Why Cards Against Humanity Prints in Norway
Cards Against Humanity, known for its provocative content and unconventional business practices, recently announced a “Cards Against Humanity Explains the Joke” edition. This edition sidesteps import tariffs by being classified as “informational material” rather than a “game” due to added explanatory notes. All profits will be donated to the American Library Association to combat censorship. This action prompts a question: Why doesn’t Cards Against Humanity manufacture its products in the United States?
Table of contents
Official guidance: IEEE — official guidance for Why doesn Cards Against Humanity print in Norway
The Complexities of Game Manufacturing
Many board game designers based in the United States would prefer to manufacture their products domestically. However, the reality is often more complex due to the specialized nature of modern board game components. Games frequently require intricate cardboard constructions, custom-shaped wooden markers, multicolored jewel pieces, diverse plastic components, custom-printed bags, molded miniatures, multi-sized cards, metallic coins, dry-erase boards, elaborate box inserts, and extensive playing boards. The limited number of manufacturers capable of producing all these diverse elements typically reside in China or Central Europe, particularly Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
The challenges of US-based manufacturing have been highlighted by board game designers who have investigated domestic options. Jamey Stegmaier, publisher of games like Scythe, Viticulture, and Wingspan, cited a cost of $10 for a standard empty box from a US company specializing in boxes, while an entire game could be manufactured and boxed in China for the same price. Meredith Placko, CEO of Steve Jackson Games, echoed this sentiment, stating that the infrastructure for full-scale board game production, including specialty dice making, die-cutting, and custom plastic and wood components, does not exist meaningfully in the US. Quotes from US factories often reveal limitations in equipment, labor, and timelines.
Cards Against Humanity’s Experience with US Manufacturing
While producing a simple box of cards in the US is feasible, Cards Against Humanity faced significant drawbacks when attempting to manufacture domestically. According to a company spokesperson, a previous attempt to diversify suppliers by working with a US factory resulted in higher costs (twice as expensive), slower production times (three times slower), and lower quality, with approximately 20% of games being unsellable due to production errors. While this article is titled “Why Cards Against Humanity Prints in Norway,” the original article actually states that the company prints in China, not Norway.
Furthermore, Cards Against Humanity produces more than just card games. Newer games, such as Head Trip, incorporate wooden tokens and a round folding board, while another title, Tales, includes a bound book and matchboxes of prompts. The company prefers to work with a single manufacturer capable of handling all of its diverse product lines.
Relationships, Trust, and Tariffs
Beyond cost and logistical considerations, the relationship between Cards Against Humanity and its manufacturer plays a crucial role. The company has maintained a partnership with the same factory in China since 2010. This factory has grown alongside Cards Against Humanity, evolving from a small business to a large-scale operation. The company values the quality of their work and feels a sense of loyalty to them.
While tariffs and trade policies can influence manufacturing decisions, Cards Against Humanity’s choice to remain with its Chinese manufacturer is driven by a combination of factors, including cost, quality, production capabilities, and a long-standing business relationship. The company’s recent “Cards Against Humanity Explains the Joke” edition, designed to circumvent tariffs, highlights the complexities and considerations involved in global manufacturing and trade. It is important to note that the original article indicates that the printing is done in China, not Norway.
Conclusion
The decision of where to manufacture a product, even a seemingly simple one like a card game, involves a complex interplay of factors. For Cards Against Humanity, the choice to manufacture with its established partner in China is based on cost efficiency, quality control, the ability to produce diverse product lines, and a strong business relationship built over time. While tariffs and trade policies can create challenges, the company’s commitment to its manufacturing partner remains a key consideration. The complexities surrounding game manufacturing shed light on broader issues of globalization and manufacturing that are often oversimplified.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general guidance only and may contain affiliate links. Always verify details with official sources.
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