With the rise of digital gaming, online card games are more popular than ever. However, launching a successful business takes more than just a great idea—it requires careful planning, market research, and the right execution. Whether you want to create a classic card game, a poker platform, or something entirely new, understanding the process is essential. This guide will take you step by step through the journey of starting a successful card game business.
Steps to Start an Online Card Game Business
#1 Understand the Card Game Industry
Before you begin your card game business journey, you need to analyze the market. Research different types of card games, understand what players prefer, and study the trends. The card game industry includes various formats like Poker, Rummy, Teen Patti, Blackjack, and collectible card games. Knowing your audience, their gaming behavior, and regional preferences will help you craft a solid business plan.
The global market for playing cards and board games was worth around USD 19.90 billion in 2024. It is expected to grow to USD 31.93 billion by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 8.3% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is mainly because more people are interested in indoor games, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic when families and friends looked for fun ways to spend time together at home.
#2 Choosing the Right Type of Card Game Business
Selecting the right business model is crucial. You can choose from:
- Free-to-play (F2P) models – Players can access the game for free and make in-app purchases.
- Subscription-based models – Users pay a recurring fee to access premium features.
- Real-money gaming (RMG) models – Requires gambling licenses and secure payment processing.
- One-time purchase model – Users pay upfront to access the game.
Choosing the right model will influence your monetization strategies and overall business growth.
#3 Legal and Licensing Requirements
Starting a card game business comes with legal responsibilities. You must comply with gaming laws in the regions where you plan to operate. If you are launching a real-money gaming platform, obtaining a gambling license is necessary. Some key aspects to consider include:
- Jurisdiction-specific licenses – Each country has its own gambling regulations.
- Responsible gaming policies – Implement measures to promote fair play.
- Secure payment processing – Ensure compliance with financial regulations.
Consulting legal experts will help you navigate this complex process and ensure compliance.
#4 Planning the Game Features and Monetization Model
A well-planned game must have the right features to keep players engaged and ensure long-term profitability. This stage is crucial because it shapes how your game will function and how you will generate revenue. Let’s break it down into two key aspects: game features and monetization model.
a) Game Features
The success of a card game depends largely on its features. Here are some essential elements that can enhance the user experience:
Multiplayer Mode – Most card games thrive on social interaction. Players should have the option to play with friends, random opponents, or participate in tournaments.
AI-Based Opponents – For solo players, AI-powered bots should provide a challenging and realistic gameplay experience.
Tournaments and Leaderboards – Organizing regular competitions and ranking systems can boost engagement and encourage users to play more.
Virtual Currency and Rewards – Players enjoy earning in-game rewards, bonuses, and virtual chips that enhance their gaming experience.
Cross-Platform Compatibility – Your game should be accessible on mobile, desktop, and tablets for a seamless experience.
Chat and Emojis – Interactive elements like chat and emojis make the game more fun and engaging for players.
b) Monetization Model
A card game business needs a well-thought-out revenue model to be profitable. Here are the most common monetization strategies:
Freemium Model (In-App Purchases) – The game is free to play, but players can buy virtual chips, premium features, or exclusive items.
Ads and Sponsorships – Running ads within the game (such as banner ads, video ads, or rewarded ads) is a common way to earn revenue. However, ads should be placed strategically to avoid disrupting gameplay.
Subscription Model – Some platforms ask for a monthly or yearly fee for premium access. This can include ad-free experiences and special tournaments.
Real Money Gaming – In regions where it is legal, players can put in money to join cash games and tournaments. The platform takes a commission from these games.
Affiliate Marketing – Partnering with other gaming or payment service providers to earn referral commissions.
c) Create a Prototype
Before full development, creating a prototype is essential. This allows you to test core mechanics, gather feedback, and refine the game before investing significant resources. A prototype helps identify potential improvements early in the process.
#5 Hiring the Right Team for Development
To start a card game business, you need an experienced team. Whether you hire a team or work with a card game development agency, having the right experts will make development easier.
a) Key Roles in a Card Game Development Team
Here are the essential team members you’ll need:
- Game Designers – They are responsible for creating the game mechanics, rules, and overall user experience. Their job is to make the game engaging and fun to play.
- UI/UX Designers – A well-designed user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) are critical for player retention. The game should have an intuitive layout, smooth navigation, and visually appealing elements.
- Developers (Front-end and Back-end) – The coding team brings the game to life.
- Front-end developers handle the visual and interactive parts of the game.
- Back-end developers work on the server-side, ensuring smooth multiplayer functionality, data security, and performance optimization.
- Quality Assurance (QA) Testers – Before launching, the game needs rigorous testing to identify and fix bugs, glitches, and performance issues. A strong QA team ensures a flawless gaming experience.
- Project Manager – Coordinates between different team members, sets deadlines, and ensures the development process stays on track.
b) Choosing Between an In-House Team and a Card Game Development Company
- In-House Team – If you want full control over development, hiring an in-house team is a good option. However, this requires high investment in salaries, office space, and equipment.
- Card Game Development Company – Outsourcing to an experienced card game development company can save time and resources. These companies have ready-made solutions, experienced developers, and technical expertise to speed up the development process.
Must Read: How Much Does it Cost to Develop a Card Game App?
#6 Game Development Process
Once you have a plan and a team in place, the development process begins. Key stages include:
- Game Design & UI Development – Crafting the interface, layouts, and overall look.
- Backend Development – Implementing game logic, servers, and database management.
- Graphics and Animations – Enhancing the visual appeal and smoothness of the game.
- Testing and Bug Fixing – Ensuring the game is error-free and runs smoothly.
- Integration of Features – Adding social media sharing, chat options, and payment gateways.
#7 Testing and Quality Assurance
Once the development of your card game is complete, the next crucial step is testing and quality assurance (QA). This process makes sure the game has no bugs. It runs well on different devices and gives players a smooth experience.
No matter how well you design your game, one glitch can ruin the user experience. This can lead to bad reviews, which may hurt your card game business.
#8 Launch Your Business
Once your card game has been fully developed and tested, it’s time for the most exciting phase—launching your business. A well-planned launch can set the foundation for your game’s success, attracting players and generating revenue from the start.
Just putting the game on app stores or websites is not enough. You need a smart plan to get more visibility and keep players engaged.
#Tip: Marketing and Promoting Your Business
After launching your card game, the next crucial step is marketing and promotion. Without proper visibility, even the best-designed games struggle to reach players. A strong marketing strategy helps attract users, increase engagement, and generate revenue.
Must Read: How to Market an Online Card Game Business?
Wrap Up
Starting a card game business requires strategic planning, a skilled development team, and a strong marketing approach. No matter if you are starting a free card game or a real-money gaming site, these steps will help you succeed.
Still unsure about how to get started? Don’t worry! Our experts at Creatiosoft are here to help. We offer a free consultation to guide you through every step of launching your card game business.
