Alternate Reality Games

We playtest all sorts of games - strategic, silly, creative, or whatever. Some games are almost done. Some are very early ideas. We test anything that will fit into 90 minutes. You don't need to bring a game - we always love to have new playtesters! Please let us know in the comments when you plan to arrive/leave and whether you are bringing a game or not. This helps us to plan the day better. The schedule is: 10am onwards - gathering, chatting 11am sharp - playing for 90 min ('slot 1') 12:30ish - break for food/chat 1pm sharp - playing for 90 min ('slot 2') 2:30ish - break for food/chat 3pm sharp - playing for 90 min ('slot 3') 4:30ish - finish up Often, we might hang around afterwards, to play some already-published games. We are strict on timings, so please try to arrive a few minutes before the session to limit disruption. You can just come for part of the day if you wish. The reason we have fixed timings for the 3 'slots' is to make it easier for folk to do so. Designers of all levels of experience are welcome! But if it's your first time, we ask that you don't bring a game and just spend some time learning how the group works. The group works based on reciprocation. If you expect to test your own game, make sure stay for long enough to play other games. As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to play one of your own games every third 90-minute session. So if you stay a whole day (3 sessions), you can expect to have one session to play your game(s). A good rule of thumb is that if you come all day, you will have one 90 minute session with two other playtesters in which to test your own games. It is sometimes possible to test games with more players. If your game requires 4 or more, please note that as standard you will be allocated half of a session (45 minutes). Pre-covid, we were getting unmanageable. As a result, we may have to limit attendees. This is a free-to-use venue, and we have to be mindful that other folk want to use the same space. Please note: This is an adults only event. We look forward to seeing you!

**Is this event for you?** This is an event for both experienced and non-experienced gamers. It's a great opportunity if you want to get into the board gaming hobby and try a game or two with minimal rules. There will be experienced gamers on the night and so depending on attendees we may play slightly more complex games. If you are new to games/beginner, please let me know either by comments or DM so I can bring some suitable games. We will help you to learn and play a game on the night. We will be playing board games which range from light to medium in complexity and last about 15mins to 1.5 hours, depending on the game. It can take about 5-15min to teach, again depending on the game. I usually mention in the comments which game I am going to bring a few days in advance, in case you want to be familiar with the game(s). Other gamers may bring another selection of games, so be prepared to be surprised on the day. Attendee numbers are dependent on who can bring and/or teach games and so can vary week to week. If you have a game(s) that you are willing to teach on the night please do mention this in the chat and/or comments. Most of us are up for anything! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Here are more general details about the weekly Putney events:** We’re a friendly, social group that regularly play a range of board games and card games. This event has been running since June 2022 and we have a core group of regular gamers but welcome new members who are looking for a games group to play on a regular or fairly regular basis. Games we play range from, 30min - 1hour games, to the heavier 2-3hour games. We alternate the weeks we play shorter games versus the longer strategy games (check the event title for which type of games are being played). **Quicker, fun, social games we play:** • Just One https://youtu.be/0DDRxztfJP0?si=QPavmMFE3DFipM-x • Skull King https://youtu.be/xlFHfCqY-5Y?si=X-U1WLP5JOI0oTcB • Planted https://youtu.be/BB5mwXFPrUA?si=oLor8WTSpLUs7B12 • Project L https://youtu.be/EFV-qavWUlE?si=41_XhoZQvWs_9Zp2 • 7 Wonders https://youtu.be/z_Wfdn5Es8U?si=-L3cLo2Uppdip2ow **Longer, Strategy games we play:** • Lost Ruins of Arnak https://youtu.be/Kg2z4ApABY8?si=l46LNYRjQA_0QoZS • Terraforming Mars https://youtu.be/n3yVpsiVwL8?si=SW7VCdJpnqErKlIO We like to start on time but if you do arrive late, don’t worry, it may mean you have to wait a bit until the next game starts, but we always try to accommodate where we can. If it's Strategy games night, it is more important that we start on time as the games are longer and we want to finish on time. If you know you are going to be late please just let us know your eta. The event is free but please keep in mind that in order to have the space and run the event on a regular basis we need to purchase drinks/food from the venue. Also, please don’t sign up and not show up. Not only do you take up a spot for someone keen to play games, but we have limited space that we need to reserve with the venue and no-shows jeopardise our relationship with the venue. Thanks for your understanding. Hope to see you at a games table!!

