Why doesn’tCards Against Humanityprint its game in the US? It’s complicated.

This week, Cards Against Humanity (CAH) unveiled an intriguing new edition titled "Cards Against Humanity Explains the Joke." This unique version strips away the traditional game rules and adds explanatory notes for each card, classifying the project as "informational material." By doing this, CAH cleverly sidesteps import tariffs, ensuring that all proceeds will be funneled to the American Library Association to combat censorship. This innovative initiative has sparked discussions, particularly regarding the company's ongoing frustration with unpredictable tariff rates. Many have begun to wonder why CAH doesn't opt to print the game domestically in the U.S., especially considering it is essentially just a box of cards. However, the reality of board game production is far more complex than it seems. In the world of board games, designers often face significant hurdles when it comes to local manufacturing. The intricate nature of modern board games often includes various components such as custom-shaped tokens, molded miniatures, and elaborate game boards. Unfortunately, the only manufacturers that can handle such diverse and detailed production are typically located in China or parts of Central Europe, including Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Earlier this year, I spoke with two board game designers who explored U.S. production options and found them lacking. Jamey Stegmaier, known for successful titles like Scythe and Wingspan, shared his experience, revealing that he received a quote of $10 just for a standard empty box from a U.S. company specializing in packaging. In contrast, the entire game could be produced and packaged in China for the same cost. This stark difference illustrates the challenges U.S.-based designers face in pursuing local manufacturing, making it a less viable option despite their desires to support domestic production.