Competitive Gaming Los Angeles

It's LEO SEASON! August Game Day with The Spades Syndicate

**It's Leo Season!! Who's got GAME??** August isn't just hot, it's on fire!! Where are the Leos? Summer Babies are still running the show and even if you're not a Leo, bring that Lion and Lioness I RUN THE JUNGLE energy to the tables!! 🦁🎴 We're gathering the real ones this August so come thruuuu! Bring your game. Bring your friends who get it. Bring your strategy and let's go. **Your throne at the Spades Syndicate table is waiting!!** \*Remember...food and drink is always included

Game Night - Tortugo Brewing Company

Looking for a place to play some board games? In the Los Angeles area? Join us at Tortugo Brewing Company in Inglewood! We'll have: 🎲 Craft Beers 🎲 Indie RPGs 🎲 Board Games

Blood on the Clocktower Tournament

A recommended (but optional) $5 donation will be requested from now on to help me cover the cost of the space and meetup fees. Either through cash or:
Venmo: @BrandonF51
Zelle: 7325973400 Location: Groundfloor in Echo Park (street parking only) 160 Glendale Blvd Free coffee/tea/water/liquor are available and the space almost always has snacks. Trying to make these events more potluck style. If anyone is able to bring any food/dishes/snacks either made or purchased it would be very much appreciated. Join the Los Angeles Ultimate Werewolf Game Meetup Group for a fun-filled evening of social deduction games! And now introducing thanks to our Blood Moderator Trevor: # 🩸 Blood on the Clocktower Tournament 🩸 **Blood on the Clocktower** is a social deduction board game where players take on secret roles in a haunted village. Most players are **good**, trying to identify and execute the hidden **Demon**, while a small **evil team** works together to deceive the town and eliminate players each night. Unlike games like *Werewolf* or *Mafia*, eliminated players **stay in the game**—they can continue discussing, voting, and influencing the outcome until the very end. Every player also has a unique character with a special ability, creating endless strategy, bluffing, and unforgettable moments. We'll be running a **friendly tournament** throughout the evening: * Multiple games of Blood on the Clocktower * Points earned based on your performance each game * Live leaderboard updates * Prizes for the top finishers Whether you're a veteran or you've never played before, you're welcome! New players are encouraged to arrive a little early for a rules explanation before the first game begins. If you enjoy strategy games, deception, psychology, or trying to read people, you'll love Blood on the Clocktower. Come ready to lie, investigate, persuade... and maybe save the town.

Game Night - Common Space Brewery

It's time for another night of beers & games at Common Space Brewery! We're going to be at the brewery with a range of games for people to play for free, starting at 6PM - hope to see you there!

August 2026 - Playtest games at Geeky Teas!

