Navigating Complex Challenges: Why Cards Against Humanity Produces Its Game Outside the U.S

October 12, 2025

The Complexities of ‘Made in the USA’ for Board and Card Games

The appeal of domestic manufacturing is growing, but for many board and card game producers, the reality of shifting production to the United States presents notable hurdles. While the idea of “Made in the USA” resonates with consumers, a closer examination reveals a intricate landscape of infrastructure deficiencies, cost factors, and established global partnerships.

Infrastructure Gaps Hamper Domestic Production

Meredith Placko, Chief Executive Officer of Steve Jackson Games, known for titles like Munchkin, has openly discussed the difficulties of reshoring production. Placko Explains that the specialized infrastructure necessary for large-scale board game manufacturing-including specialty dice production, precision die-cutting, and the creation of custom plastic and wooden components-is currently underdeveloped within the U.S. She has actively sought quotes and explored options, only to find that the necessary equipment, skilled labor, and realistic timelines are not yet readily available.

Even seemingly simple products, like a deck of cards, aren’t immune to these challenges. A recent report by the reshoring initiative https://reshorenow.org/ indicated that while some printing can be done domestically, it doesn’t account for all the components a game might need.

Cost and Quality Concerns in US Manufacturing Trials

Cards Against Humanity, a popular adult party game, attempted to diversify its supply chain by partnering with a U.S. based factory,but the experiment proved problematic. According to a company spokesperson, the U.S. manufacturer’s costs were double those of their established overseas partner, production timelines were three times longer, and quality control issues resulted in approximately 20% of the produced games being unsellable.

This experience highlights a crucial dilemma: The pursuit of domestic production can inadvertently compromise affordability and product integrity. According to data from the U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics, manufacturing labor costs in the U.S.are notably higher than in many asian countries, directly impacting the final cost of goods.

Beyond Components: The Challenge of Diverse Product Lines

Many game companies, such as Cards against Humanity, produce a range of products. Newer titles, including Head Trip, feature wooden tokens and folding game boards, while others, like Tales, incorporate bound books and miniature components. The company prefers a single manufacturer capable of handling all aspects of production, rather than managing multiple suppliers. This complexity further complicates the feasibility of domestic manufacturing.

The Value of Established Relationships

Beyond logistical hurdles, longstanding relationships with overseas manufacturers play a significant role. Cards Against Humanity has maintained a partnership with the same factory in China since 2010. This prolonged collaboration has fostered growth and trust, allowing the company to scale from a small business to a major operation. The firm expressed a sense of loyalty, even amidst political tensions, acknowledging the factory’s consistent quality and reliable service.

Factor	Overseas Manufacturing (e.g.,China)	US Manufacturing (Recent Trial)
Cost	Lower	Twice as high
Production Time	Faster	Three times slower
Quality Control	High	Lower (20% unsellable)
Infrastructure	Established	Limited

Did You Know? The global board game market was valued at $17.88 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $28.29 billion by 2032,according to a report by Allied Market Research.

Pro Tip: For smaller, independent game designers, print-on-demand services are emerging as a viable option for initial production runs, minimizing upfront investment and inventory risk.

Ultimately, the decision to manufacture domestically isn’t solely based on economic calculations. It’s intertwined with established partnerships, supply chain reliability, and a commitment to supporting long-term collaborators.

The Future of Game Manufacturing

The conversation surrounding domestic manufacturing is far from over. Government incentives, investment in specialized manufacturing infrastructure, and advancements in automation could potentially reshape the landscape in the coming years. However, for the present, a complete shift to “Made in the USA” remains a complex and costly undertaking for many game companies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Game Manufacturing

• What are the biggest challenges to manufacturing board games in the USA? The primary challenges include a lack of specialized infrastructure, higher labor costs, and longer production timelines.
• Why do some companies continue to manufacture in China despite potential risks? Established relationships, consistent quality control, and lower costs often outweigh potential risks for many companies.
• is it possible to manufacture a simple card game in the USA? Yes, card printing is possible domestically, but challenges arise when games involve multiple components.
• Are ther any alternatives to large-scale manufacturing for independent game designers? Print-on-demand services offer a viable option for small production runs.
• What role does supply chain diversification play in this issue? Diversification can mitigate risks, but finding reliable and cost-effective alternatives can be complex.
• How have labor costs impacted manufacturing decisions? Higher labor costs in the U.S. considerably impact the overall cost of production.
• What is the current state of the board game market? The global board game market is experiencing significant growth and is projected to reach $28.29 billion by 2032.

