Gaming Groups San Francisco

Let's Play "Mina the Hollower"

For this month's game we are playing the *Mousy Link to the Past*, "**Mina the Hollower**." From the developer: *Take control of Mina, a renowned Hollower hurtled into a desperate mission to rescue a cursed island. Whip foes, burrow through the ground, and explore a pixel-perfect world in Mina the Hollower, a brand new game from the developers who brought you Shovel Knight!* It is available for Nintendo Switch 1/2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, macOS, and Linux. Play through it this month and we will discuss it on **July 25th**! Play through as much as you can and be prepared to be spoiled at the meeting. :) p.s. [Here](https://discord.gg/TYQmS3GgBK) is a link to our **Discord**, pop in to meet folks ahead of the meetup.

SF Board Gaymers Meetup (in Dogpatch)

\*\*\* We are returning to our regular 2nd Saturday schedule \*\*\* All genders and sexualities are welcome at our meetup; we are an inclusive community. As we have been for a while lately, we will be meeting in San Francisco at Dogpatch Games in - surprise surprise - Dogpatch. Dogpatch Games is very close to a MUNI stop. They have a large game library we can use but feel free to bring a game if there is something you particularly want to play. We have a well ventilated garage space, some side walk tables, and some indoor tables reserved for our group. There will be a $15 after tax fee for the 5 hour window regardless of when you show up, which is a discount from their normal rate if you are there for over 3 hours. After the event is officially over at 6PM you can keep hanging out / playing games if you like at the store's standard hourly rate. Some of us usually get dinner afterwards. Be there or be square!

Rise of the Runelords Adventure Path

Pathfinders unite as they journey to Sandpoint and explore the mysteries that lies within the Varisian coast and the secrets stirring about of the Runelords' return. This is a published adventure that takes players and their characters from 1st level and beyond. We're currently at a full table, but we don't turn away genuinely, interested, serious players of all levels and ttrpg experience. Materials provided if needed except food and drinks. Post your questions if you need more info. May Desna guide your journeys and grant you her favors.

Oakland Game Night

Open Board Gaming !

We play and teach games every Thursday [at](https://www.itsyourmoveoakland.com/)[ Its Your Move Games](https://www.itsyourmoveoakland.com/clubs) until 11pm. The cost is $5. Drop in any time from 7:00pm to 10:30pm or so and you're sure to find something to play! Bring your games from home or use any of the games from our extensive used game library. We often have many tables going on at once for lots of variety. The earlier part of the evening is ideal for families with kids. We play all sorts of board games and card games on Thursday nights, but also: We are at[ 7th West](https://www.7thwest.com/) Every Wednesday night with a nice sized board game library. There is no cover charge there and they have Pin Ball machines a great menu and a large patio for smoking. Got a favorite game you'd like to find others to play? Bring it along! Let us know in advance if possible so we can help with recruiting players. In addition to these Thursday Meetups and the ones linked above, there are yet more game-specific events for adults and youth over the course of each week, including Scrabble, youth Pathfinder, youth chess and youth Go classes/play, so check out our full schedule here (http://www.meetup.com/oaklandgames/pages/Event_schedule/). There's more to come, so be sure to stay in touch! We request a donation of $3 to help offset the cost of keeping the store open so late every Friday. Hope to see you soon! \-\- Chris Specker and Will Kreber \(owner/managers\)

EBBG East Bay Board Game Convention and Protospiel

East Bay Board Game Convention returns for its third year! Coming to Oakland July 17-19 to Oakland Marriot City Center. Convention features include: 24 hour access to gaming rooms Library of over 1,000 board games Play-to-win games Flea Market Hot Games Room Dedicated TTRPG space Seminars Protospiel board game playtesting **[Convention Website](https://tabletop.events/conventions/ebbg26)** **Location:** Oakland Marriot Center, 1001 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607 (2 mintue walk from 12th Street Oakland City Center BART) **Hours:** While the con is open nonstop from Friday morning til Sunday night, the Protospiel board game playtesting area will be officially open during the following hours: Friday: 9am - 10pm Saturday: 9am - 11pm Sunday: 9am - 4pm **Cost:** You must purchase a badge online or in person at the convention to enter the venue. Protospiel playtesting is included as a free event as part of the convention. **Protospiel Participation:** One of the many awesome things to do at the con is playtest board games at the convention's own Protospiel event! Play prototype tabletop games, meet local designers, and learn about the board game industry in a casual friendly environment. The Protospiel is a playtesting area where designers run their prototype tabletop games looking for feedback. Prototypes can be any kind of physical / analog game and in any stage of development. Anyone can join in as a designer and/or player, no experience needed! The Protospiel will be a combination of scheduled playtests, which you can submit throught the convention website in advance and describe it as "playtest", and mostly open unreserved drop in testing. Open tables are not reserved and not exclusive - designers are expected to share table access throughout the con and play each others prototypes. Playtesting is the focus, don't run games that are finished or not open to changes. Staff reserves the right to exclude prototypes that are deemed inappropriate or offensive. We'll be giving out a prize to a random participant every hour til late, so the more you hang out the more you can win! The Protospiel is co-run by Golden Gate Gamemakers. **Protospiel Team:** Velgus, Chaz Glassmaker, Andrew DiLullo.

