Competitive Gaming San Francisco

From Golden Gate Gamemakers

Welcome to the Golden Gate Gamemakers' board game playtesting event at Dogpatch Games in San Francisco! We meet last Thursdays 6pm-10pm. We are a community of tabletop game designers & board game fanatics who meet monthly at Dogpatch Games (1095 Tennessee St. in San Francisco's Dogpatch district) to playtest each other's prototypes, provide feedback, help each other get published, and most importantly... have fun! Whether you’re game is days away from Kickstarter, or just ideas on a napkin, or you just want to hangout and playtest other prototypes (we LOVE playtesters!)…all are welcome! A few notes if this is your first time joining us: \- Our goal is to provide a community around creating new games\. Every designer will get their prototype to the table\. We give everyone the chance to play games and get their game played\. \- Each designer gets equal time\, which is about one hour\. This includes rules explanations\, gameplay\, and time for feedback\. \- Please arrive on time if you have a game to playtest\. At the beginning of the night each designer will pitch their game to the group\, then breakout into smaller groups\. If you arrive and playtesting has already begun\, we will try to accommodate you later in the evening\. \- If your game requires more than one hour\, or requires a player count of 6 or more\, please contact us ahead of time so we can make arrangements\. \- Please stay for as long as you can to playtest others’ games\. \- When you arrive\, please check in with the cashier and inform them you’re with the San Francisco Board Game Designers\. Dogpatch Games charges customers an hourly fee $monthly subscriptions are available$\, but we have negotiated **a flat rate of $12 per person you'll need to pay for the evening**. \- Dogpatch Games does not yet sell food or drink\, but outside food is very welcomed\. There are many great options within a couple blocks\. \- Street parking is readily available nearby\. Or take BART to the Powell Street station and transfer to San Francisco Muni “T”\-line and take that eastbound to 20th & 3rd Ave stop\. Dogpatch Games is then one block away\. \- Please no “blind playtesting”\. You must teach your game yourself and not require playtesters to read rules during the event\. \- This is an event for playtesting your game and gathering feedback\, and not promoting your upcoming Kickstarter campaign\. \- Reach out to Phil Schwarzmann $phillip\.schwarzmann@gmail\.com$ or for any questions\. Looking forward to seeing you there!! Phil [See GGG's full code of conduct here.](https://goldengategamemakers.com/Code_Of_Conduct/) Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at [meetup.com/playgoldengate](meetup.com/playgoldengate)

8 attendees

Board Game Designers' Coworking Meetup - San Francisco

Sat, Jul 4, 7:00 PM

From East Bay Gamers Guild - Board Game Nights

Gather at Saluhall SF (2nd floor) for a day brimming with creativity and collaboration at the Board Game Designers' Coworking Meetup. We meet every 1st Saturday of the month (drop in and out anytime). This is a unique relaxed opportunity to work on your projects surrounded by peers who share your passion for game design. This is your chance to get valuable feedback, share resources, and perhaps even find collaborators for your next big game idea. Playtesting is welcome, though that isn't the focus of this event. This is free to attend, yet please consider buying some delicious food and drinks while here to support the venue. **What to Bring (optional):** laptop, prototypes, sketches, ideas, components (components will also be provided by the host). **Hosts:** Tristan and Lucas **BART:** Powell Street station, exit onto Market Street, and walk half a block south to Saluhall. **Parking:** Limited street parking. 1\. 6x6 SF Parking Garage 440 Stevenson \- 1hr validation with $15 purchase at Saluhall\. 2\. SF City Parking 25 Mason St 3\. 5th & Mission Yerba Buena Garage 833 Mission St 4\. California Parking 199 Turk St\. **PLEASE RSVP** so I can get a headcount and we can get the tables we need! **Code of Conduct:** [GGG Code of Conduct](https://goldengategamemakers.com/Code_Of_Conduct/) Also there are some additional rules to highlight for this event: 1\. NO PREJUDICE\. It does NOT matter whether you're a veteran or a newbie in the industry\. We are all equals in this space\. 2\. ZERO TOLERANCE against discrimination \-\- this does not just include the typical forms of discrimination $e\.g\. racial\, gender\, sexual orientation\, etc$ but also the atypical forms $e\.g\. age\, competitive/casual\, serious/jovial\, neurodivergence\, complexity preferences\, etc$\. 3\. CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM is welcome\! This is a space where we should be 100% honest with each other about our prototypes\. DO NOT use this as an opportunity to provide criticism about an individual\. DO use this as an opportunity to provide criticism about games\. Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at meetup.com/playgoldengate

