Game Design

We are a welcoming community of board game designers and playtesters, please join us and bring your games in development for feedback, to play upcoming games, or just to chat about the hobby and industry! We range from first-time designers, hobby designers, published designers, and publishing companies. We meet **every Tuesday** at The Ludoquist board game cafe in Croydon, from 6:30pm-10pm. We try to ensure that as many games can be played in an evening, and prioritise those that haven't been able to test their games recently, although we cannot guarantee that your game will be played in the first session you join. The **final meeting of each month is reserved for playing published games**. We use this time to catch up on games that we want to try or discuss. You can also join our Facebook Group community for feedback and discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/playtestuksouthlondon We look forward to seeing you!

*Chapter VI: Into the Mist* *Your skin shines with moisture as you break into the band of cloud that has hung defiantly above you as you climbed the great stairway. Near-blinded by the mist, a sudden darkening of your surroundings is the only indicator that you have passed the gateway into the Upper City.* *You press on, your frustration building as yet another dead end emerges from the fog. You turn, fuming, only to see your damned apprentice has gone, along with half your followers, lost in the mist. Despite yourself you shout for your lost followers, only to be answered by inhuman howls...* The snows are beginning to recede, revealing the shattered ruins of **Frostgrave** — a once-great city of wizard-kings, buried for centuries beneath ice and legend. Now rival sorcerers return, leading warbands into the frozen streets in search of lost spells, ancient artefacts, and forgotten power. This series is **a beginner-friendly Frostgrave Campaign running through this spring**. New joiners are more than welcome! Players will begin with a **Level 0 wizard and a 400gc warband**, venturing into the ruins to gather treasure, gain experience, and grow in power as the campaign unfolds. Most games during the campaign will be played as **multiplayer (3-4 player free-for-all) matches**, creating plenty of opportunities for **XP, gold, and some secret campaign bonuses**. Expect spellcasting, treasure hunting, wandering monsters, and plenty of wizard duels among the ruins. **New players are very welcome.** If you’ve never played Frostgrave before, this event is the perfect place to start. Spare warbands and guidance will be available for anyone trying the game for the first time. ### Not signed up? If you're interested, don’t forget to join the **LWG Frostgrave Campaign WhatsApp Chat** to stay up to date with the campaign and future games. Not yet part of the community? Speak to an organiser and we’ll get you connected. ### Cancellations If you can’t make it, please update your RSVP to **“Not Going”** by editing your RSVP. This helps us manage table space and ensure everyone gets a game. ### About the London Wargaming Guild The LWG is a community of **tabletop gamers across London**, running regular events covering narrative campaigns, RPGs, skirmish games, and large-scale wargaming. If you'd like to be part of the community, reach out to the organiser and we’ll help connect you to the right groups. We love seeing your hobby progress — share your games and models with us on Instagram **@lwarguild** for *WIP Wednesday* and *Finished Friday*.

A fun and hands on introduction to LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, ideal for those who have not experienced the method before. After being welcomed by our experienced facilitator Sean Blair, you will explore building models as an individual and as a group. You will become practiced at several methods of communication and learn to hear and understand others, all using LEGO! Following the workshop we will send you a free pdf copy of the book "SeriousWork" - a hands on guide to using LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® yourself (5\*\*\*\*\* reviewed book that sells for £25 on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Facilitate-Meetings-Workshops-Serious-Method/dp/0995664706) Ideal for those who are interested in participatory leadership, better communication and creativity. If you have attended a taster workshop before, you are welcome to attend but please note this introductory workshop will be a similar experience.

This meetup is to reserve a 6x4 table to play whatever you like! An appropriate mat and terrain will be provided on the day. Please make sure you state your game system, opponent(s) name in the meetup question answer when you sign up. **NOTE**: This meet up is for 6 x 4 tables only, if you would prefer a smaller table, please book via our 'Small Tables' meetup. These tables are typically located in our 'bar area'. **Booking Tables - sign up here and include the following in your RSVP Question answer:** 1. **Game System -** Warhammer 40K, Age of Sigmar, Historical's, Kill Team, Necromunda, Etc) 2. **Opponent(s) Name -** State your opponent(s) name(s). Don't have any? find one in our chats! You can then update (EDIT) your RSVP to let us know their name(s). **Cancellations** * If you can't make it, please change your RSVP to 'Not Going' by 'Editing' your RSVP. This helps us manage capacity. **About Us** The LWG have vibrant community of nearly 2,000 active members looking for games in and around London, and generally discussing the hobby in the widest sense. If you'd like to be a part of this thriving community reach out to the event organiser who will add you to the appropriate chat group. We LOVE it when people share their experiences. Please follow us on Instagram and share your pics with us @lwarguild - we do regular WIP Wednesday's and Finished Friday - you may win something!