**We are currently full. Should you want to attend, please contact our organisers first via our website.** We meet every Friday to play various Tapletop Role Playing Games (RPGs). Our venue is in Chislehurst, South East London within easy reach of Bexley, Bromley, Dartford, Eltham, Lewisham, Greenwich, Orpington and Sidcup. Doors open at 19:00 for our ‘kebab chat’ to catch up and discuss all things geeky! Feel free to bring your own food and drink. Our games usually start by 19:45 and end around 23:00 (although time is not a limit should the group be happy to play longer). If you’re interested in joining or running a game, please either message the management team or drop a message in the chat below. We are open to playing all RPG’s if there is an interest. You can find out more Dragons Keep on our website: https://www.dragonskeep.co.uk or on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DragonsKeepUK

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/43549 **Game Description:** 🎮 Warm up and game only setting. 🌟 Positive environment. **Rules** \- point to 15 \- max 2 games in a row \- 3 team of 6 players \- modified games situation might be applied depending on situation \(5:1\, modified 5:1 or 6:2 etc\.\) —- \*Privacy policy for games only sessions\* By attending this game session, you agree to the following: \* Video recordings/photos are allowed only during free game\* sessions \* Attending implies consent to potentially being recorded by other participants \* Any videos must only be shared via private links \* Distribution limited to session participants only \* Explicit consent required for any public sharing \* Respect others' privacy and comfort \*Please contact the co-organisers if you have any questions about the policy.

## \*Please note - to be admitted to this event you must register for approval here: [https://luma.com/lcsqwmf3](https://luma.com/lcsqwmf3) This weekend hackathon brings together LangChain and SurrealDB to explore how agents can move beyond demos by grounding themselves in structured, persistent context. As agentic systems become more autonomous, their biggest failure mode isn’t model capability - it’s context. Agents struggle with accuracy, consistency, and reasoning when memory is shallow or unstructured. Knowledge graphs provide a powerful way to represent relationships, state, and history, enabling agents to reason over how things connect, not just what text is retrieved. Over the weekend, you’ll build practical agent projects using the LangChain ecosystem, with a strong emphasis on knowledge graphs and real-world retrieval workflows, using SurrealDB as a unified data layer for graph, document, vector, and temporal data. You’ll also have plenty of time to connect with both the LangChain and SurrealDB communities in London, collaborate with other builders, and get hands-on support from mentors. *** ## Schedule **Friday** * 18:00 - Doors open, check-in, pizza & drinks * Hackathon kickoff, team formation & briefing (time TBC) **Saturday** * All day - Build, iterate, mentor support (details TBC) **Sunday** * Final build, demos & judging (details TBC) * 15:30 - Closing, winners & wrap-up Full challenge details and rules will be shared ahead of the event. *** ## What you’ll work on * Agent workflows built with LangChain * Knowledge graph–driven context and memory * Hybrid retrieval patterns (vector + graph) * Persistent agent state and evolving context * Practical, production-oriented agent use cases *** ## Prizes * Swag and LangSmith credits from LangChain * Swag from SurrealDB *** ## Why attend? This is a hands-on opportunity to build credible agent projects in a single weekend, learn production-oriented patterns, and explore how structured context improves agent accuracy and reliability. You’ll collaborate with experienced builders, get direct support from the LangChain and SurrealDB teams, and connect with the wider London agent and AI engineering community. **FAQs** **Is the venue accessible?** Absolutely! There is a lift that takes you up to Level 4 where the event is held. **Is this event for me?** SurrealDB events are for software engineers, developers, architects, data scientists, data engineers, or any tech professionals keen to discover more about SurrealDB: a scalable multi-model database that allows users and developers to focus on building their applications with ease and speed. **Am I guaranteed a ticket at this event?** Our events are tech-focused and in the interest of keeping our events relevant and meaningful for those attending, tickets are issued at our discretion. We therefore reserve the right to refund ticket orders before the event and to request proof of identity and/or professional background upon entry. **Are there any House Rules?** At SurrealDB, we are committed to providing live and online events that are safe and enjoyable for all attending. Please review our [Code of Conduct](https://surrealdb.com/legal/code-of-conduct) and [Privacy Policy](https://surrealdb.com/legal/privacy) for more information. It is compulsory for all attendees to be registered with a first **and** last name in order to attend. Any attendees who do not adhere to these requirements will be refused a ticket.

