Why Cards Against Humanity Won’t Make Its Game in the US
320You might wonder why a simple card game like Cards Against Humanity (CAH) isn’t made in the US. After all, it’s just a box of cards, right? Well, it’s more complicated than that. CAH recently launched a special edition called “Cards Against Humanity Explains the Joke” to dodge import tariffs, donating all profits to the American Library Association. This move got people thinking: if they can do that, why not just print the game in the US?
Why Manufacturing in the US Is So Tricky
Making a game in the US isn’t as easy as it sounds. Modern board and card games often include lots of custom parts—like shaped wooden tokens, painted miniatures, specialty dice, and elaborate inserts. These components require specialized equipment and skills. Most factories capable of producing all these parts are based in China or parts of Europe, like Germany, Poland, or the Czech Republic.
Two well-known game designers shared their experiences. Jamey Stegmaier, who made popular titles like Wingspan, said that getting a box quote from a US manufacturer was astronomically higher than producing it in China. Meredith Placko, CEO of Steve Jackson Games, explained that even basic manufacturing infrastructure—like die-cutting or custom plastic parts—is lacking in the US. She’s had quotes showing that US-made components can be two to three times more expensive, and often of lower quality.
The Cost and Quality Challenges of US Production
Even for something as straightforward as a deck of cards, US manufacturing presents hurdles. CAH tried working with a US factory a few years ago. The results weren’t great. The US factory was more expensive, slower, and produced a lot of defective or unsellable games. The company prefers sticking with its longtime factory in China because they trust their work and have built a good relationship over the years.
CAH’s products have become more complex over time. They now include wooden tokens, foldable boards, and tiny matchboxes with prompts. Handling all these different parts in one location is easier when working with a single, experienced manufacturer. The US simply doesn’t have the capacity or infrastructure for that level of production at a competitive price.
Relationships, Trust, and Globalized Manufacturing
Beyond costs, relationships matter a lot. CAH has worked with the same factory in China since 2010. They’ve grown together, and the company feels a moral obligation to support their partner through various political changes. Moving production to the US would mean building new relationships, testing quality, and facing higher costs—all of which could slow down production and increase prices.
For those who really want to make CAH in the US, the files are available online for download. You can print your own copy, though be warned—it’s pretty vulgar. However, this DIY option highlights how complex global manufacturing is, even for a simple game. It also shows how economic and political factors influence where products are made, often overshadowing the idea of just making something locally.
In the end, the story of why CAH isn’t made in the US isn’t just about money. It’s about the intricate web of supply chains, relationships, quality control, and the realities of modern manufacturing. These factors remind us that global trade is complicated, even for something as seemingly simple as a deck of cards.
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