Gaming Groups Los Angeles

(Ladies only) MTG Commander Learn & Play

July 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/a95da376473e839d9c4601d3755399e0?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\!

July 2026 - Playtest games at Geeky Teas!

**Players and game designers wanted for this open house style event! (NOTE: Due to an absolute deluge of events at Geeky Teas, there will be no FPLA June event at GT)** 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\!

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.

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

Game Night @ Three Weavers Brewering

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

Saturday Board Game Social: Casual Board Game Night (12 players max)

📍 **Location:** Meet Tea 🕕 **Time:** Saturday, 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM 💲 **Cover Fee:** $10.00 per person for individuals who have attended 5 events or less in the past 3 months 👥 **Target Age Range:** 1983 to 1999 **NEW PLAYERS WELCOME!** Looking for something fun and social to do this Saturday? Come join us for Board Game Night at Meet Tea in Temple City! \*\*\* **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 (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, 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, 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 No**va — 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: Lancashir**e — 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 * ❌ **Finspan** — Theoretical: 45–60 min \| Actual: \~60–90\+ 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** — Theoretical: 40–70 min \| Actual: \~60–120\+ min * ❌ **Wyrmspan** — Theoretical: \~90 min \| Actual: \~90–150\+ min \*\*\* 🍧 Enjoy tasty desserts and drinks, meet new people, and dive into 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 encouraged — we’ll teach rules; no experience needed. 👉 Please support the venue with a minimum purchase of one drink or dessert. 🍴 **Nearby Food Options:** If you’re hungry before or after games, there are food choices right next door: • Ono Hawaiian BBQ • Chipotle Mexican Grill \*\*\* **Respect & Conduct (read carefully)** All attendees are expected to treat others, the venue, and game components with respect. That means: no abusive language, no physical aggression, no intentional damage to games or personal property, and no 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 if you cause a major behavioral disruption, you **will be banned** from future events. There are no exceptions for repeated offenses — damage or major disruption = **banned**. \*\*\* **Policies & Notes:** ⭕ **No-Show Policy:** 3+ unexcused absences may lead to a 3-month suspension (please give 24-hour notice; emergencies excepted). 📸 **Photo & Media:** Attendance implies consent for event photos/videos for promotion. ℹ️ **Disclaimer:** Organizers are not affiliated with Meet Tea; we’re regular paying customers. ⚠️ **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 this 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 - 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!

Date Change to July 25-Ultimate Werewolf Game Night

***Please note DATE CHANGE-due to unforeseen availability issues with the space we need to postpone this July 11 event to July 25. If you are unable to make July 25 please cancel your reservation, thank you and apologies for the change*** 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! Ultimate Werewolf is an interactive game (part card game/part board game-similar to Mafia if you’ve ever played that) of deduction for two teams: the village team and the wolf team. Players on the village team don't know who the wolves are, and the wolves are trying to remain undiscovered while they slowly eliminate players on the village team one at a time. Each player receives a card with their role at the beginning. If it sounds confusing, everything will be walked through at the beginning. Whether you're a seasoned werewolf player or completely new to the game, this event is perfect for making new friends and testing your wits against others in a thrilling game of deception. Bring your best strategies and alliances as you navigate through the hidden identities and attempt to uncover the werewolves among us. Not only will you have the chance to play Werewolf, but you'll also have the opportunity to socialize with fellow game enthusiasts in a welcoming and friendly environment. So come out, sharpen your skills, and enjoy a night of engaging gameplay and laughter with the Los Angeles Werewolf Meetup Group. 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 *Feel free to bring other board/card games as well, down to try different games if we have time after werewolf*

Miniature Mondays at Geeky Teas & Games

Are your D&D games feeling a bit...gray? Let's get together and get some color on our minis with social painting sessions at Geeky Teas & Games on Mondays from 1-10 pm. Each week, we'll break out the paint pots and brushes and host a social painting session. Participants can bring their minis in and join in the fun as part of our standard $5 gaming fee. Our store painting kit includes a wide array of Army Painter paints and washes, brushes, and palettes. Whether just dipping your brush in for the first time, or a veteran of countless colorful hordes, come join us to hone your craft in a relaxed, collaborative, and social setting. Proof of vaccination is required at this time

Mah Jongg at El Camino College- PRIZE and POTLUCK DAY!