It's **Tuesday** & our main night of the week & the fun & games are just getting started here at DWL! We're located here in the Cinema (which can be found on the 3rd floor of the Mercury Mall Shopping Centre) on: * **Tuesdays & Thursdays**: From 17:30 to 22:00. * **Saturdays**: From 12:00 to 22:00 🦁 And we're still running every Monday 6pm to 11pm at the Golden Lion Pub too. 🌭☕ There are hot & cold food & drink options available from the cinema at low prices! Supporting Premiere Cinema by buying their food & drink IS supporting Dicing With Life! The cinema has been very generous to us by bringing us into their space & our way of showing our gratitude is by sending some business their way. And their menu is surprisingly cheap! Especially compared to any other cinema. Here's some cool examples of some great **offers**: Buy a large **Popcorn** (it's a huge bucket!) or a large **fizzy drink** & it'll initially cost you £4, BUT, take your bucket or cup back to the bar for a **refill** & the cinema will refill it back up to the top for just £2! 🍿🥤 That's half price Popcorn & Pop! This also applies to **Ice Blasts** too (£5 initially but to refill it's just £3). There's also Hot Dogs, Nachos, Pick n Mix & many other treats in store too! Check out their menu 😋 If you have any questions, please ask & let the fun commence! 🎲

***\*Brand New Brixton Board Game Cafe\**** **Tuesday Social Mixer Games** There will be a £5 entry charge for the whole night. Come with friends or alone, and join in with one of the games we'll be fully teaching and running through. Turn up and we'll help you find a group and game from our extensive library of 500+ games. Beginners very welcome! New? Ask at front for Seamus or Kyle and we’ll help you find a game. A stone's throw from both Brixton mainline and underground stations, Otter Chaos has over **500 games** for you to play. See photos to preview our games. Bring your family, a couple of friends, or the whole gang for a wonderful time playing anything from the silliest of party games, to the most involved heavy strategy games. Whilst you're playing you can enjoy our wide range of soft and alcoholic drinks—including a wide range of cocktails. And feast on our delicious handmade sourdough pizzas—with vegan options and gluten-free bases available on request.

Join our weekly Walthamstow Meetups and play some games with us! **💜Everybody Welcome:** We meet up every week to play a bunch of modern board games, card games and party games in pubs. If you would like to get involved, RSVP to the event. You can bring games with you if you like, although not a requirement. 🌱**Something For Everyone:** Whether you're a seasoned board game veteran or just starting out, you're welcome. No previous experience necessary, we go through the rules before playing. We play a range of games, from lighter card and party games to epic strategies. **📌Where:** We meet at the **The Village Club** in Walthamstow, which is a 10 minute walk from Walthamstow Central underground station.. When you arrive please press the buzzer to gain entry. Just say you are joining the board game group. Come say hello and the event hosts will get you settled in. The Village Club is a member's club but you can attend our board game evening without becoming a member. As the space will stay open for the use of our group the expectation is that you will buy a drink or two to cover the cost of the bar staff. If you so wish you have the option of joining the club in future for £10 a year. ⌚**When**: * **18:30** \- Arrival & Game Sign Up * **19:00** \- Games Begin * **23:00** \- Venue Closes If you arrive after games begin, you may have to wait until the next game starts. If you are running late on the night, please do let us know. **👥Community** **Hosted:** We'll always get folks involved, but you can join the community and sign up for games in advance! Many games played on the night get organised ahead of time. Come join the fun at **https://discord.gg/mHZSKq2** 📸**Photos:** Help us satiate the algorithm-beast, upload photos of your favorite games and consenting participants! When taking photos please do make sure that people in the photos are comfortable to appear in them. **💫Food** 🍴 Drinks are available and crisps. You can order food to be delivered if you wish.

Welcome to London 2-player Playtests, a friendly meetup open to everyone interested in playing 2-player or solo games. You don't need to bring a game - we always love to have new playtesters! For designers: Whether your game is for TWO PLAYERS, a SOLO experience, or a larger game you’d like to test with fewer players, this event is for you! Please comment with the game length, whether you need 1 or 2 playtesters, and a brief description. The event is free and will take place at the National Theatre: https://maps.app.goo.gl/74QGHXWPs5KZH6MC9 We'll meet around 6:15 pm, and playtesting sessions will begin at 6:30 pm. If you'll be joining at a later time, please let us know in the comments! If you're a designer arriving late, please be aware that your game may not get playtested. Join us for an evening of engaging playtests and creative feedback!

