ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Trading Card Game Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fanatics Collectibles

Game Designer - TCG

Seattle, WA

$176K/yr

Contribute to the design of core game systems, rules, and card mechanics across one or more trading card game franchises * Take ownership of individual mechanics or card cycles within a set, driving ...

Fanatics Collectibles

Game Designer - TCG

Seattle, WA · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

Contribute to the design of core game systems, rules, and card mechanics across one or more trading card game franchises * Take ownership of individual mechanics or card cycles within a set, driving ...

CHRONO & COSMO

Be Seen First

TCG Sales Associate - Trading Card Games

Fontana, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $25.90/hr

TCG Sales Associate - Trading Card Games Location: Fontana, CA 92335 Job Type: Part-Time Pay Range ... Sort and organize high volumes of cards by game, set, and condition (Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering ...

CHRONO & COSMO

Be Seen First

TCG Sales Associate - Trading Card Games

Fontana, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $25.90/hr

TCG Sales Associate - Trading Card Games Location: Fontana, CA 92335 Job Type: Part-Time Pay Range ... Sort and organize high volumes of cards by game, set, and condition (Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsArts and Entertainment JobsArts JobsArtist JobsTrading Card Game Design Jobs

Trading Card Game Design information

See salary details

$79.5K

$130.8K

$196K

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

As of Aug 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 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 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 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 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.

How much do trading card game designers make?

Trading card game designers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the company. Entry-level designers may start lower, while experienced professionals or those working for major companies can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by bonuses or royalties for successful games.

Is trading card game design a well-paying career?

Trading card game design can offer competitive salaries, especially for experienced designers working with major companies or popular franchises. Entry-level positions may have lower pay, but skills in illustration, game mechanics, and software tools can lead to higher earnings over time.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,762 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Game Designer - TCG

Fanatics Collectibles

Seattle, WA

$176K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 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 Game Designer to contribute meaningfully to the design of Fanatics trading card game franchises. You'll work within the game design group on systems, mechanics, and set development alongside the greatest minds in the industry.

Responsibilities

  • Contribute to the design of core game systems, rules, and card mechanics across one or more trading card game franchises
  • Take ownership of individual mechanics or card cycles within a set, driving them from initial concept through playtesting, iteration, and final documentation
  • Participate actively in structured playtesting - running tests, recording observations, and contributing to feedback synthesis and design discussions
  • Write clear, precise rules text and internal design documentation for your areas of ownership
  • Collaborate with narrative design, creative, and product teams to ensure mechanics are well-integrated with the world and player experience
  • Engage thoughtfully with the broader TCG landscape - staying informed on design trends, competitive ecosystems, and what players are responding to across the industry

Qualifications & Experience

  • 3-5 years of professional game design experience, with meaningful time spent on trading card games or collectible card games
  • Demonstrated contribution to at least one shipped TCG product or set
  • Solid working knowledge of TCG design fundamentals: card economy, tempo, card advantage, format archetypes, and basic balance principles
  • Strong written communication skills, including the ability to produce clear rules text and design documentation
  • Deep passion for trading card games as both a designer and a player

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

Apply