This is a group for anyone who is interested In playing some live poker with dealers but not paying high entry fees. Fun and light-hearted a good night out! Message +44 7398 426275 for more info. ♠️ Saturday Poker Meetup – Central London ♠️ Time: From **7:00 PM** Location: Greek Street, Soho When: **Every Saturday** ### **Meetup Agenda** **7:00 PM – Welcome & Registration** **7:15 PM – Tournament Kick-Off** **8:45–9:00 PM – Late Registration Closes** * ### ❤️ What to Expect * Friendly and respectful players * Professional dealers * Central London location * A social poker night, not a casino vibe

Every Sunday from 3pm Board Games in Vauxhall Come join us for a new board game event in Vauxhall! We're heading to the Riverside pub from 3pm to play board games (all board/card games welcome). Easily accessible from the Northern Line, Victoria Line, Vauxhall overground and Vauxhall Bus Station. Bring some games, or just bring yourself, and join a friendly community of gamers for some relaxed Sunday fun!

🖖 A quick heads up! We usually have 10 plus people, and we game through the night, DM us for the link the group WhatsApp 🎲👫 **Weekly Board Gaming Night in Islington!** 🎲👫 Hey Board Gamers! Are you ready to roll the dice and embark on thrilling adventures right here in London? Join us for a fantastic evening of strategy, fun, and camaraderie at our **Weekly Board Games Night** in Islington! 🌟 📍 **Venue:** The Archway Tavern, Islington, London 🚶‍♂️ Right by the Archway Tube, in the centre of Navigator Square 🗓️ **When:** Every Week from 5pm - 11pm We're all about those intricate Euro-style games and modern classics that challenge the mind and spirit. Whether you're a seasoned player of **Scythe**, a master builder in **Catan**, a strategic traveller in **Ticket to Ride**, or ruling the dunes in **Dune Imperium**, we've got a spot for you at our table! 🎲🏰 What to Expect: - A cozy evening at the Archway Tavern 🍻, a perfect backdrop for our gaming escapades. - A variety of games available, but feel free to bring your favorites to share with the group! 🕹️ - A friendly, welcoming atmosphere where you can dive deep into games and make new friends. 👭👬 This meet is perfect for those who: - Are new to gaming but want to learn and play in a friendly group 🫶 - Love Euro-style board games and modern classics 🌍 - Are looking for a regular group to enjoy board gaming 🎉 - Want to meet other like-minded individuals in a relaxed setting 🤝 👉 Spots are limited, so RSVP now to secure your place at the gaming table! Let's make this a weekly highlight! Can't wait to see you there and get our game on! 🚀 📢 Spread the word and bring your friends – the more, the merrier! See you at The Archway Tavern.🎲❤️

Before our main series of games launches in April, we’re running a special one‑off event — perfect for newcomers who want to dip their toes into our role playing games or returning players looking for a fresh adventure. This session will take place **indoors at a small hall**, rather than our usual outdoor woodland setting. It’s a great chance to try things out in a relaxed, comfortable environment before the full season begins. **There will be no cost for the game** outside of drinks/snacks bought from the venue. If you RSVP, a game runner will get in touch with you directly to provide **your character details** and everything you need to step into the story. **✨ Game Brief: Cosmic Swap Meet ✨** Swap Meets have existed in one form or another for centuries. Scattered across the galaxy, they’re the places where anything of value can be bought or sold — and where law‑abiding citizens and notorious outlaws mingle without judgement. You weren’t sure your particular problem could be solved anywhere, even at a Swap Meet. Then, unexpectedly, an invitation arrived. You’ve been summoned to the **exclusive Bazaar on Wraith**, a privately owned space station known only to those with deep pockets or rare treasures to trade. Normally, entry requires a fortune… or an item so extraordinary it earns you a seat at the table. Here, the Swap Meet takes the form of a secretive auction where the unusual, the forbidden, and the impossible change hands far from the eyes of the wider galaxy. As a player, you have the chance to chase your ambitions, bargain for your desires, and maybe — just maybe — walk away with the one thing that could change everything. **If you dare.**

New and Experienced Players Welcome! 🤗 Ever played Werewolf, Mafia or Secret Hitler? Well this game is like that but on steroids! 😈😇 Ever watched The Traitors and wished you could have a turn? Well now you can! Suitable for complete beginners, experienced veterans and everyone in between, we Play **'Blood on the Clocktower'** a game where you never know who you can trust... A great way to meet new people in a fun interactive way, at a bar serving food and drinks Continue reading for a general description of the game: Blood on the Clocktower is a bluffing game enjoyed by 5 to 20 players on opposing teams of Good and Evil, overseen by an experienced Storyteller. During a 'day' phase players socialize openly and whisper privately to trade knowledge or spread lies, culminating in a player's execution if a majority suspects them of being Evil. At 'night' time, players close their eyes and some are woken one at a time by the Storyteller to gather information, spread mischief, or kill. Use all your powers of deduction and deception to survive this game of murder and mystery. The game will be fully explained at the event. However if you'd like to learn more now watch: https://youtu.be/M-aZP47Nm9g?feature=shared

Our resident storytellers Brett and Gwilym will be running Blood on the clocktower social deduction the first Sunday of every month at the hawkins forge pub. Limited to the first 25 sign ups, games may start without late comers.

