What we’re about
Golden Gate Gamemakers is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that brings together board game creators and players in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Together we run 200+ events a year all over the Bay Area, including: San Francisco, San Jose, Berkeley, Oakland, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Dublin, Fremont, Santa Cruz, Mill Valley, Petaluma, Concord, Mountain View, and more!
We support playtesting, co-working, promotional, and educational opportunities for tabletop gamemakers, as well as interested players. Help local designers make great games and have fun doing it!
Whether you are a first time or veteran game designer, industry professional, tabletop game enthusiast, casual player, or just want to check things out, we welcome you to our events and are happy to share our knowledge.
If you have any questions, please message @Velgus or your event host, or contact through our website.
Our Code of Conduct:
Code of Conduct - Living Document
Our Website:
Golden Gate Gamemakers
Our Discord:
Golden Gate Gamemakers
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Board Game Playtesting at Games of FremontGames of Fremont, Fremont, CA
Come to Games of Fremont to playtest some games in development!
This event is for open playtesting for board / card / tabletop games. Meet local designers, get feedback on your protoype, and come to play! Designers and interested players welcome, no experience needed.
Organizer: Sean
- COST - Free! Consider buying something at the store if you'd like, though not required.
- PARKING - Free and plentiful parking in the Fremont Hub parking lot.
See GGG's full Code of Conduct here.
Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at meetup.com/playgoldengate.
- Board Game Playtesting at Guildhouse San JoseGuildhouse, San Jose, CA
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.
See GGG's full Code of Conduct here.
Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at meetup.com/playgoldengate.
- Board Game Playtesting at Black Diamond Games ConcordBlack Diamond Games, Concord, CA
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.
See GGG's full Code of Conduct here.
Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at meetup.com/playgoldengate.
- Board Game Playtesting at Victory Point Cafe Berkeley - 3rd MondaysVictory Point Cafe, Berkeley, CA
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.
See GGG's full Code of Conduct here.
Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at meetup.com/playgoldengate.
