Golden Gate Gamemakers

Come to Guildhouse, San Jose's coolest gaming venue to playtest some games in development! This is a monthly event happening every 3rd Wednesdays.

This is a relaxed chance to try new board games and card games in development, get feedback on your own prototypes if you're a designer, and get advice on the games industry. New designers and interested players welcome! Drop in and out anytime during the night.

Please be courteous to other designers and stay to test their games if you are bringing your prototype to be tested.

We typically run a small raffle each night for participants to win new and used board game prize.

Organizer: Jordan Nichols

Cost: Free! Though consider buying some tasty food and drinks from the venue to enhance your stay.

Parking: There are many metered spots in the surrounding several blocks, that are free after 6pm. Keep in mind the area can get busy for parking, consider coming a bit earlier to get a great spot, the venue opens at 5pm if you want to hang beforehand. There are a few nearby paid parking options if needed.

Come to Black Diamond Games in Concord to playtest some games in development!

This is a relaxed chance to try new board / card / tabletop games, get feedback on your own prototypes, and learn about the game industry. Designers and interested players welcome, no experience needed.

Please be courteous to other designers and stay to test their games if you are bringing your own prototype to be tested.

Drop in any time, and leave when you'd like. RSVPing by using the Attend button through Meetup is very appreciated, yet we get walk-ins and those that don't RSVP all the time.

Organizer: Velgus

• COST - The store charges $5 to access their regular Board Game Night. Anyone attending board game night may freely participate as a designer and/or player for Board Game Playtesting being run in the same area upstairs.
• PARKING - Free and plentiful parking in adjacent lot.

Come to Victory Point Cafe in Berkeley to playtest some games in development! This event is twice a month, 1st Wednesdays and 3rd Mondays, and exists as two separate listings on our meetup.

This is a relaxed chance to try new board / card / tabletop games, get feedback on your own prototypes, and learn about the game industry. Designers and interested players welcome, no experience needed.

Please be courteous to other designers and stay to test their games if you are bringing your own prototype to be tested.

Drop in and out any time and participate as much as you'd like, and just observing is fine too. RSVPing is appreciated but not required.

Organizers: Glenn and Velgus

• COST - Participants may pay the regular $12/person reserved gaming fee or waive it by buying at least two menu items from the cafe. Pay or start a tab at the front counter upon entering.
• PARKING - Street meters should be free from 6pm onwards. There is free street parking on the street behind the venue and on surrounding streets during the day and evening.
• BART - Downtown Berkeley BART station is a straight 8-minute walk away.

Come to Crooked Goat Brewing in Petaluma every 1st and 3rd Mondays to playtest some games in development! (there is a separate meetup post for both 1st Mondays and 3rd Mondays)

This is a relaxed chance to try new board / card / tabletop games, get feedback on your own prototypes, and learn about the game industry. Designers and interested players welcome, no experience needed.

Please be courteous to other designers and stay to test their games if you are bringing your own prototype to be tested.

Drop in and out any time and participate as much as you'd like, and just observing is fine too. RSVPing is appreciated but not required.

Organizer: Jestin Brooks

• COST - Free! However you are encouraged to buy some of their delicious food and drinks.
• PARKING - They have parking at the taproom and in front of the City Hall lawn on English Street. There is also lots of nearby free parking in the Keller Street Parking Garage.