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Trading Card Game Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fanatics Collectibles

Rules Editor

Seattle, WA

Passion for trading card games, tabletop games, or systems-driven design . Preferred Qualifications * Experience with trading card games or tabletop rules systems . * Background in technical writing ...

Fanatics Collectibles

Rules Editor

Seattle, WA · On-site

Passion for trading card games, tabletop games, or systems-driven design . Preferred Qualifications * Experience with trading card games or tabletop rules systems . * Background in technical writing ...

Fanatics Collectibles

Lead Producer - TCG

Seattle, WA

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

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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Trading Card Game Design information

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$79.5K

$130.8K

$196K

How much do trading card game design jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for trading 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trading Card Game Designer, and why are they important?

A Trading Card Game Designer needs strong game design principles, mathematical and probability skills, and a creative understanding of gameplay balance, often supported by a background in game design or related fields. Familiarity with digital prototyping tools, playtesting platforms, and knowledge of industry-standard design software is highly beneficial. Excellent communication, collaboration, and iterative problem-solving abilities set top designers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for creating engaging, balanced, and commercially successful card games that appeal to diverse player communities.

What are some common challenges faced by trading card game designers during the playtesting phase?

Trading card game designers often encounter challenges in balancing the gameplay and ensuring that no single card or strategy dominates the game. Playtesting requires designers to collect and analyze feedback from a diverse group of players, which can reveal unforeseen interactions or exploits. Additionally, designers must iterate quickly and thoughtfully, adjusting card mechanics and rules while maintaining the overall vision of the game. Collaboration with artists, developers, and marketing teams is also crucial to align the game's mechanics with its thematic and commercial goals.

What is trading card game design?

Trading card game design is the process of creating the rules, mechanics, cards, and overall structure of a collectible or trading card game (TCG). Designers develop the gameplay experience, balancing strategy, randomness, and player interaction. They also work on themes, artwork, and expansions to keep the game engaging and fresh. Successful trading card game design requires creativity, playtesting, and a deep understanding of what makes games fun and replayable.

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

AspectTrading Card Game DesignBoard Game Design
CredentialsDesign experience, knowledge of card mechanics, game theoryGame mechanics, prototyping, user experience
Work EnvironmentDigital and physical card development, collaboration with artists and publishersPhysical prototypes, playtesting, manufacturing coordination
Industry UsageCollectible card games, gaming publishers, hobby storesTabletop gaming, toy companies, hobby markets

Trading Card Game Design and Board Game Design share overlapping skills like game mechanics and prototyping, but differ mainly in their focus on card-based versus physical board experiences. While both roles involve creativity and playtesting, TCG designers often work more with digital assets and collectible elements, whereas board game designers focus on physical components and player interaction. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path within the gaming industry.

More about Trading Card Game Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Trading Card Game Design jobs? Cities with the most Trading Card Game Design job openings:
What states have the most Trading Card Game Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Trading Card Game Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Trading Card Game Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Trading Card Game Design jobs are:
Trading Card Game Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trading Card Game Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, and 11% 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

$141.10K - $143.40K/yr

Other

Posted 13 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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