**Players and game designers wanted for this open house style event!** Please read the event schedule, and all members, new and old, should check out the Code of Conduct at the bottom of this text. **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. **DESIGNER SIGN UP**: If you have a game to test during session one or two we have a new sign up protocol: **Fill out the form here- [First Play Designer Signup](https://gorgeous-mule-37d.notion.site/1c9a3d4ed35b8034b34ced27ef3d1c40)** Please read the descriptions of each time to determine if your game is appropriate for a scheduled session. *Note: new members must come to First Play as a playtester at least once before having the opportunity to run a game. If this is your first time showing your game at FPLA, please introduce yourself to either Damon or Cassandra (one or both will be near the front of the room) before your session for a quick explainer on how to get your game to the table and what to expect from playtesting.* **SCHEDULE:** Game days have 3 segments. **You do not need to come for the whole day!** However, it is good etiquette if you are testing your own game to stay and test at least one other designer's game as well. 11:00am - 1:00 pm **OPEN PLAY TESTING** This is unstructured play time, ideal for short games (45min or less), 2 player games, and games that require a quieter environment. If you're a designer, grab an available table and let people know you are looking for players. If you're a player, just sit down at a game and play! **SESSION ONE** 1:15pm - 3:15pm **SESSION TWO** 3:30pm - 5:30pm Scheduled sessions are the core of First Play! This event we have three scheduled sessions, with about 4-6 games running during each time slot. Following moderator announcements, each designer running a game will have the opportunity to do an 'elevator pitch' to players. After which, players decide which game they want to play. Two hour sessions are ideal for games that are 60-90 minutes, and have been playtested multiple times before. After play, be sure to leave time to give and receive feedback. Oh, and sometimes we give away prizes! 5:30-6:30pm **DINNER BREAK** 6:30-10pm **THE SKUNKWORKS** This is unstructured time to test your wildest ideas. Bring the game that may break in 5 minutes, the one that requires 10 people, or the one that may involve crawling on the ground. Bring objects that *could* be games, half baked ideas, and untested print and plays. Take risks, be silly, and most importantly, have fun! **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!](https://gorgeous-mule-37d.notion.site/How-to-do-better-playtesting-1c9a3d4ed35b807b9f6ff643b5635885)** **[How to explain rules for your confusing game prototype!](https://gorgeous-mule-37d.notion.site/How-to-explain-rules-for-your-confusing-game-prototype-1d3a3d4ed35b80c683e7e4f6953e8545)** **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](https://gorgeous-mule-37d.notion.site/First-Play-FAQ-s-1d5a3d4ed35b809eadb7c5c72359521b) For a specific question please email *cassandra@ixiongameworks.com* For community conversations join the Cardboard Alchemy Discord: [https://discord.gg/2pYk3TT](https://discord.gg/2pYk3TT) \- find the \#first\-play\-la\-chat channel\!

MACE: Medieval Fantasy Adventure Game (playtest session, new players welcome)

**NOTE: SCHEDULING IS CONDUCTED ON** [DISCORD](https://discord.gg/SevNwag8Yy). Join us for an open-table game of old school Dungeons & Dragons!MACE is a series of house rules of original Dungeons & Dragons that I have been working on for some time, as well as a medieval fantasy barony-crawl I would love to test out with some folks, especially those new to tabletop role-playing. The rules and setting guide will be provided in physical form at the session, as well as everything needed to play. The game prioritizes player agency, creativity, and problem solving, prior experience is unnecessary. Address and contact info will be provided before session. We play in apartment near Wilshire & Bundy. If you are waitlisted for a session, you will get front-of-line privileges for upcoming ones. Thank you!

