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
Featured event
DunDraCon Board Game Convention and Protospiel
Santa Clara Marriot, 2700 Mission College Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95054
DunDraCon board game convention returns for its 49th year this February 13-16! This convention includes:
- Board / Card / Tabletop games
- Historical, Fantasty, and Misc Miniatures games
- RPGs, LARPS
- Protospiel Board Game Playtesting
- Dealers Room, Flea Market, and Auction
- Seminars and Workshops
- Special Events
- Open Gaming
- And More!
More information and tickets available at the convention's website here!
Protospiel Board Game Playtesting
Of special note to our GGG group is the Protospiel board game playtesting being run every day at the con! You must have a convention badge to participate in Protospiel (which is no additional cost).
Drop in and out anytime throughout the weekend! The Protospiel Room estimated hours are 10am-11pm each day.
Designers and interested players are welcome to attend, no experience needed. Staff will be on hand to welcome you, help coordinate, and share their game making knowledge.
Designers can run their prototypes of tabletop games on any open tables. Tables are not reserved and not exclusive - designers are expected to share table access with other designers throughout the con. Prototypes can be in any stage. Playtesting is the focus, don't run games that are finished or not open to changes. Designers are encouraged to register their prototypes here. Staff reserves the right to exclude prototypes that are deemed inappropriate or offensive.
Players can hop in any games that interest them. This is your chance to see creative new ideas and make an impact on their gameplay. As an extra incentive, you'll earn raffle tickets for playtesting to win board games and related prizes.
DunDraCon Protospiel is being run as a con event and falls under the convention's Harassment Policy. GGG is a sponsor and co-running the event.
GGG Team: Velgus, Glenn, Chaz
Upcoming events
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Marin Board Game Designers & Playtesters - Starbucks Strawberry Village
Starbucks, 800 Strawberry Village #205, Mill Valley, CA, USWhether you're a Meetup member or no, feel free to join! No RSVP required.
Calling all local game designers and cardboard enthusiasts!
New designers and interested players of any skill level welcome.
Bring your rough prototypes, rules drafts, hand drawn boards and cards to get them out in front of fellow gamers. Or just bring yourself and a willingness to give some experiments a try!
This is a relaxed space to get concepts out of our heads onto the table and get feedback on what seems to work, what doesn't, and bounce ideas around. Don't expect polished, publisher complete games.
This event is a monthly deadline and opportunity to force myself and anyone interested to get that next iteration tweaked or rules draft done, and to of course have fun!
We meet every second Saturday of the month!
Location: Come to Starbucks, 800 Strawberry Village #205, Mill Valley, CA 94941 (across from Safeway). Plenty of free parking in surrounding lot.
Cost: Free! Though consider buying some delicious drinks and snacks from the venue.
See GGG's full code of conduct here.
Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at meetup.com/playgoldengate1 attendee
Sunday Board Game Playtesting at Game Kastle Redwood City
Game Kastle (Redwood City), 340 Walnut St, Redwood City, CA, USCome 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/playgoldengate8 attendees
GGG/BMG Board Game Playtesting! King Kong Games Dublin
King Kong Comics and Games, 6700 Amador Plaza Rd, Dublin, CA, USCome to King Kong Games in Dublin on 2nd Mondays to playtest some games in development! This is co-branded event run by Golden Gate Gamemakers and Break My Games.
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.
Point of contact and organizer: Matt and Zach
- COST - Free! Though please consider buying something from the store if you'd like.
- PARKING - Free and plentiful parking in adjacent lot.
- BART - 7 Minute walk from West Dublin Station.
See GGG's full code of conduct here.
Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at meetup.com/playgoldengate3 attendees
Board Game Playtesting at Peoples Coffee in Santa Cruz
People's Coffee, 1200 17th Ave #130, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, Santa Cruz, CA, USCome to Peoples Coffee, the official Santa Cruz location for the Southmost events for the Golden Gate Gamemakers! Come join us as a branch under GGG known as Game Designers of Santa Cruz!
It's a relaxed chance to try new board games and card games, get feedback on your own prototypes if you are a game designer, and get advice on the games industry. New designers and interested players welcome!
Please be courteous to other designers and stay to test their games if you are bringing your prototype to be tested.
We run a small raffle thru the sign in sheet each night for participants to win new and used board game prizes.
This is also Peoples Coffees first events they have held! They are generously keeping all services of food and drink available through the entire 6pm to 10pm event! They normally close at 5:30. Thank you Peoples Coffee! For all of our events at Peoples, affogatos (ice cream and espresso) are half off!
We now have a Game Library located inside Peoples for anyone to use any time they are open!
**Cost**
This is a completely free event! Attendees are encouraged to buy some delicious drinks and food from Peoples Coffee.
**Parking / Travel**
You can park in the main parking lot in front of Peoples Coffee. There is a also side parking behind Peoples, and around the residential area. You are also free to park across the street near Salsas Taco Bar.
See GGG's full code of conduct here.
Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at meetup.com/playgoldengate
Point of contact and organizer: Courtney Laschkewitsch18 attendees
Past events
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