2 attendees

Storytelling Games @ Hesher's Pizza / Oakland

Tue, Jun 30, 1:00 AM

From IGDA Silicon Valley & San Francisco

Grab your quill and light your candle....Tonight we'll be playing immersive storytelling games! There is a suprising number of games that have a story element to them and tonight that will be our focus!! Gabi and Mike will be hosting [MANSIONS OF MADNESS](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOmrzogjv0Y). co-operative, story-driven board game of Lovecraftian horror and mystery. Let the immersive app guide you through the haunted corridors of Arkham's cursed mansions as you search for answers. Collect weapons, tools, unlock information, solve puzzles, and fight monsters in this beautiful game. Kaiser will be hosting [CALL TO ADVENTURE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7TSG3Vp7Do). Craft your hero and play out their story! A very unique game that features a "rune rolling" system for resolving challenges. Players begin each game with an origin card that provides their backstory as well as two "starter" abilities. Each character ventures fourth to complete their own unique destiny or will they be tempted by the dark side! A wonderful game for any fantasy or RPG lover that also loves emerging storylines. Sam will be hosting [FORGOTTEN WATERS!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScnVB84NIFQ) A roving pirate storytelling adventure where you and your companions brave the high seas in this fantasy co-op storytelling game!! Complete with great voice acting and immersive sound effects this game is truly a unique experience that will leave you hungry more to plunder as pirates!! Hetul will be hosting [FIASCO.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffjw9Ek29aw) Fiasco is an award winning improv-heavy, GM-less game that can be played in a few hours with no preparation. Use cards instead of dice to provide randomness to the story. Fiasco is a truly unique experience highly recommended for anyone that likes TTRPGs and roleplaying. Game roster so far will be: MANSIONS OF MADNESS - immersive Lovecraftian horror storytelling CALL TO ADVENTURE --- craft a hero and see how their story plays out FIASCO - story focused improv-like game of hilarious fun TALES OF THE ARABIAN NIGHTS---choose your own adventure madness FORGOTTEN WATERS - explore the world as pirates DEAD OF WINTER -- zombies, winter, betrayal at its finest THE QUIET YEAR -- collective story telling map drawing game FOG OF LOVE--- romantic comedy storytelling as a board game ANIME PITCH GAME - pitch the best anime show based off cards BETRAYAL AT HOUSE ON THE HILL --- classic horror game RED DRAGON INN --- adventurers in a tavern raising a rucus ONCE UPON A TIME- THE STORYTELLING GAME- collective silly stories TOKAIDO + expansion--- Monks going for a walk FUNEMPLOYED--- apply for a job in this hilarious game \*\*This meetup begins at 6 with games typically starting between 6:30 / 7. Youre welcome to arrive after that, just be aware that you may have to wait around for another round of gaming to begin. Friends first. Games always.

14 attendees

IGDA SF @ MADE - Developer Showcase with Speaker Series

Fri, Jun 26, 1:00 AM

From Golden Gate Gamemakers

Join IGDA SF at MADE for a night of friends and fun with developer showcases and local speakers! Show off your games or check out upcoming and new releases from local developers on J**une 25, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m**. Upstairs, you'll find a series of local speakers and complimentary food and beverages. Show off your game using the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZ-a1m81dJxIKdbp4Zz_sGfg0K2UfVKAaVPwnSSr_JPHertg/viewform?usp=header. Whether you're looking to show off your games, play new and upcoming releases, or network, this event is open to all! Don't miss out on this chance to connect with your local game dev community. Mark your calendars and get ready for an evening of friends and fun! Suggested donation of $10 at the doors of MADE.

13 attendees

Board Game Playtesting at Victory Point Cafe Berkeley - 1st Wednesdays

Thu, Jul 2, 1:00 AM

From San Francisco Go Club

Come to Victory Point Cafe in Berkeley to playtest some games in development! This event is twice a month, 1st Wednesdays and 3rd Mondays, and exists as two separate listings on our meetup. 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 and out any time and participate as much as you'd like, and just observing is fine too. RSVPing is appreciated but not required. Organizers: Glenn and Velgus * COST - Participants may pay the regular $12/person reserved gaming fee or waive it by buying at least two menu items from the cafe. Pay or start a tab at the front counter upon entering. * PARKING - Street meters should be free from 6pm onwards. There is free street parking on the street behind the venue and on surrounding streets during the day and evening. * BART - Downtown Berkeley BART station is a straight 8-minute walk away. [See GGG's full Code of Conduct here](https://goldengategamemakers.com/Code_Of_Conduct/). Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at [meetup.com/playgoldengate](https://www.meetup.com/playgoldengate).

3 attendees

Play Go and Socialize

Fri, Jul 3, 11:00 PM

Visit our Japan Center Go Club and play Go with others. We are open every Friday 4-8pm with more times coming soon.

