Game Programming
Meet other local people interested in Game Programming: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Game Programming group.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out game programming events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the game programming events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find game programming events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Game Programming Events Today
Join in-person Game Programming events happening right now
Boards & Barrels
Whether you’re new to modern games, or a seasoned gamer, our new Boards & Barrels game night is the place to play. We’re pairing the best wines with new and classic games for an evening of analog fun and community. Choose from our growing game library or bring a favorite.
*Unplug. Uncork. Unbox.*
**Every Wednesday 6 pm - 9 pm**
Board Game Night @ Board Room in Clarendon, Wed, 6:30-10:00
**NEW GAME LOCATION at The Board Room**
Let's play board games. Not the ones your ancestors played but the really cool ones of the new millennium. We play everything from fun, social games to light to heavy strategy games.
Don't know how to play? Not a problem - we're happy to teach. It's a great chance to learn new games or play your favorites with non-competitive people who like to laugh. You can build a railroad, eradicate a plague, or explore the far reaches of the galaxy in one evening.
While many will bring their own games, you can show up gameless and still play.
We play at the Board Room in Clarendon on Wednesday from 6:30-10:00. It's within walking distance from the Clarendon metro. **Find us in the far left by the fermentation tanks.** If that area is reserved for a private event, look for us in the middle. Look for a group that has containers and carrying bags with multiple games.
We're very fortunate to have this great venue for our game nights and they take care of us for 3-1/2 hours, so please spend a minimum of $10 on food or drink and tip generously (at the very least $2, even if 20% of your bill would be $1). Thanks!
Wednesday Board Game Night at Your Hobby Place, Alexandria
We're playing board games at Your Hobby Place, a Friendly Local Gaming Store in Old Town Alexandria. Feel free to bring your own games. They also have their own library of games available for play. We start at 6:00, but your group can certainly show up earlier. The store closes at 9:30. Snacks and drinks are available for sale, and several good restaurants are nearby. Free parking on Wythe St. and Columbus St. The store is 1/2 mile east from the Braddock Road Metro station down Wythe St.
Ladies and Non-Binary Happy Hour with DCBitches
Celebrate National Women’s Month with DCBitches and DMV D&D Group on March 11th at Andy’s NoMa! This will be a night filled with drinks, conversation, and good ole nerdy conversation! Whether you are an experienced adventurer or someone new to the TTRPG world, this event is for you!
**Can't make any of the events? Want to stay in the loop? No worries! Join the [DMV D&D Group](https://discord.gg/bDvGRtKfhR) to stay aware of all future events!**
Wednesday Board Game Night -at 3 Gear Games
**Wednesday Board Game Night -at 3 Gear Games**
Join us for our weekly Wednesday board game night! Our group gathers regularly to play a variety of great tabletop board games. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking to try something new, there's a spot for you at our table. Plus, it's a great opportunity to meet other like-minded people and form lasting connections. So come on out and join us for a night of fun and friendship!
* **Date:** Every Wednesday Night
* **Time**: 6pm -9pm (may go as long as 10pm)
* **Cost**: $6 per person( Pay on arrival)
* **Place**: 3 Gear Games (25C Street, Laurel MD 20707)
**Space is first come first serve**
Join our other weekly board game night every Saturday from 1pm -10pm
Visit our website to see more of our weekly and special events: [https://www.3gearstudios.com/](https://www.3gearstudios.com/)
You are welcome to RSVP on Meetup, but please keep in mind that some of our regular attendees do not RSVP, so there will always be someone available to play. How awesome is that?
MP(Wed)-Grass Volleyball: B/A (Holmes Run)
## Details - Please read all below before you sign up
**Cost:** Free
**Court Type:** Outdoor Grass
**Level:** B/BB/A
**Transportation:** Parking will be right by the grass.
**What to bring:** at least 3 bottles of water and a ball/net if you have one.
**10 persons per net max**
**Host's Philosophy on this event:**
The purpose of this meetup is to create a fun and supportive environment where we can improve our skills, enjoy competitive games, and connect socially. While we do aim to play seriously and challenge ourselves, the focus is more on growth and enjoyment than simply winning at all costs. That’s why the title doesn’t include “competitive” or “social”—we want a healthy mix of both. This is a space where you won’t be judged for making mistakes, but we do expect a mindset geared toward learning and getting better over time. That said, this group isn’t intended for total beginners; a basic understanding of the game is expected so that everyone can contribute to meaningful and engaging matches. The host holds the right to remove you from the game if they believe that you are at a C level.
**Skill Level:**
1. **If you want to know your level, please see the link below:**
[Smiley Social Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/edit)
**YouTube:**
The games may be recorded and uploaded to our channel here:
Let the host know if you have an issue with this. [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/@mp02626)
**ATTENDANCE:**
**Player Selection:** Regulars > League Members > Your Vibe > Skills > \*Your Attendance Ratio > New Members
\* If you have 3 events attended and 6 events you dropped off, you may or may not be invited. Anyone with a drop-off level of -.50 or lower.
The host takes attendance very seriously. Please remove yourself from the event (if you can't make it) as early as possible to allow others to join. You will be marked as a ***no-show*** if you don't show up to the event, including removing yourself 60 min or less before the event start time.
[Smiley Social Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg/edit)
**Q&A**
* Bringing your dog is welcome and encouraged.
* *Can I come if I don't know how to play?* No, you may not. The host does teach a beginner's volleyball class that you may attend on Saturdays.
* *Can I be late or leave early?* The host expects you to be there **on time** and leave on time. If you need to come late or leave early, please let the host know ahead of time.
