Deck Building Games Los Angeles

Game Dev Mixer LA @ Summer Games Fest

Get ready for the **Game Dev Mixer: LA Edition**! We’re taking over DTLA on **Thursday, June 4th**, just one day before Summer Game Fest officially begins. In partnership with **[Omni House](https://omnihouse.app/)** and **[MIXR Studios](https://www.mixr.link/)**, we’re hosting an evening dedicated to the craft and culture of gaming. Whether you’re a developer, programmer, 2D/3D artist, musician, writer, or simply a passionate gamer, this is your space to connect. ### Why You Should Be There: * **Networking:** Rub elbows with local talent and industry pros in the heart of Los Angeles. * **Playtests:** Get exclusive hands-on time with unreleased titles on-site. * **Community:** Meet the faces behind your favorite pixels and polygons. **When:** Thursday, June 4th **Where:** 101 E 17th St, Los Angeles, CA 90015 **Who:** Creators, players, and everyone in between. Don't miss out on the ultimate pre-SGF social—see you there! **RSVP HERE:** [https://luma.com/t7zhhh5o](https://luma.com/t7zhhh5o)

May 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/354da376473e81c288cdd2b345a2969e?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 Crow World Domination (Chris Lawrence): A crow-operative deck builder where players assemble a hand of crows each round, trying to succeed on enough of their schemes to defeat the other animals and conquer the world. Galax (Matt Bahntge): 4x in a 60 card deck. Lead your space empire through a dense fog of dark matter to explore the galaxy, settle planets, research technologies and confront your neighbors in this compact, multi-use card strategy game of grand scale in a small box. Ruined (Chris Barker): Players battle to be the first to collect 7 victory points using focus and memory and some luck, while exploring an ancient ruin. **SESSION TWO** 4:30pm - 6:30pm The Island of Dr. Moreau (Harrison Reishman): Last chance to play before pre-production printing! The Island of Dr. Moreau, based on the H. G. Wells novel, is a beast building, card battling tabletop game where you assemble Beastfolk from over 100 apex predators and battle your opponents with battle dice and hidden abilities to become the greatest scientist on the island. The Judge (Marissa Gastelle): The Judge is a social deduction game where one player takes the role of the Judge in a murder trial. The Judge must determine which lawyers are honest and which have been corrupted. It is a game that fans of games like Secret Hitler and Avalon will enjoy. Song of the Wildkin (Hermes Pique): Oathsworn meets Everdell. A co-op campaign adventure for 1-4 players. 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\!

1182nd Meeting - After GameX 2026/Third Monday - Hot Streak

Werewolf Tournament / New Card Testing Night

**Werewolf Tournament / New Card Testing Night** This will be a **small Werewolf session** designed for players who already know the game and want to jump straight into deeper strategy and experimental roles and a more challenging advanced/challenging event. We’ll be running **five structured games with 16-20 people**, each capped at **45 minutes**, using **new cards and role combinations** that we usually can’t try during our larger regular events. This is a chance to test more complex setups, unusual win conditions, and advanced strategies in a focused group of experienced players. **Tournament Format** • **5 total games** • **45 minutes per game (game timer instead of round timer)** • Roles and setups change between rounds • Players stay in the same pool for the full tournament **Scoring System** Points accumulate across all games. At the end of the last game, the player with the **most total points wins the tournament**. **2nd and 3rd place prizes as well.** **Prizes** The winner will receive **special prizes**, which may include: • Copies of Werewolf / social deduction games • Power items that can help for future Werewolf nights (i.e. infinite tower of defense) • Other fun additional surprise prizes **Requirements** Because we’ll be jumping straight into complex roles and faster gameplay: • This event is **limited to a small group** • Players should already understand the core rules and flow of the game If you enjoy pushing the game further and want to experiment with new roles and strategies, this is the night for it. Werewolf setups: 45 minute game timer, I will keep all night phases moving, days only end with a kill Village team - 1 point Werewolf team - 1 point Independent team (vampires etc)- 2 points Independent solo win (lone wolf etc)- 3 points 5 rounds - whoever has most wins is 1st place in the tournament, 2nd and 3rd win prizes as well In the result of a tie in any of the top 3 places we play one final small tie breaker

May 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\!