I'll be bringing along a few consoles and games for everyone to enjoy. Looking forward to meeting fellow gamers, having some fun, and getting to know the group!

A focused Unreal Engine coworking meetup for developers, designers, and artists to build projects, solve problems, share feedback, and collaborate in person — no talks or panels, just real hands-on game development.

We playtest all sorts of tabletop games - strategic, silly, creative, or whatever (but not video games). 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!

***Enter the live meeting room here: [https://discord.gg/5wgxtr4c2u](https://discord.gg/5wgxtr4c2u)*** ***Download the engine here: [https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/download](https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/download)*** Welcome to the **Unreal Engine Workshop!** In each session we'll tackle essential game design discussions, then transition into hands-on project creation. Participants will build and expand their skills continuously as we explore every aspect of game development. From basic blueprints and interactive mechanics, to advanced rigging, animation, environment design, and lighting, we'll work our way up to creating small complete games. We encourage experimentation and peer teaching, so whether you're a beginner or experienced developer looking to deepen your expertise, our sessions provide a supportive environment to learn, create, and innovate together in Unreal Engine 5.

Okay! The Clapham monthly meetup is back to it's usual time and place. We now have TWO evening meetups each month in different areas of London. The monthly indie pub night is relaxing social with other indie game devs in London. Chat about all things game/tech related, make new friends and test out some demos from community members. Look out for the group with laptops and tablets out. Venue: https://www.fourthieves.pub/

Seektag is a **sneaky outdoor spy game** that's like **competitive hide and seek! 🏃** The goal is to **spot other players without getting seen** (+5pts) and to tag checkpoints (+3pts) 👀 Watch the **Player Tutorial Video** to learn how to play: [https://youtu.be/zuxzIOce8DA](https://youtu.be/zuxzIOce8DA) \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **📍 LOCATION/HOW TO FIND 📍** Travel to Barbican station on the Circle/Hammersmith/Metropolitan line. Exit the station, turn left and walk up the main road for 1 min until you see The Shakespear pub on your right. We'll meet opposite the pub **[https://maps.app.goo.gl/TryyRr4zNrURKkZT9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/TryyRr4zNrURKkZT9)** \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Play with a friend or go solo!** Games last 10mins and we usually play about 6 games in total. There are lots of ways to play – some people like to run around, while others like to **be more sneaky!** If you like hilarious situations, outdoor fitness, social times, group activities, games, adventures, sports or new ways to exercise, **you will love Seektag!** It's also a fantastic way to **make friends for life!** ❤️ Our Gameplay Meetups are **100% FREE** and open to everyone (kids are allowed if accompanied by an adult). We are LGBTQ+ friendly and encourage everyone to be who you are - **we love you for you!** \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **📱 Get the PlayCulture App:** You'll be using the 100% free PlayCulture app to play at our meetups. Get it here: **[www.playculture.com/app](https://www.playculture.com/app)** (and if you're feeling creative, start designing your avatar!) **❤️ Support PlayCulture!** If you are loving our free gameplay meetups please consider supporting us on Patreon! **[patreon.com/playculture](https://www.patreon.com/playculture)** or drop us a one-off donation **[playculture.com/donate](https://www.playculture.com/donate.php)** \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **REVIEWS** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ *Fun, engaging and intense, my new favourite workout!* \- Adrien ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ *The extremely welcoming and wholesome vibes, the beyond awesome people that you could connect with immediately, I could let out my inner kid again* \- AnonymousLemur ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ *Seektag means feeling like a kid again!* \- Stefan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ *I had so much fun! Definitely a very welcoming environment with lots of great people. It was a great way to unwind/de-stress - AnonymousGoat* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **🚀 WHAT HAPPENS AT OUR MEETUPS? 🚀** Your friendly game leader will explain the rules and hand out your numbered vests, then we'll play some games! Games last 10 minutes, with about 5 minutes of social time in-between to laugh about who saw who and who didn’t! At the end of the meetup we get food and hang out until the owls are hooting **⚡ HOW DOES THE GAME WORK? ⚡** Every player wears a vest with a number on the front and back. Players open the PlayCulture App ([playculture.com/app](https://www.playculture.com/app)) and if you spot another player, put their number into the App. You can also tag zones for extra points. At the end you will see a leaderboard showing everyone’s scores **🎈 CAN I BRING MY FRIEND? 🎈** Absolutely! If you want you can stick together and play as a ninja team! Just select extra tickets if you are bringing someone with you **🥾 WHAT TO BRING** 🌊 \- Smartphone with mobile data\, fully charged battery and PlayCulture App installed \([playculture.com/app](https://www.playculture.com/app)) \- Comfy shoes \- Bottle of water **🛍️ WHAT NOT TO BRING 🎒** Please try not to bring a bag/backpack as we don't have anywhere to store bags. If possible try not to wear your hair down/long or wear a hoodie, as this could obscure the number on your back **📜 RULES 📜** Seektag takes place in public spaces, so please remember these rules: \- Non\-players always have priority \- Safety first: don’t do anything to endanger yourself or anyone else \- Don’t run around blind corners or across roads\, no risk\-taking\! \- Smile and enjoy\! **❤️ MORE INFORMATION 🤔** We're very happy to answer any questions you may have, just message us on Meetup, or email info@playculture.com, or visit [www.playculture.com](www.playculture.com) **📷 PHOTOGRAPHY 🎥** Please note that we may film or take photos at our events, either for promotion or for our YouTube channel. By attending our events you agree to feature **📢 REMEMBER 📢** These events are free-to-attend social meetups organised by passionate people. You are responsible for yourself and for your own safety. By attending you are agreeing to our terms (available here: [playculture.com/disclaimer](https://www.playculture.com/disclaimer)) Take care out there in the big wide world, and let us know if anything is troubling you **❤️**