* *Can I come even if I am not on the going list?* No, sorry
* NO SMOKING (anything)
**Smiley Social documents:**
1. [Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg)
2. [Liability Waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco)
3. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)
Game Programming Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Play at the Library: A Video Game Showcase
*A series of pop-up arcades of locally-made games!*
The Washington, D.C. Chapter of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA DC) has partnered with the D.C. Public Library to host a series of showcases at library branches across the city.
**At these showcases you can come play games made by local developers and learn about how those games were made!**
Saturday, March 14, 2026
2-5pm
Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Neighborhood Library
5401 South Dakota Ave NE, Washington, DC 20011
(Near the Fort Totten Metro Station)
Family-friendly and appropriate for all ages (recommended for children ages 7 and up mainly because video game controllers are hard for younger children to use.)
Come out and support your local community of game developers!
Games Day!
Everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated, but not required. I just got mine. I don't want to get any of my friends sick! I will, however, be screening for a standard set of COVID symptoms. If you are showing any symptoms that could make people nervous, please postpone coming to the meetup till you're over it. While sneezing is not a COVID symptom, I think folks would rather not risk getting even a cold right now, so again please don't show up if this is the case, even if you're sure it is just an allergy. On the other hand, no masks are required, although feel free if it'd make you more comfortable.
General day of games! Whatever folks feel like playing. Bring your own or learn a new one! If you want to play a longer game, you might want to propose it on the meetup discussion to judge interest. I'll have snacks and soda on hand. Additional snacks or soda welcome. We usually order out for dinner and then continue on till 10pm.
The games we usually play tend towards those requiring more thinking than typical family or party games and they are usually in the 2-4 hour range. Photos from past meet ups can give you a sense of them. We do sometimes play lighter games though.
Bowie Sci-Fi/Fantasy Game Factory
Playtesting Agent and Battle-scale of the Zone-17 role-playing and miniatures game.
Sunday Boardgaming @ Panera
Open gaming at Panera! New players welcome. We have many games on hand or you can bring your own. We are happy to teach or learn one of yours.
Come Play Manhattan Project: Energy Empire
We planned on playing Manhattan Project: Energy Empire a couple of weeks ago, but it didn't work out. So we are trying again!
We have two copies of the game. So we can accommodate 10 players. RSVPs will be set at 10. Anyone joining after the 10 spots are full will be put on the waiting list. If you have a copy of MM:EE, then let us know, and we will increase the RSVPs.
Manhattan Project: Energy Empire Description: From the ashes of war, nations rise to power in the atomic age! In ***Manhattan Project: Energy Empire***, each player takes control of a nation struggling for power in the latter part of the 20th century. They build up their nation’s industry, commerce, and government by acquiring resources, building structures, and tapping sources of energy.
The major threat in *Energy Empire* is not war, but uncertain global impacts, that result from side effects of industrialization and pollution. Many actions come with a cost. So, as nations become more industrious, they also increase the amount of pollution in the environment. Careful use of science can mitigate the harmful effects of industry, and can also help avert global crises.
*Energy Empire* uses worker placement, tableau-building, and resource management mechanics. On each turn, a player can choose to either work or generate. On a work turn, a player plays a single worker on the main board, then uses workers and energy to activate cards in their tableau. Players may spend energy to use an occupied space on the main board, so no spaces are ever completely blocked. On a generate turn, players get to renew their supply of energy by rolling "energy dice" that represent nuclear, coal, oil, solar, and other forms of energy.
Colt Express
We will be playing up to two games of Colt Express. All experience levels welcome. Expect the game teach to start promptly within the first 10 minutes.
On the 11th of July, 1899 at 10 a.m., the Union Pacific Express has left Folsom, New Mexico, with 47 passengers on board. After a few minutes, gunfire and hurrying footsteps on the roof can be heard. Heavily armed bandits have come to rob honest citizens of their wallets and jewels.
In Colt Express, you play a bandit robbing a train at the same time as other bandits, and your goal is to become the richest outlaw of the Old West. The game takes place in a 3D train in which the bandits can move from one car to another, run on the roof, punch the other bandits, shoot them, rob the passengers, or draw the Marshal out of position. The train has as many cars as the number of players, and each car is seeded with gems, bags of loot or suitcases at the start of play.
At the end of the game, whoever fired the most bullets receives a $1,000 braggart bonus, and whoever bagged the richest haul wins!
Find [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RCXK0EX4AA&pp=ygUYaG93IHRvIHBsYXkgY29sdCBleHByZXNz) a how to play video on YouTube.
Find [here](https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/107657/colt-express-game-rules-in-english) the rulebook.
Note: Please remember to update your RSVP if you can not attend the event. By updating your RSVP when you can't make it other players on the waitlist will have a chance to attend. No-shows may make it harder to attend future meetups. Also, all library rules apply to this meetup event. Mainly that no food is allowed in the library. Covered drinks are allowed.
Game Programming Events Near You
Connect with your local Game Programming community
Unity GameDev Hangout – Tools, Workflows & Open Discussion
This is a relaxed, community-driven Unity GameDev meetup.
There’s no strict agenda this time — 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!
Prototype, Play, and Build Workshops (In-Person @GameArena)!!!
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)!
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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!/)
Board games at The Forge
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.
TBD
**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
**Abstract**
TBD
**YouTube Link**
TBA
NSCoder Night
Bring your work or your hobby, hang out, and code with us.
Follow @buckeyecocoa for more information.
Casual Boardgames - make friends, then beat them in games
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.
Columbus Code & Coffee 84 @ Improving
Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you!
**What to Expect at the Intro Circle**
\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~
Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup:
* Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics
Round 1 - (7 secs max):
* Your name
* What you're working on
* What you can help others with
Round 2:
* Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too.
Round 3:
* Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool.
After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!