Saturday Board Game Social: Casual Board Games

* **🕕 Time:** Saturday, 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. * **🏨 Location:** Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Monterey Park * **📍 Address:** 555 N. Atlantic Blvd., Monterey Park, CA 91754 * **💲 Cover Fee:** $5.00 per person * **🚗 Parking:** Free parking options are available nearby. Please read the parking information below carefully. **🚨 IMPORTANT PARKING INFORMATION** * **Do not park in the Courtyard Marriott hotel parking garage unless you are willing to pay the hotel’s parking fee.** Hotel parking is not free and may cost approximately **$35**. * **Recommended Parking Option #1: Atlantic Times Square** Park across the street at **Atlantic Times Square**, located at 500 N. Atlantic Blvd. Use the underground parking garage. * **Recommended Parking Option #2: GW Supermarket** You may also park in the **GW Supermarket parking lot** adjacent to the Courtyard Marriott. GW Supermarket is located at 421 N. Atlantic Blvd. * **If parking at GW Supermarket, use the NORTH parking lot.** The **north lot is the side closest to the Courtyard Marriott**. * **Do not use the south GW Supermarket parking lot.** The south parking lot faces **Emerson Avenue**. Please use the north lot next to the Marriott instead. **NEW PLAYERS WELCOME!** Looking for something fun and social to do this Saturday? Come join us for Board Game Night at the Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Monterey Park! **🎲 We’ll be playing:** * 🎴 **Nights of the Ninja** — quick, secret-identity bluffing & deduction. * 🃏 **Cabanga!** — fast, chaotic card slaps and surprises. * 🧩 **Codenames** — classic team word clues and deduction. * 🐮 **Herd Mentality** — think like the crowd and avoid the pink cow! * 💬 **Let’s Get Deep: Friends Edition** — fun conversation prompts. * 🤪 **Bad Choices** — party questions with a twist. * 🏚️ **Betrayal at House on the Hill** — explore the mansion until the betrayal begins. * 🎲 **Wits & Wagers: Vegas** — bet chips on the best trivia guesses. * 🌮 **Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza** — silly, speedy, and hilarious. * 🐒 **Monkiers** — creative word-guessing with invented clues. * 🪳 **Cockroach Poker** — bluffing, lying, and calling each other out. * 7️⃣ **Flip 7** — press-your-luck number card game where you flip numbers and risk pushing too far. * 🛡️ **Avalon** — hidden roles, deception, and intense mind games. * 💎 **Splendor** — smooth engine-building with gems. * ⚔️ **Legends of the Three Kingdoms** — Chinese hidden-role battle deduction. * 🐺 **One Night Ultimate Werewolf** — single-round social deduction. * 😺 **Exploding Kittens** — silly, chaotic, kitten-filled card mayhem. **🚫 BANNED GAMES** * ❌ A Feast for Odin — Theoretical: 30–120 min \| Actual: \~150–240\+ min * ❌ A Game of Thrones: The Board Game \(Second Edition\) — Theoretical: 120–240 min \| Actual: \~180–300\+ min * ❌ Agricola — Theoretical: 30–120 min \| Actual: \~120–180\+ min * ❌ Ark Nova — Theoretical: 90–150 min \| Actual: \~120–180\+ min * ❌ Axis & Allies 1942 Second Edition \(and most versions\) — Theoretical: \~240 min \| Actual: \~210–360\+ min * ❌ Barrage — Theoretical: 90–180 min \| Actual: \~150–240\+ min * ❌ Brass: Birmingham — Theoretical: 60–120 min \| Actual: \~120–240\+ min * ❌ Brass: Lancashire — Theoretical: 60–120 min \| Actual: \~120–240\+ min * ❌ Caverna: The Cave Farmers — Theoretical: 30–210 min \| Actual: \~150–240\+ min * ❌ Caylus — Theoretical: 60–150 min \| Actual: \~120–180\+ min * ❌ Diplomacy — Theoretical: 4–12 hours \| Actual: \~6–12 hours * ❌ Dune — Theoretical: 120–180 min \| Actual: \~240–360\+ min * ❌ Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy — Theoretical: 60–200 min \| Actual: \~180–240\+ min * ❌ Food Chain Magnate — Theoretical: 120–240 min \| Actual: \~180–300\+ min * ❌ Forest Shuffle \(including all expansion packs\) — Theoretical: \~40–60 min \| Actual: \~60–90\+ min * ❌ Gaia Project — Theoretical: 60–150 min \| Actual: \~120–180\+ min * ❌ Great Western Trail \(any edition\) — Theoretical: 75–150 min \| Actual: \~120–180\+ min * ❌ Harmonies — Theoretical: \~30–45 min \| Actual: \~45–75\+ min * ❌ Here I Stand — Theoretical: 180–360 min \| Actual: \~240–360\+ min * ❌ Inis — Theoretical: 60–90 min \| Actual: \~90–150\+ min * ❌ Kanban EV — Theoretical: 60–180 min \| Actual: \~180–300\+ min * ❌ Le Havre — Theoretical: 30–150 min \| Actual: \~150–240\+ min * ❌ Lisboa — Theoretical: 60–120 min \| Actual: \~150–240\+ min * ❌ Ora et Labora — Theoretical: 60–180 min \| Actual: \~150–240\+ min * ❌ Power Grid — Theoretical: \~120 min \| Actual: \~150–240\+ min * ❌ Project L — Theoretical: \~20–40 min \| Actual: \~30–60\+ min * ❌ Puerto Rico — Theoretical: 90–150 min \| Actual: \~150–210\+ min * ❌ Rising Sun — Theoretical: 90–120 min \| Actual: \~120–180 min * ❌ Root — Theoretical: 60–90 min \| Actual: \~90–150\+ min * ❌ SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence — Theoretical: 60–120 min \| Actual: \~120–180\+ min * ❌ Star Wars: Rebellion — Theoretical: 180–240 min \| Actual: \~180–300\+ min * ❌ Terra Mystica — Theoretical: 60–150 min \| Actual: \~150–240\+ min * ❌ The Gallerist — Theoretical: 60–150 min \| Actual: \~180–300\+ min * ❌ Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization — Theoretical: \~120 min \| Actual: \~180–300\+ min * ❌ Twilight Imperium Fourth Edition — Theoretical: 240–480 min \| Actual: \~480–720\+ min * ❌ Underwater Cities — Theoretical: 80–150 min \| Actual: \~120–210\+ min * ❌ War of the Ring Second Edition — Theoretical: 150–240 min \| Actual: \~180–240\+ min * ❌ Wingspan * ❌ Wyrmspan **🎉 EVENT NOTES** * 🎲 Meet new people and enjoy a relaxed evening of light, welcoming party and strategy games. * 🧠 Games start shortly after arrival. Please try to be on time so we can set up smoothly. * 🎭 First-timers are encouraged. We’ll teach the rules, and no experience is needed. * 🏨 Please be respectful of the hotel, its staff, guests, common areas, and all venue policies. **⚠️ RESPECT & CONDUCT** All attendees are expected to treat others, the venue, hotel staff, hotel guests, and game components with respect. This means no abusive language, physical aggression, intentional damage to games or personal property, or major behavioral disruptions that interfere with other people’s ability to enjoy the event. If you damage someone’s game pieces, equipment, or personal property, or cause a major behavioral disruption, you will be banned from future events. Damage or major disruption may result in an immediate ban. **📋 POLICIES & NOTES** * **⭕ No-Show Policy:** 3+ unexcused absences may lead to a 3-month suspension. Please give 24-hour notice when possible; emergencies are excepted. * **📸 Photo & Media:** Attendance implies consent for event photos and videos to be used for promotion. * **ℹ️ Disclaimer:** Organizers are not affiliated with Courtyard by Marriott or Marriott International. We are an independent social group using the venue for our event. * **⚠️ Liability:** Participation is at your own risk. * **⚠️ Waitlist Policy:** If you are on the waitlist and show up to the event without an RSVP confirmation, you will be considered a walk-in and subject to both a late registration fee of **$50.00** and a walk-in fee of **$25.00**. * Failure to pay the applicable fee will result in a permanent ban from the group. This policy ensures fairness to all members who properly RSVP and helps us manage space, materials, and overall event quality. Thank you for your cooperation.

