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Trading Card Game Design Jobs in Seattle, WA (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 ...

Fanatics Collectibles

Creative Producer

Seattle, WA · On-site

About the Team Fanatics Trading Card Game (TCG) is a new Seattle-based trading card game studio ... Experience coordinating across creative disciplines including art, game design, and narrative in a ...

Adweek

Director, Publishing

Seattle, WA · On-site

$174 - $216/hr

About the Team Fanatics TCG is a new Seattle-based trading card game studio within the Fanatics ... You\'ll work directly with the VP of Publishing and cross-functional partners across game design ...

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All JobsTrading Card Game Design JobsTrading Card Game Design Jobs in Seattle, WA

Trading Card Game Design information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$90.5K

$148.8K

$223.1K

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for trading card game design in Seattle, WA is $148,810.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,800.00 and $170,700.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Trading Card Game Design jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Trading Card Game Design jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Trading Card Game Design jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Trading Card Game Design jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Trading Card Game Design jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Trading Card Game Design job openings:

Trading Card Game Design jobs near you

Senior Director, Product Management - Trading Card Game

Fanatics Collectibles

Seattle, WA • Hybrid

$265K - $277K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 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 Trading Card Game (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

Fanatics is building a next-generation TCG and collectibles business, and we're seeking a Senior Director of Product Management to own how our product strategy and roadmap come together. You'll drive product vision and execution across game design, commercial, and player experience, helping build a TCG franchise that's excellent both as a game and as a business, one players trust to grow and thrive for years to come.

Responsibilities

  • Drive the product strategy and roadmap across the TCG portfolio - spanning physical cards, digital experiences, and player-facing tools
  • Translate business goals and player insights into clear product requirements, priorities, and success metrics
  • Align with partners across Game Design, Creative, Commercial, Retail, and Marketing to keep execution cohesive
  • Drive prioritization decisions across competing initiatives, balancing player experience, business impact, and production capacity
  • Represent product strategy with executive leadership and key stakeholders

Qualifications & Experience

  • 10-15 years in product management, including experience leading meaningful product initiatives end to end within games, entertainment, or consumer products
  • Strong fluency in player psychology - what drives engagement, retention, and durable fandom
  • A builder's temperament, energized by ambiguity and getting things done in high-growth environments
  • Sharp commercial and analytical instincts, paired with genuine respect for player trust and product quality
  • A systems thinker who builds repeatable capability rather than running every launch personally
  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Background in trading card games, tabletop games, or collectibles
  • Familiarity with hybrid physical + digital product ecosystems
  • Experience in high-growth consumer, gaming, or digital commerce environments
  • Passion for trading card games, collectibles, sports, and fan culture

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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