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Trading Card Game Designer (m/f/d)

Ratingen
Full-time
Permanent employee
33,000 - 42,000 € per year

Job Description

Please note: Applications can only be considered if they are submitted through our official application form. Applications sent by email or through other channels cannot be processed or taken into consideration.

We are seeking a passionate and detail-oriented Trading Card Game (TCG) Designer to create, analyze, and develop new game mechanics, card effects, rules, and overall fun player experiences. The ideal candidate combines a deep understanding of trading card games and game systems with strong critical thinking skills and creativity to create enjoyable game experiences.

This job is onsite in our HQ in Ratingen, Germany and expect our new Game Designer to reallocate. 

Key Responsibilities
  • Game Design
    • Work in a team designing foundational rules and cards for card games. 
    • Explore various playstyles and strategies to create memorable and fun gameplay experiences.
    • Look into different player demographics and create cards that appeal to different styles of players. 
  • Card & Rules Analysis
    • Assess card abilities, costs, and synergies to ensure balanced gameplay.
    • Review and suggest improvements to card text for clarity, accuracy, and ease of understanding.
    • Verify that rules documents are consistent, logical, and easy to follow.
  • Feedback & Reporting
    • Provide detailed written and verbal feedback on gameplay experience and design processes.
    • Work with playtesters to ensure the game system and cards are fun and balanced. 
    • Suggest creative solutions to enhance fun, fairness, and player engagement.
  • Collaboration
    • Work closely with game designers, developers, and other testers to refine the game.
    • Participate in design review meetings and brainstorming sessions.
    • Contribute to the creation of testing protocols and play scenarios.

Qualifications

Required
  • At least 2 years of Game Design experience in TCG or 4 years of Game Design experience in tabletop/boardgame or video game 
  • Strong knowledge of trading card games (digital or physical) and their mechanics.
  • Excellent communication and documentation skills.
  • Analytical mindset with the ability to evaluate both game balance and user experience.
  • Attention to detail and ability to spot subtle gameplay issues.
  • Fluency in English.
  • Located near or willingness to relocate to Ratingen/Dusseldorf area.
Preferred
  • Experience in game design.
  • Familiarity with competitive play environments.
  • Understanding of probability, statistics, and game theory as applied to card games.
  • Experience with online collaboration tools and feedback platforms

Your Profile

  • Passion for card games and game design.
  • Open-minded and receptive to feedback.
  • Creative problem-solver who enjoys thinking from multiple player perspectives.
  • Self-motivated and able to work both independently and in a team.

What to expect

You will be part of an international team working directly on the development of new trading card games and new game content. This is a hands-on role where creativity, analytical thinking and a strong understanding of TCGs come together.

Your daily work may include designing new cards and mechanics, discussing ideas with other designers and developers, reviewing rules and card wording, observing playtests, analyzing feedback and continuously refining game systems.

You can expect:
  • Hands-on involvement in the development of real trading card game projects
  • A collaborative environment with designers, developers and experienced TCG players
  • Regular playtesting, design reviews and brainstorming sessions
  • The opportunity to contribute your own ideas and see them evolve through testing and iteration
  • A strong focus on gameplay, balance, player experience and long-term game health
  • International projects and collaboration with partners from the gaming and entertainment industry
  • A growing team where processes are still evolving and where your contribution can have a visible impact

About us

Please note: Applications can only be considered if they are submitted through our official application form. Applications sent by email or through other channels cannot be processed or taken into consideration.

CS-International GmbH is a fast-growing execution partner operating at the intersection of trading card games, events, retail activation, brands, logistics, organized play, community growth and product development.

We work with partners like Bandai, Wizards of the Coast, Konami, Toei Animation, Grand Archive, Borussia Dortmund and my more, to turn complex ideas into reliable operational delivery. Our team combines deep industry experience with hands-on execution. Flat hierarchies, real ownership, direct communication and the opportunity to contribute to projects that connect brands, players, retailers and communities.

If you want to work in a professional, international and gaming-driven environment where execution matters, we would be happy to hear from you, building, growing and shaping the company together.

We offer at our HQ in Ratingen:
  • A diverse and international work environment with a motivated and growing team
  • Flat hierarchies, open communication and room to take ownership
  • The opportunity to work on international projects across gaming, trading card games, events, retail and logistics
  • Regular company gaming events, especially trading card game sessions
  • Free water, tea, coffee and soft drinks
  • Modern and ergonomic office furniture
  • Dog-friendly office environment
  • Free parking spots
  • Opportunities for personal and professional development