Game Night @ Three Weavers Brewering

It’s on, Inglewood 🎲 Game Night Three Weavers is happening again! Come thirsty, leave victorious.

Santa Monica Go Club - Sunday

The Santa Monica Go Club currently meets in person every Sunday at The Unurban Coffee Shop from 12pm-5pm. Players of all skill levels are welcome, including those who want to learn the game for the first time.

THE GROTTO - awesome Board Game event (AUG)

August 2026 - Paper Hero's Games Playtesting!

**Players and game designers wanted for this open house style event!** Hey everyone, Chris here! I'm going to be hosting a Saturday playtesting event at Paper Hero's Games in Santa Monica again, and both players and designers are wanted! **DESIGNER SIGN UP**: If you have a game to test during session one or two signup here: **Fill out the form here-** [First Play LA Designer Sign-Up](https://cute-eustoma-3f9.notion.site/327da376473e82b195b2016c1fefe564?pvs=105) Note there is a 1 hour session and a 2 hour session. Your game will be assigned to whichever session is more suitable. Very short games (20min or less) should be brought to Open Play instead. *Please note new members must come to First Play as a playtester at least once before having the opportunity to run a game.* **SCHEDULE:** Game days have 3 segments. **You do not need to come for the whole day!** However, if you are testing your own game you should stay and test at least one other designer's game as well. **OPEN PLAY TESTING** 2:00pm - 3:00 pm This is unstructured play time, ideal for very short games (20min or less), or games requiring 1-2 players. If you're a designer check in with me and then grab an available table and let people know you are looking for players. If you're a player, just sit down at a game and play! **SESSION ONE** 3:15pm - 4:15pm **SESSION TWO** 4:30pm - 6:30pm Scheduled sessions are the core of First Play! There is a 1 hour session and a 2 hour session. Before each session designers will be asked to give an 'elevator pitch' of their game, after which players can decide which game they want to play. Sessions are ideal for games that are 20-90 minutes. After play, be sure to leave time to give and receive feedback! **SPECIAL NOTES**: No fee to play, and you're welcome to stay and play until the store closes at 10PM. Please read these guides, especially if you are new to design or playtesting- **[How to do better playtesting!](https://gorgeous-mule-37d.notion.site/How-to-do-better-playtesting-1c9a3d4ed35b807b9f6ff643b5635885)** **[How to explain rules for your confusing game prototype!](https://gorgeous-mule-37d.notion.site/How-to-explain-rules-for-your-confusing-game-prototype-1d3a3d4ed35b80c683e7e4f6953e8545)** **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. Three 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](https://gorgeous-mule-37d.notion.site/First-Play-FAQ-s-1d5a3d4ed35b809eadb7c5c72359521b) For a specific question please email: \*chris@eternalstudios.com\* For community conversations join the Cardboard Alchemy Discord: [https://discord.gg/2pYk3TT](https://discord.gg/2pYk3TT) \- find the \#first\-play\-la\-chat channel\!

Playtesting at LFG Con in Burbank (and potential indie selling)

Hey everyone! The SECOND LFG Con will be occurring August 13-16 at the Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel, and we have been invited to participate! Last year was a small but mighty event and incredibly fun, we strongly recommend checking it out! Learn more about the event here- [LFG CON](https://www.lfg-con.com/) Please note if you are interested in participating you **MUST** sign up via the below form, RSVPing to the event on Meetup is not enough. **Public playtesting** ***Friday, August 14th, Saturday, August 15th and Sunday, August 16th 10am-5:30pm*** This will be an Unpub-esque event where con goers can peruse the tables and sit down to playtest games. Any genre and length of game welcome! There will be room for 5-8 games to run at a time, depending on table space required. If you are interested in running a game, please apply to do so here- [https://tinyurl.com/lfgplaytesting](https://tinyurl.com/lfgplaytesting) (**Participating designers will receive a free day-badge** for running two time slots on either day, or a full con badge for running at least two time slots on 2 days. *IF you have a spouse/assistant who wants to come* and you would like a free badge for them, please sign up for at least 4 timeslots. Otherwise, we request that they purchase their own badge. Thanks for understanding!) **Indie Game Night Market** ***TBD*** This is an event for designers to sell games **that have no other channel for purchase**. These should be games that have not been widely published, and have no intention of crowdfunding or releasing in the near future. Your product must be a game, however it can take any form- a handcrafted work of art, a janky limited print run, or a grab-bag of dollar store items with a stapled together instruction manual for how to use them. If you are interested in selling a game, **please email Cassandra directly at cassandra@ixiongameworks.com**. (Participating designers will receive a free day-badge for Saturday.) Please reach out to cassandra@ixiongameworks.com if you have any questions. Hope to see many of you there!