We're going to GameArena! We'll be in-person at the GameArena Gateway for our monthly COGG Prototype and Play event. Come to play and showcase your games! We're back in the upper levels of the catwalk area. It'll be packed with lots of camaraderie playing your game(s) and other's games on the 2nd floor. Light snacks and water provided but you can buy food and drinks at the bar (alcoholic drink ID required). [www.game-arena.co](http://www.game-arena.co/) **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 is all 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. For this event, light snacks from the bar and water will be provided! Though you can purchase you own if you like at the bar: [https://www.game-arena.co/menu](https://www.game-arena.co/menu) 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!/)

Let's get together and listen to **[Eric Rico](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericrico/)** from Unity3D (title TBD). Eric also runs the **[Columbus Unity User Group](https://www.meetup.com/columbus-unity-user-group/)**. Check it out! ***Bring your laptop and expect to write some (non-AI-generated) code!*** *(title subject to change)* Food and drinks will be available. **LOCATION:** 6515 Longshore Loop, Suite 300, Dublin, OH 43017 **FREE PARKING:** 6725 Longshore Street, Dublin, OH 43017

A session on using Claude Code, Anthropic's AI coding agent, in real Unity development. We'll cover what coding agents are, where Claude Code fits, and how to apply it to an actual game project. The format is presentation-style, with live demos and time for questions throughout. After brief scene-setting on coding agents and what makes Claude Code distinct, we'll go problem-driven: demoing it live on a released Unity game and introducing each feature as a solution to a problem we hit. What to Expect: * An intro to coding agents and where Claude Code fits * A live demo on a real Unity project * Key features as solutions to real problems: 𝖢𝖫𝖠𝖴𝖣𝖤.𝗆𝖽, context management, hooks, skills, subagents, and MCP * Unity-specific pain points, including Domain Reload and MCP caveats * Putting it together All experience levels welcome. Food and drinks provided. *Note: meetup topics may change — check back for the latest details.*

*We'll update this with the specific topic(s) once they're set for the month.* A relaxed, community-driven Unity GameDev meetup. No strict agenda — just developers getting together to talk shop, share projects, and exchange ideas. Some topics that may come up (based on attendee interest): * Frame Debugger & performance tooling * Addressables & additive scene workflows * Input System, localization, responsive UI * AI integration approaches * DevOps & LiveOps experiences * Full lifecycle: idea → cross-platform publishing * Favorite Asset Store tools and hidden gems * Weird Unity quirks we've all run into Nothing is locked in. Bring a project if you'd like, bring a question, bring a lesson learned — or just come hang out and meet other developers. All skill levels welcome. Food and drinks provided.

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 sometimes fill esrly. There is additional parking lot behind the neighboring Mexican restaurant that is free and easy to walk from but it's a bit hidden.

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** *Customize the IDE: Building Extensions for Visual Studio Code* Visual Studio Code is one of the most widely used development environments today, and much of its flexibility comes from its extension ecosystem. Extensions allow developers to customize the editor with new features, integrations, and workflow improvements tailored to their needs. In this session, we’ll cover what extensions are and the different types available, including full extensions written in TypeScript or JavaScript, along with lighter-weight extensions such as color themes, language packs, language support, code snippets, and keymaps. We’ll also look at practical reasons a developer might create an extension, from automating repetitive tasks to adding custom tooling. The session includes a hands-on walkthrough of creating a new extension, testing it locally, and understanding the basic project structure. We’ll close with a brief overview of how extensions are packaged and published to the Visual Studio Marketplace and other distribution options. **YouTube Link** TBD

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!