**Join LCC Sunday, March 8th at the Hackney Marshes playing field as we make another attempt at playing the Soviet Union's very own *Zarnitsa,* a capture-the-flag alternative with a small twist.** **WHAT IS ZARNITSA?** Zarnitsa (Зарница), or heat-lightning, officially known as the All-Union Young Pioneer military sports game "Zarnitsa", is a massive multi-player physical sports game developed and practiced by the Young Pioneers communist youth organisation during the Soviet era. The game provides a simulation of military actions such as reconnaissance, co-ordinated offensives, giving chase, etc. Popular once again in modern Russia, this is a simple game designed for children and young people in military/cadet organisations, but great fun for active people of all ages. The rules of Zarnitsa are based on the classic capture the flag concept. Two teams each have a "base area" with a flag contained within, concealed or otherwise. Each team's goal is to protect their own flag and seize the other team's and bring it back to the base area. Players can walk, run, sneak, hide, create diversions and use any means short of physical violence to achieve their objectives. What makes Zarnitsa different from classic CTF is simply this: every player has two velcro-attached shoulder straps that serve as health indicators and can be torn off by the opponents. Losing one indicates "wounded", losing two indicates "dead". The "wounded" players cannot run and should only walk. The "dead" players return to a respawn point or leave the game in some modes. Why are we doing this? Capture the flag is simply top fun and anyone who says otherwise is joking themselves. Zarnitsa's slightly elevated level of complexity should give us just that extra challenge needed to really make it interesting. That said, this is our first go with organising multiplayer sports games, so we'll see what the results are! As always comments, questions, suggestions and concerns are more than welcome - just contact an organiser. Sports games are a great way to get and stay active, meet new people, and break the monotony of everyday life under British capitalism. Let's get out there! For our first attempt at organising a little Zarnitsa league here in London, we'll hit up Hackney Marshes and Wick Woodland. We'll divide into two teams; each will receive coloured vests or other garments to which the health indicator strips are attached. Then we'll take up our places, count down from 60 seconds, and let the games begin! **Note: we'll want at least five people per team for this to really work right, so we'll cancel or reschedule if this one gets less than 9 RSVPs.** There's no limit to how big our group can be of course, so please do join us! Just be sure to either turn up on the day or change your RSVP if you can't make it in the end, just so we know what to expect. Take care and see you on the pitch!

This month, we are in-person at GameArena!!! We will also be joined by students and their games from [Shawnee State](https://www.shawnee.edu/game-design-programs)! \-\-\- Join us for our our monthly COGG Prototype and Play event @GameArena! Come to play and showcase your games. We're back in the upper levels of the catwalk mezzanine area. It'll be packed with lots of camaraderie playing your game(s) and other's games on the 2nd floor as well as the 1st floor in the gaming room below the mezzanine. Light snacks and water provided but you can buy food and drinks at the bar (alcoholic drink ID required). [https://www.game-arena.co/menu](https://www.game-arena.co/menu) **Attendees:** Don't have a game to show? Not a problem! All are welcomed and invited from all ages and backgrounds. The more we can have to play test our games the better! **Developers:** Do you have a game that you would like to get critical feedback on? Would you like an excuse to work on a game with other talented artists, programmers, musicians, designers, and writers? Digital, table-top, non-experienced developers, and the like are welcomed! We'll provide signage for your game to help others learn more about your work. Wifi, outlets, tables, and seats (though standing tables also) are available. Come to the Prototype and Play workshop to collaborate and meet local game developers for an evening of epic and raw game play fun! Play works-in-progress, show off your own game, work with others to add polish to a game, or even lend your talents to other fellow developers. Can use South Garage at the Gateway with a $5 voucher on your way out. 75 E 11th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 [https://maps.app.goo.gl/UwgveUYG37Jy7RtS9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/UwgveUYG37Jy7RtS9) If you have any questions or comments, as always, feel free to reach out to us at [info@thecogg.com!](http://info@thecogg.com!/)

