support the development of thriving player and collector communities through events, organized play, and community programs.
    • Identify commercial opportunities that strengthen long-term engagement and retention.
    • Help build sustainable franchise ecosystems that grow over time.

WHAT YOU BRING
Qualifications
  • 12+ years of experience in gaming, trading cards, collectibles, licensing, entertainment, or related industries.
  • Proven track record of building and scaling commercial businesses or product ecosystems.
  • Strong experience in partnerships, licensing, distribution, or commercial strategy.
  • Deep understanding of gaming, hobby retail, or fandom-driven markets.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams and operating in high-growth environments.
  • Strong strategic thinking combined with the ability to execute at scale.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working with trading card games, tabletop games, or digital gaming ecosystems.
  • Experience launching or scaling global consumer franchises.
  • Familiarity with community-driven or live service product ecosystems.

WHY JOIN FANATICS TCG
Fanatics Collectibles is building the future of fandom. The Fanatics TCG studio represents a rare opportunity to help create entirely new trading card game universes - backed by the scale, infrastructure, and reach of the Fanatics ecosystem.
As Vice President, Commercial, you will play a central role in building the commercial engine behind the next generation of global TCG franchises.
If you're excited about shaping the future of trading card games and helping build enduring entertainment ecosystems, we'd love to hear from you.
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
The salary range represents base pay only and does not include short-term or long-term incentive compensation. When determining base pay as part of a final compensation package, we consider several factors such as location, experience, qualifications, and training. For information about our benefits, please visit https://benefitsatfanatics.com/
Salary Range
$285,000-$315,000 USD
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