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Tabletop Games Industry Members React to President Trump’s Tariffs Plan
The tabletop games industry is reeling in response to the newly announced tariffs plan by President Donald Trump. The 25% tariff on imported goods from China, effective July 6th, will severely impact game development and distribution, causing significant financial losses for many companies.
Industry experts warn that the long-term effects of these tariffs could be catastrophic, not only for the tabletop gaming industry but also for consumers. As companies struggle to adapt to the sudden price hikes, they are forced to reevaluate their business strategies, which will likely lead to a reduction in innovation and variety.
“It’s hard to predict exactly what might happen, but whatever it is, it won’t be healthy for the industry or good for consumers,” said Anne-Marie De Witt, CEO/Co-founder of Fireside Games. “I doubt we’ll see large-scale board game manufacturing start in the U.S. unless the tariffs reach 400%, which is about how much more the U.S. bids we’ve received are compared to the bids from Chinese factories.”
Industry members fear that these tariffs will lead to a significant reduction in game diversity, as companies will be less likely to take risks on new and innovative projects. This could result in a loss of creative freedom for developers and a lack of exciting content for fans.
Matt Forbeck, designer of Marvel Multiverse Role Playing Game, emphasized the unpredictability of these tariffs: “You can plan for stability. You can even figure in a reasonable rate of inflation over the course of developing a game. But it’s nearly impossible to produce games when you don’t know how the costs of making it is going to be from one week to the next.”
Heather O’Neill, CEO of 9th Level Games, shared her concerns about planning for the future: “What will the tariff be next year, how much buying power do consumers have, what will be the state of things by the time a new product releases?”
The industry is also grappling with the devastating impact on their supply chain. The cost of materials and production will skyrocket, making it difficult for companies to keep up with consumer demand.
Samantha Webb, head of brand at Modiphius, expressed her uncertainty about pricing: “We can’t comment right now on if our prices may increase, as we’re still looking at our product budget lines and waiting to see what the final tariffs settle at before making any long-term decisions.”
The sudden changes in the cost structure will also make it difficult for small and independent game developers to compete with larger companies that have more resources to adapt.
Daniel D. Fox, creator of ZWEIHANDER RPG: Reforged Edition, shared his concern about the impact on his current print run: “It includes books, the collector’s edition, cards, GM screens, and dice. Paying an exorbitant 54% tariff against landed cost is excruciating.”
Industry experts predict that the industry will shift towards simpler games with fewer deluxe components at higher prices. This may lead to a reduction in game diversity and less excitement for fans.
The sudden introduction of these tariffs has caused widespread panic within the tabletop gaming community, as it becomes clear that the future of the industry is uncertain and unstable.
As Forbes contributor, I’d like to know: How do you think the industry will adapt to this new reality?
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/robwieland/2025/04/07/tabletop-games-industry-members-react-to-president-trump-tariffs-plan/