Storytelling games - Burbank/Glendale

The most enjoyable way to meet new people. Mostly listening, you'll hear our similarities and our uniqueness. Both peaceful & invigorating. **[Don't be deterred if it looks like no one is going - we post our events on multiple platforms. Please RSVP at [fishandbear.net](http://fishandbear.net/) if you'd prefer to pay on the night.]([https://fishandbear.net](https://fishandbear.net/))** A Truly Invigorating Social Event, Where people - often strangers - meet and tell stories. Nobody knows what story they are going to tell. It's time to truly connect again in the way that only sitting in real life, with real people, telling real-life stories can. Storytelling is the capability we have used to connect with one another and create the modern world. And yet, especially on social media, we have reduced storytelling to story-selling and mostly share opinions rather than real-life experiences. Our events are simple, timed, unprepared story prompts that help everyone who listens connect to our unique and yet relatable experiences. Often, the stories told are intensely funny, sometimes emotional, but always interesting. I call them games rather than exercises because they are fun and often frivolous, but there's no competition and no one loses - except those who don't attend! 😀 **Arrive before the start.** [No Stress Hydro-Gardens](https://maps.app.goo.gl/P5tUAQkbz2Sd8Hk87) We have a lovely room at the back of this hydroponics and exotic plant store for our use. Please arrive on time so that we can start promptly at 6 pm. **Let the Games begin.** We will start with a couple of simple story rounds for the storytellers. The first is almost always 'The Story of your name' because everyone is **the** world's expert in living their life with their name. **Break!** We host these events to encourage connection and community, so this break is there to keep it light and cheerful. So stretch your legs, or stand in line 🚽! **Part Two.** Now that we all know this evening's storytellers, it is time to play a couple more story games to complete the structured part of the event. **The End!** There's a little time to chat with your new friends while we clear up and reset the room.

Downey Library Game Day

Come play board games and card games with us at the Downey Library. We welcome starting players all the way to expert players. Please bring a copy of the games you would like to play, or we have copies to play. The Downey Public Library also has a collection of games to play. Some examples of popular board games are Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, and Terraforming Mars. Some examples of popular card games are Flip 7, Century Spice Road, and Splendor. We like to learn new games and to teach new games. There is no fee, and food and drink is welcome, just please clean up after yourself. We are in the area, to the left of the main entrance. Note that there are no parking restrictions on the weekend or holidays; please respect the Embassy Suites reserved parking. Hosted by Mark Shocklee.

Monthly Board & Card Games

This is a monthly meetup at the Santa Monica Paper Hero's. This is a very casual event - show up, play games, and meet people. I set this to start after the store opens and runs for a few hours, but if you would like to coordinate to play later, feel free to use the discussion below to organize. I am always looking for hosts for this event who are happy to bring games, teach new folks, and be a representative for the meetup. Please leave a message in the discussion if you would like to volunteer, and I will help set you up!

Saturday Game Night

I'm at Grismer Coves, apartment A11 - buzz 11 at the gate. First building, upstairs. There will be drinks in the fridge and a candy bowl on the table. If you'd like to bring something, great, but don't feel obligated. Vaccinated only. No mask required. FYI - I have a cat. The first 9 spots are open to anyone. After that, I will move some people from the waitlist to 'Going', but I give priority to folks who are regulars. BTW - I know parking can be a pain. Please follow these suggestions: 1. Look on Grismer. You might get lucky. 2. Drive down to the corner of Grismer and San Fernando. Turn right. 3. Park. There are always about 10 spaces there and it's only a block away. People don't look there because it feels like you're getting on the freeway.

Board games and brews!

Join Us for Games, Drinks, and Food Looking for a fun, social way to unwind? Come join our board game meetup! We offer a wide variety of games for all kinds of players—whether you’re into strategy, party games, or laugh-out-loud chaos, there’s something here for you. Here are just some of the awesome games we’ll have on hand: ️ Catan - the original game that started it all. A fun way to build and gather resources. - Catan: Game of Thrones – Brotherhood of the Watch - Catan: Starfarers - Catan Expansions Werewolf, One Night Ultimate Werewolf, Clocktower, Avalon, Secret Hitler If you enjoy social deduction and casual gas-lighting then this is the place to play ‍♂️ Magic Maze A silent, real-time co-op game where you guide fantasy heroes through a mall to steal magical gear—without talking! Exploding Kittens Draw cards and try to avoid the Exploding Kitten! Fast, funny, and full of surprise twists. Unstable Unicorns Build your unicorn army and sabotage others in this cute-yet-cutthroat card game of magical destruction. Bang! A hidden-role Wild West game where players shoot, scheme, and try to outwit the Sheriff and outlaws alike. Bananagrams A fast-paced word game where you race to build crossword-style grids. Think Scrabble—but quicker and no turns! Anarchy Pancakes Stack and slap pancakes in a frantic race to match toppings. Perfect for groups and younger players! Neanderthal Poetry Speak only in caveman grunts and gestures to help your teammates guess the right word. Creative and hilarious! ️ Codenames: Pictures Give clever one-word clues to help your team find the right pictures on the board before the other team does. Trial by Trolley A dark and hilarious party game where one player controls a runaway trolley—and everyone else argues over who gets run over. Morally questionable fun! ⸻ And that’s not all—we have even more games than those listed! Our collection is always growing, and we love variety. Got a game you love? Bring it along! Whether it’s a hidden gem or a popular favorite, we’re always happy to try something new. Come for the games, stay for the good vibes and great company

Game Night @ Three Weavers Brewering

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

Western Legends