Try new games, meet new people, and find out what story games are all about! Explore the reaches of space! Witness kingdoms rise and fall! Create and explore tragedies! All within a single game night. We play story games like Fiasco, Kingdom, Polaris and Microscope that encourage everyone at the table to participate creatively. We also have one-shots of indie, OSR, and narrative-focused RPGs such as Apocalypse World, Dread, Lady Blackbird, and Old School Essentials! Everybody's welcome! It doesn't matter if you've never tried story games before or never played roleplaying games at all! Just bring your brain and a good attitude and come try it out! *** **IMPORTANT** * When you arrive look for the marked Story Games Columbus Tables. Each table will have a separate game. Seating is on a first-come-first-serve basis. * If all tables are full, look for a Facilitator. We will find a way to get you into a game! * There is a flat $3 cover charge for events at Tabletop. *** **Facilitators!!** Please arrive early so that we can get you set up with a table. Please reach out to me ASAP if you would be willing to help facilitate. You can reach me on the SGC Discord here - https://discord.gg/jUTvWUu

Welcome to Casual Boardgames, where we enjoy classic tabletop games and social deduction games while bonding over good food, drinks, and great conversations. 
We started this group to meet new people and make new friends, and bonding over games in a relaxed atmosphere is a great way to do that. We currently meet near route 23 and Polaris Parkway, and this is close to areas like Powell, Lewis Center, Worthington, and parts of Westerville and Columbus. 
Feel free to bring your own games or play one of the many games our members bring. If you are inexperienced, we will help you learn. 
Here are just a few examples of the kind of games we play. 
Tabletop/board games: Splendor, Catan, Azul, Dominion, 7 Wonders… 
Social deduction games: Code Names, Chameleon, Werewords… 
IMPORTANT: 
1. While we love playing a variety of games and competing, we are not just about the games. We interact and talk while playing, and this leads to a lot of laughter and fun. If you just want to compete and focus solely on the game, then this is probably not the group you are looking for. 
2. Many people join groups like this and never (or rarely) show up after weeks or months. If you join and never really come, we will eventually remove you from the group as a courtesy to our members. Why? Because limiting group conversations (on the app) to regular members makes communication and planning much easier. Also, while it may be rare, it protects members from people who join because they are interested in following a person instead of having a real interest in our group. If you get removed, it is just because you haven’t come, and we follow this protocol as a courtesy to our regular game players.

The Forge does have a full bar and kitchen. There is no cover charge but they do request all attendees to purchase a minimum of ~$20 per person. Soft drink refills are $1 each. Please support our hosts so we can continue to provide great events for the group! The Forge has a large library of games available for us to enjoy. Hosts and regulars will also provide numerous popular games but please bring any games you would like to teach and/or play. Doors open at 6, and we expect gaming to be rolling by around 630. Please promptly end your games and clear out the space at 10pm when the bar closes. We encourage socializing but do not permit disruptive behavior of any kind. Thank you for your continued commitment to providing a fun and welcoming space to veteran, newbie, and rookie gamers in the Columbus area. Parking can be challenging. There is a parking lot behind the neighboring Mexican restaurant that is free and easy to walk from but it's a bit hidden.

Thanks for being a part of the CABS Meetup Group! We meet @ the COFFEE UNDERGROUND on Indianola Avenue. We play many different games @ CABS - bring your own or play one of the OVER 2000 in our library. What are your favorite games? What was the last game you played? Hope to see and game with you soon! Check us out on Facebook! Doors open early on Saturday Mornings at 10am and around 4pm on Fridays if you are interested in learning new / simpler games ... or new to the hobby or just want to check us out come in early just after noon and we will show you around before the crowd grows. Stay for a game or two, an hour or two or for the day! Your first visit is free and after that it's $5 a meeting or you can join for the year! It's Your Move

Our First Friday meeting of the month. Come join us !!! Your first visit is FREE!!!

The Forge does have a full bar and kitchen. There is no cover charge but they do request all attendees to purchase a minimum of ~$20 per person. Soft drink refills are $1 each. Please support our hosts so we can continue to provide great events for the group! The Forge has a large library of games available for us to enjoy. Hosts and regulars will also provide numerous popular games but please bring any games you would like to teach and/or play. Doors open at 6, and we expect gaming to be rolling by around 630. Please promptly end your games and clear out the space at 10pm when the bar closes. We encourage socializing but do not permit disruptive behavior of any kind. Thank you for your continued commitment to providing a fun and welcoming space to veteran, newbie, and rookie gamers in the Columbus area. Parking can be challenging. There is a parking lot behind the neighboring Mexican restaurant that is free and easy to walk from but it's a bit hidden.