What are your thoughts on the “Made in the USA” movement and its impact on the board game industry? Share your perspective in the comments below!

How do trade tariffs specifically impact Cards Against Humanity’s game production costs and pricing strategies?

The Manufacturing Puzzle: Beyond “Made in America”

Cards Against Humanity, the notoriously irreverent party game, made a deliberate decision to manufacture its product primarily in China, despite its strong brand identity and largely American consumer base. This wasn’t a simple cost-cutting measure; it was a strategic response to a complex web of logistical, material, and capacity challenges. Understanding why requires a deep dive into the world of game manufacturing, supply chain management, and the realities of scaling a massively popular product. The decision highlights the difficulties even accomplished businesses face when considering domestic manufacturing versus offshore production.

The Core Reasons for Offshore Manufacturing

Several key factors drove Cards Against Humanity’s choice to produce outside the United States. These aren’t unique to them; many game publishers face similar hurdles.

* Cost of Labor: The most important driver is undoubtedly labor costs. Manufacturing in the U.S. involves substantially higher wages, benefits, and associated labor expenses compared to China. This directly impacts the game production cost and, ultimately, the retail price.

* Specialized Printing & Packaging: Cards Against Humanity relies on very specific card stock and printing techniques to achieve its desired feel and durability. Chinese manufacturers have invested heavily in these specialized capabilities, often exceeding the capacity and expertise available domestically. This includes custom card printing, game component sourcing, and packaging solutions.

* Supply Chain Infrastructure: China boasts a highly developed and efficient supply chain for game components. From card stock and inks to boxes and shrink wrap,everything is readily available and frequently enough at a lower cost than sourcing materials in the U.S. this robust supply chain management is crucial for meeting demand.

* Scalability & capacity: When Cards Against Humanity exploded in popularity, U.S.manufacturers simply lacked the capacity to meet the rapidly increasing demand. Chinese factories could scale production much more quickly and efficiently, ensuring the game remained in stock. Production capacity became a critical bottleneck.

* Proximity to Component Suppliers: Many of the raw materials used in card game production (specialty paper, inks, etc.) originate in Asia. Manufacturing closer to these suppliers reduces transportation costs and lead times.

A Deeper Look at Material Sourcing

The materials themselves play a crucial role. The specific card stock used by Cards Against Humanity isn’t easily sourced in the U.S. at the required volume and quality.

* Card Stock Specifications: The game requires a specific weight, finish, and texture of card stock that is readily available from specialized mills in China.Finding a comparable domestic supplier proved challenging.

* ink Quality & consistency: Maintaining consistent ink quality across large print runs is vital.Chinese manufacturers have established reliable processes for achieving this consistency.

* Packaging Materials: the boxes, shrink wrap, and other packaging materials are also sourced from Asia due to cost and availability. Game packaging design and execution are streamlined through this integrated supply chain.

The Impact of Tariffs and Trade Policies

Recent shifts in global trade policies, particularly tariffs imposed on goods imported from China, have added another layer of complexity. While cards Against Humanity has publicly addressed these challenges, they haven’t fundamentally altered the manufacturing strategy. The cost increases associated with tariffs are often absorbed or passed on to consumers, but the core logistical advantages of Chinese manufacturing remain significant. Trade tariffs impact on game production are ample.

Cards Against Humanity’s Openness & Ethical Considerations

Cards Against Humanity has been remarkably obvious about its manufacturing choices.They’ve openly discussed the challenges of domestic production and the reasons for continuing to manufacture in China.

* Public Statements: The company has made numerous public statements explaining its decision, emphasizing the importance of affordability and accessibility.

* Ethical Sourcing: While manufacturing in China presents ethical considerations regarding labor practices, Cards Against Humanity has stated its commitment to working with factories that adhere to fair labor standards. Ethical manufacturing practices are a growing concern for consumers.

* Supporting U.S. Workers: despite manufacturing overseas, the company actively supports U.S. workers through its charitable donations and community involvement.

Case Study: The 2020 Holiday Edition & Supply Chain Disruptions

The 2020 holiday season highlighted the vulnerabilities of global supply chains. Cards Against Humanity experienced significant delays in production and shipping due to COVID-19 related disruptions in China. This event underscored the risks associated with relying on a single manufacturing source and prompted the company to explore diversification options, though a full shift to domestic production remains unlikely. Supply chain resilience became a key focus.

Benefits of Diversification (and Why