Board Game Playtesting at Dogpatch Games (San Francisco)

Welcome to the Golden Gate Gamemakers' board game playtesting event at Dogpatch Games in San Francisco! We meet last Thursdays 6pm-10pm. We are a community of tabletop game designers & board game fanatics who meet monthly at Dogpatch Games (1095 Tennessee St. in San Francisco's Dogpatch district) to playtest each other's prototypes, provide feedback, help each other get published, and most importantly... have fun! Whether you’re game is days away from Kickstarter, or just ideas on a napkin, or you just want to hangout and playtest other prototypes (we LOVE playtesters!)…all are welcome! A few notes if this is your first time joining us: \- Our goal is to provide a community around creating new games\. Every designer will get their prototype to the table\. We give everyone the chance to play games and get their game played\. \- Each designer gets equal time\, which is about one hour\. This includes rules explanations\, gameplay\, and time for feedback\. \- Please arrive on time if you have a game to playtest\. At the beginning of the night each designer will pitch their game to the group\, then breakout into smaller groups\. If you arrive and playtesting has already begun\, we will try to accommodate you later in the evening\. \- If your game requires more than one hour\, or requires a player count of 6 or more\, please contact us ahead of time so we can make arrangements\. \- Please stay for as long as you can to playtest others’ games\. \- When you arrive\, please check in with the cashier and inform them you’re with the San Francisco Board Game Designers\. Dogpatch Games charges customers an hourly fee \(monthly subscriptions are available\)\, but we have negotiated **a flat rate of $12 per person you'll need to pay for the evening**. \- Dogpatch Games does not yet sell food or drink\, but outside food is very welcomed\. There are many great options within a couple blocks\. \- Street parking is readily available nearby\. Or take BART to the Powell Street station and transfer to San Francisco Muni “T”\-line and take that eastbound to 20th & 3rd Ave stop\. Dogpatch Games is then one block away\. \- Please no “blind playtesting”\. You must teach your game yourself and not require playtesters to read rules during the event\. \- This is an event for playtesting your game and gathering feedback\, and not promoting your upcoming Kickstarter campaign\. \- Reach out to Phil Schwarzmann \(phillip\.schwarzmann@gmail\.com\) or for any questions\. Looking forward to seeing you there!! Phil [See GGG's full code of conduct here.](https://goldengategamemakers.com/Code_Of_Conduct/) Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at [meetup.com/playgoldengate](meetup.com/playgoldengate)

Hype o'clock Game Dev & Tea Time

Come hang out, have some tea, and work on/share your projects with other cool folks! Please see the "How to find us" section below for more info. This event is scheduled for every 3rd Saturday of the month.

Play Go and Socialize

Visit our Japan Center Go Club and play Go with others. We are open every Friday 4-8pm with more times coming soon.

Game Night Fun with Just Spades!

Join us for an entertaining evening filled with strategic gameplay and fun times at our upcoming Just Spades event! Whether you're a seasoned Spades player or new to the game, all are welcome to come and enjoy a night of card games and socializing with fellow enthusiasts. Connect with new friends, test your skills in a friendly atmosphere, and experience the thrill of playing Spades in a vibrant gaming community. Don't miss out on this opportunity to have a fantastic time filled with laughter, competition, and memorable moments. Let's gather, shuffle the deck, and make the most of our game night with Just Spades!

Board Game Playtesting at Victory Point Cafe Berkeley - 3rd Mondays

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](https://goldengategamemakers.com/Code_Of_Conduct/). Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at [meetup.com/playgoldengate](https://www.meetup.com/playgoldengate).

Legal Essentials for Game Developers: Privacy, Safety & IP

SF Game Development is excited to be featuring two incredible talks on the legal essentials every game developer needs to know — privacy, safety, and intellectual property. Join us in person at **DNA Lounge** on **Tuesday, July 21st from 5:30pm–9:00pm**. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from industry experts, who will take the stage at 7:00 pm. Whether you're a seasoned game developer, an aspiring artist, a student, or an indie creator, this event is designed for you. Come mingle with like-minded professionals and enthusiasts, and enjoy some pizza sponsored by SF Game Development and any additional pizza available for purchase from the DNA restaurant. There's a full-service bar at the venue with all proceeds supporting the venue. Your participation helps us continue hosting fantastic events in their 3,000 sqft space. You'll also get a chance to demo indie games and meet the speakers involved with the event. **Get Equipped With IP Tips & Tricks** **Jonathan Downing — Attorney & Storyteller at Tyz Law Group PC** Intellectual property law can be complicated, and there can be very real consequences for getting things wrong. But by equipping yourself with some basic understanding of the ins and outs of how this body of law operates, you can both avoid costly missteps and better protect your work. Jonathan has been gaming since the days of blowing dust out of NES cartridges and trying to figure out how to work a Power Glove, and combines that lifelong passion with over a decade of experience in the video games legal space. An intellectual property counselor with expertise in copyright across the entertainment and technology spaces, he's worked both in-house for a AAA game studio and as outside counsel for developers and publishers of all shapes and sizes. At Tyz Law Group, he helps clients protect and enforce their IP rights in an increasingly crowded market. (He never did figure out how to work that Power Glove, though.) **Kid's Privacy and Safety: Navigating Unprecedented Complexity** **Joe Newman — Senior Legal Counsel at k-ID** Today, a frankly outrageous number of new laws and regulations are targeting kids, games, and online interactions. Learn how a team of gaming compliance veterans (and mega-nerds) have been rewriting the compliance playbook for the whole tech industry. Joe has spent over a decade in the video games industry working on kids' privacy and safety issues — at think tanks, as in-house counsel for Electronic Arts and Ubisoft, and in private practice counseling everyone from indie teams to some of the largest video game publishers in the world. At k-ID, he builds automated compliance solutions that scale for the next generation of online services, delivering meaningful global compliance while empowering kids and teens everywhere. **See you all there!** Thank you everyone for RSVPing for our SF Game Development event with our fellow indie game developers. We can't wait to see everyone there. Make sure to arrive at 5:30pm for networking and game demos. You MUST RSVP on Meetup, Luma, or Eventbrite to secure your spot.