What we’re about
Golden Gate Gamemakers is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that brings together board game creators and players in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Together we run 200+ events a year all over the Bay Area, including: San Francisco, San Jose, Berkeley, Oakland, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Dublin, Fremont, Santa Cruz, Mill Valley, Petaluma, Concord, Mountain View, and more!
We support playtesting, co-working, promotional, and educational opportunities for tabletop gamemakers, as well as interested players. Help local designers make great games and have fun doing it!
Whether you are a first time or veteran game designer, industry professional, tabletop game enthusiast, casual player, or just want to check things out, we welcome you to our events and are happy to share our knowledge.
If you have any questions, please message @Velgus or your event host, or contact through our website.
Our Code of Conduct:
Code of Conduct - Living Document
Our Website:
Golden Gate Gamemakers
Our Discord:
Golden Gate Gamemakers
A tabletop game market where independent designers show off and sell their newest board/card games with an open play area.
Special guest is Ryan Goldsberry, the artist for board games such as Burgle Brothers, Paperback, and Fugitive!
Games available for reservation and purchase in person: https://www.gamemarketwest.com/fall-2025-games
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Board Game Playtesting at Games of FremontGames of Fremont, Fremont, CA
Come to Games of Fremont to playtest some games in development!
This event is for open playtesting for board / card / tabletop games. Meet local designers, get feedback on your protoype, and come to play! Designers and interested players welcome, no experience needed.
Organizer: Sean
- COST - Free! Consider buying something at the store if you'd like, though not required.
- PARKING - Free and plentiful parking in the Fremont Hub parking lot.
See GGG's full Code of Conduct here.
Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at meetup.com/playgoldengate.
- Board Game Playtesting at Guildhouse San JoseGuildhouse, San Jose, CA
Come to Guildhouse, San Jose's coolest gaming venue to playtest some games in development! This is a monthly event happening every 3rd Wednesdays.
This is a relaxed chance to try new board games and card games in development, get feedback on your own prototypes if you're a designer, and get advice on the games industry. New designers and interested players welcome! Drop in and out anytime during the night.
Please be courteous to other designers and stay to test their games if you are bringing your prototype to be tested.
We typically run a small raffle each night for participants to win new and used board game prize.
Organizer: Jordan Nichols
Cost: Free! Though consider buying some tasty food and drinks from the venue to enhance your stay.
Parking: There are many metered spots in the surrounding several blocks, that are free after 6pm. Keep in mind the area can get busy for parking, consider coming a bit earlier to get a great spot, the venue opens at 5pm if you want to hang beforehand. There are a few nearby paid parking options if needed.
See GGG's full Code of Conduct here.
Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at meetup.com/playgoldengate.
- Board Game Playtesting at Black Diamond Games ConcordBlack Diamond Games, Concord, CA
Come to Black Diamond Games in Concord to playtest some games in development!
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 any time, and leave when you'd like. RSVPing by using the Attend button through Meetup is very appreciated, yet we get walk-ins and those that don't RSVP all the time.
Organizer: Velgus
- COST - The store charges $5 to access their regular Board Game Night. Anyone attending board game night may freely participate as a designer and/or player for Board Game Playtesting being run in the same area upstairs.
- PARKING - Free and plentiful parking in adjacent lot.
See GGG's full Code of Conduct here.
Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at meetup.com/playgoldengate.
- Sunday Board Game Playtesting at Game Kastle Redwood CityGame Kastle (Redwood City), Redwood City, CA
Come to Game Kastle in Redwood City to playtest some games in development! This event is twice a month, every two weeks on Sunday 1pm-6pm.
This is a relaxed chance to try new board / card / tabletop games, get feedback on your own prototypes, and get advice on 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 any time, and leave when you'd like. RSVPing by using the Attend button through Meetup is appreciated but not required.
Point of contact and organizer: Andrew, Lucas, Ting
- COST - Free! Though you are encouraged to shop at Game Kastle if you have any gaming needs.
- PARKING - Free plentiful shopping center parking.
See GGG's full Code of Conduct here.
Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at meetup.com/playgoldengate.
