Indie Game Publisher Joins Federal Lawsuit Challenging Trump Administration's Illegal Tariffs
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COLUMBUS, Ohio - Californer -- By: Rookie Mage Games
Rookie Mage Games, a Columbus, Ohio based tabletop game publisher and creator of the horror game Don't Get Stabbed, has joined a coalition of small businesses in filing a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration. The suit, submitted to the U.S. Court of International Trade, seeks to overturn the recently imposed 145% tariffs on goods imported from China, which plaintiffs argue are unlawful and unconstitutional.​

The 145% tariffs on China, which are a tax on U.S. businesses, are an existential threat to indie tabletop publishers. China is currently the only country with the capability and capacity to provide inventory for small publishers, which usually rely on smaller print runs.

Rookie Mage Games is best known for its breakout horror-comedy card game Don't Get Stabbed, a cult-hit that parodies slasher movie tropes with humor and suspense. Since its launch on Kickstarter, the game has become the company's flagship title.

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"I will not stand by and allow my years of hard work and the hard work of many other small businesses to be ruined in a desperate political ploy for attention and ego validation," said Jordan McLaughlin, Founder of Rookie Mage Games. "Attempting to move manufacturing jobs back to the United States is a worthwhile effort. There are smart ways to do it and there are dumb ways. This is likely the dumbest. It took 40 years to get into this situation. To presume this issue can be resolved in a matter of months by taxing small businesses into oblivion is asinine."

Rookie Mage Games stands alongside other industry peers, including Stonemaier Games, Spielcraft Games, XYZ Game Labs, and Tinkerhouse in this legal action, along with small businesses from other industries. The coalition argues that the tariffs not only disrupt their operations but also set a disturbing precedent for unilateral economic policy decisions that can negatively affect small businesses nationwide.

"No small business can operate in a country whose economic policy is in constant flux based on the mood swings of one man," McLaughlin said.

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The lawsuit is part of a broader pushback against the tariffs, with several states and other organizations also challenging the administration's policy in court. The lawsuits underscore the widespread concern over the tariffs' impact on the economy.​

The lawsuit is filed as case Case 1:25-cv-00078-N/A in the United States Court of International Trade in New York, New York.

About Rookie Mage Games

Rookie Mage Games is an independent tabletop game publisher based in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 2018, the company is dedicated to creating innovative and engaging gaming experiences for players of all ages.​ Popular titles include Don't Get Stabbed, Portal Potties, and Nuns with Nunchucks.