Game Designer - TCG

Fanatics; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 98,900 - 123,050; Full time

Job summary

Fanatics in Seattle is seeking an experienced Game Designer to contribute to the design of their trading card game franchises. The successful candidate will work alongside top industry talent to create engaging game systems and card mechanics.

This role requires 3–5 years of professional game design experience, ideally with TCGs. Candidates should be passionate about trading card games and possess strong written communication skills. This is an onsite position requiring presence in the Seattle office five days a week.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of professional game design experience, ideally on trading card games or collectible card games.
• Experience contributing to at least one shipped TCG product or set.
• Ability to produce clear rules text and design documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design core game systems, rules, and mechanics for trading card games.
• Drive individual mechanics from concept to final documentation.
• Engage in structured playtesting and contribute to design discussions.
• Collaborate with narrative and creative teams to ensure integration.

Skills

Game design experience

Knowledge of TCG fundamentals

Strong written communication

Passion for trading card games

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.

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.

Salary Range (Seattle): $98,900 - $123,050 USD

For information about our benefits, please visit https://benefitsatfanatics.com/