Game JAMUARY 2026

We're doing a Tabletop Game Jam! IT'S JAMUARY.

This is an all-day game creation extravaganza event, where designers will create brand new games according to a random theme revealed on the day of the event! It's the inaugural FPLA Game Jam!

FEE: $8 to play at Geeky Teas - payable at the event to Geeky Teas at front desk. Once paid, you're covered to play games ALL DAY.

HOW IT WORKS: Designers arrive in the morning for the Jamuary kickoff, where we will reveal a random theme and Jam Component. Themes are common idioms or English phrases to base your game around, but the components are... unusual. These odd components will be available to all teams, as well as a huge assortment of general tabletop game components and crafting materials.

You'll have half the day to rapidly create a game based around these ideas, and then in the evening, you'll have time to test and play your creations with the other teams.

Designers can keep refining their games for one week, until the FPLA playtest event. Here, you'll present your finished prototypes, and play testers will have a chance to rate them, opening the door for FABULOUS PRIZES.

WHO CAN PLAY: Anybody can join in the Jam, regardless of whether you've ever created a game before! You can join as a team or as an individual, but we'll be limiting team sizes to a maximum of four people.

We ask that anyone who is going to be part of a game's creation (including any artists) be involved in the morning Kickoff, even if they need to attend digitally. You don't need to stay for the whole Jam day, but we'll be taking down team names in the morning. Please message either Cassandra or Damon if you have questions about team members before the event.

WAIT, WHAT WAS THAT ABOUT PRIZES: On the FPLA January playtest event one week later (the 31st), you can show your new, improved jam games, and players have an opportunity to rate your games on four classic metrics:

• FUN
• PRESENTATION (Materials, craftsmanship, touchy-feelies)
• THEME (How well did the game use the Jam Theme?)
• COMPONENT INNOVATION (How well did it use the mystery component?)

We'll tabulate the ballots and give out PRIZES. Ties will be broken by a COMPLICATED SECOND MECHANISM.

SCHEDULE:

11:00am - 5:00 pm
KICKOFF
Register your team name, and find out the mystery theme and WEIRDO COMPONENT requirements. Then create your game!

5:00-6:00pm
DINNER BREAK

5:00PM - 11PM
OPEN TESTING
Here's where you'll get to test your game with other designers. You're free to test throughout the day as well, but in the evening we ask that you try somebody else's game out if you can.

SPECIAL NOTES: No outside food is permitted but there are snacks/drinks sold at Geeky Teas. Also, FYI - There are cats at the store, roaming but keep to themselves.

Please read these guides, especially if you are new to design or playtesting-
How to do better playtesting!
How to explain rules for your confusing game prototype!

Code of Conduct Rules

1. Be kind.
2. Seriously, be even more kind than you think you need to be.
3. Read the guidelines for giving and receiving feedback.
4. Respect the rules of our venues (Geeky Teas, Paper Heroes, Odyssey, etc). We will continue to be welcome as long as we continue to be good guests.
5. New members must come to First Play as a playtester at least once before having the opportunity to run a game.
6. If you have RSVP'd to run a game, show up for your time slot. If you do not show up for your time slot, you will get a strike against you. Two strikes and moderators will discuss next steps with you about if you will be allowed to continue running games.
7. Be respectful of other community members- give as much as you receive. Playtest other peoples' games, not just your own.
8. In the case of an unresolvable or continuing conflict, please let a moderator know so we can determine next steps.
9. You will receive a warning if a legitimate complaint is lodged against you. In the case of a continuous issue, a group of at least 3 moderators will discuss and determine next steps. Consistent bad behavior will lead to a group ban.

See you soon!

Have questions?

For FAQ's, please see here - First Play FAQ’s

For a specific question please email *cassandra@ixiongameworks.com*

For community conversations join the Cardboard Alchemy Discord: https://discord.gg/2pYk3TT - find the #first-play-la-chat channel!