Social Mah Jongg; light snack will be provided; giving away prizes for making special hands. This is a potluck event. Feel free to bring something to contribute if you can. No worries at all if you cannot.

Indie RPG Game Night (Geeky Teas)

WHAT IS THIS EVENT? At **Indie RPG Night** we gather to play story games and independent role-playing games (RPGs). These games are similar to role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) but tend to be simpler to learn, and have more shared narrative control for all players. WHO IS THIS FOR? Any experience level is welcome, with no prior knowledge required. Almost all games are meant to be played in a single night (sometimes called *one-shots* or *episodic*), so no regular attendance is necessary. WHAT GAMES DO WE PLAY? We play games that allow us to come together to have a good time telling a story collaboratively. We do not generally play games with a win condition. Some games we play have a game master (GM) and players, similar to D&D. Other games are “GM-less” or "GM-ful", and have no game master, where the rules of the game have us share narrative authority so we all have similar control over the story. Some examples include: * Apocalypse World * Blades in the Dark * Dream Askew * Fiasco * For The Queen * The Quiet Year * Microscope WHAT GAMES DO WE AVOID? We avoid role-playing games that may require players to have prior knowledge of rules (which is often the case with RPGs such as D&D). Many of us love board and card games, however this is not the event for those games. Note that some story games have elements that may look like board and card games, however we play games that share our goal of coming together to collaboratively tell a story. Although some board games have narrative elements (such as Above and Below), or can be played in a narrative manner (such as Arkham Horror), these do not meet our criteria. If you have any doubts, please talk to one of the organizers. It is also important that games played conform to our Community Standards (https://bit.ly/StoryGamesLA-CommunityStandards). WHERE AND WHEN IS THE EVENT? Locations vary so check the meetup event for the current location. On this night we play at **Geeky Teas & Games** in Burbank. We plan to meet up starting at 6pm, and pitch games promptly at 6:30pm. The venue closes at 10pm. Games tend to normally last 2-4 hours. Note that Geeky Teas requires a $8 cover fee that you pay directly to them upon entry to the venue. HOW DO I ATTEND? If you plan on attending, please RSVP here. We have tables reserved but space may be limited, so we will prioritize people who RSVP if we end up having too many folks. We will try to accommodate everyone best as possible. If your plans change, please update your RSVP as early as possible so we have an accurate count. You should not need to bring anything with you, however always feel free to bring writing utensils, dice, note cards, and so on. WHAT ARE THE RULES? We try to provide an inclusive space, and do not tolerate harassment or prejudice of any kind, including that based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or disabilities. By attending and participating you are agreeing to abide by our Community Standards (https://bit.ly/StoryGamesLA-CommunityStandards). If you have any issues, please contact one of the meetup organizers at any time, either during the meetup or afterwards. We use the X-card and other RPG communication and safety tools, which we write about in our Community Standards document, and review when our events start. HOW CAN I RUN A GAME? If you are new to the group and the events, we ask that you play the first few times to get a feel for the games we play, and for the environment and our community. If have done so, and wish to run a game, please get in touch with the meetup organizers either at the event, or in the **Story Games LA** **Discord** ([https://discord.com/invite/qbPzyRYBQv](https://discord.com/invite/qbPzyRYBQv)). After doing so, you simply need to bring the materials needed to play: rules, printouts, notecards or blank paper, tokens, printouts, and so on. We may have some of these items, but may not have what you need. HOW CAN I BE A PART OF THE COMMUNITY? The best place to participate with our community prior to or outside of the events is to join the **Story Games LA** **Discord** ([https://discord.com/invite/qbPzyRYBQv](https://discord.com/invite/qbPzyRYBQv)). This is also where we sometimes host our online events.