From Noisebridge Hackerspace

Showcase Showdown

Sat, Jul 4, 2:00 AM

**WIKI:** https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Showcase_Showdown # Showcase Showdown 2nd & 4th Fridays Showcase Showdown is an indie game showcase and fighting game tourney featuring Smash Melee competition. * **WHEN: 2**nd and 4th Fridays at [Noisebridge](https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Noisebridge "Noisebridge") at 7pm-12am. * **WHAT:** Play indie games showcases & competitive games like [Super Smash Brothers Melee](https://www.noisebridge.net/index.php?title=Super_Smash_Brothers_Melee&action=edit&redlink=1 "Super Smash Brothers Melee (page does not exist)"). * It is part of our [Fighting Game Fridays](https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Category:Fighting_Game_Fridays "Category:Fighting Game Fridays") alternating with [School of Melee](https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/School_of_Melee "School of Melee") 1st and 4th Fridays. * It started as Noisebridge's first [GDC](https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/GDC "GDC") IndieSmash event in 2026. * **WHERE:** [Noisebridge](https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Noisebridge "Noisebridge") Hackerspace, [272](https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/272 "272") Capp St. San Francisco, CA * **COST:** **FREE!** Noisebridge runs on donations and 24 hour access card memberships. # Indie Games Showcases * **GAMERS:** Do you want to see the next generation of games being showcased and playtested? * **DEVS"** Do you have a game in the works or released that you'd like to share? ## GAMERS COME PLAY THE NEXT WAVE We have a wide variety of exciting new games in development or recently released for you to try! * Meet the developers and share your playtesting feedback to help shape the future of gaming. ## DEVS COME SHOW YOUR HARD WORK We are seeking games to show so get in touch and show up with your games to share! * We can help you set up your demo station and promotional materials to help attendees play, wishlist, give feedback and buy your game. * Come to [Gamebridge](https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Gamebridge "Gamebridge") Wednesdays and we'll set you up. * Introduce yourself on our [Discord](https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Discord "Discord") #games channel and tell us about the game you want to showcase and what promo material and setup you plan to have. # Competitive Game Tournaments ## Smash Melee Tourney Smash Melee is our founding game tourney that we began with and will continue every event. ## Halo We are planning a Halo tourney soon with some folks volunteering to do that. ## Street Fighter & Marvel VS Capcom Street Fighter games are at the roots of the fighting game community and we play these games too. ## Soul Calibur A tale of souls and swords, the soul still burns from our days with the Dreamcast. * We would like to have a Soul Calibur 6 tournament soon. * We could play console Calibur games if we get the right set of consoles and discs or figure out how to get them. ## Aether A newer kind of fighting game. ## Skull Girls A really artistic and cool fighting game. ## Bring them blue sparks! Suggest a game Do you have a game you'd like to arrange to play at Showcase Showdown?

From Berkeley Board Gamers

MAHJONG NIGHTCLUB SF

Wed, Jun 24, 2:00 AM

From Mahjong Night

**🀄 Mahjong Night – Tuesday! 🀄** Join us for a fun and social evening of Mahjong on Tuesday night! Whether you're an experienced player or just looking to enjoy a relaxed game with friends, all skill levels are welcome. No Cover - just a two-drink minimum ($6 each).

5 attendees

Mon at Victory Point Cafe

Tue, Jun 30, 1:00 AM

Game night is back, come on out to Victory Point Cafe and check out the Berkeley Board Gamers. The only reason restrictions are being lifted is because most adults that can be vaccinated are being vaccinated. In fact, vaccines are going to be available for 5 and up. Let me state clearly right now, if you are NOT FULLY UPDATED on your boosters, you should NOT come out to any of these events for your own health and safety. Fully updated means 2 weeks after your latest booster dose of vaccine. The Berkeley Board Gamers has no power to verify whether someone is fully updated, so if you make the choice not to listen to this warning, then you are assuming that risk yourself. We may also meet in a place with non-members, the Berkeley Board Gamers definitely has no power or influence over non-members. To be clear, you should only consider these game nights if you are fully updated! The venue we are meeting at is the charming Victory Point Café. The normal gaming fee at the café is $7.50. Instead of paying the normal gaming fee the café has generously offered to let us simply purchase any 2 items from the menu. If you have a dietary restriction that makes this requirement difficult, please let me know and we can work something out. The link below includes the cafe's menu: https://www.victorypointcafe.com/pages/menu

From Silicon Valley Chess Community

SF - Marina Chess Club Night

Thu, Jun 25, 2:00 AM

From Bay Area Social Scene

♟️ **This isn’t your typical chess meetup** Every week **20+ people** show up We play in bars. We bring the vibes. Whether you’re a total beginner or a blitz addict—this is your place. ➡️ **Want to officially join the SVCC community?** Sign up before the event → [sv-chess.com/community/registration](https://sv-chess.com/community/registration) 🫱 Hosted by your **CVO (Chief Vibes Officer) Isaiah** – expect high energy, good convos, and games with people who love chess and community just as much as you do. **SV Chess Community = Chess + People + Vibes** We’re the **largest social chess community in NorCal**, bringing people together across the Bay through the love of the game. 🧩 **What to expect**: – Chill blitz & casual games – No judgment, no pressure—just good vibes – Great convo, good drinks, and new friends – Boards provided—just show up and play 🍻 All games happen at the bar. Didn’t sign up ahead of time? No worries—we’ll help you join at the event. **Join the movement. Make your move. We’ll see you over the board.** 📲 Follow us on Instagram → [@sv_chess_community](https://www.instagram.com/sv_chess_community/) 🌐 Learn more → [sv-chess.com/community/about](https://sv-chess.com/community/about) 📝 Register now → [sv-chess.com/community/registration](https://sv-chess.com/community/registration)

3 attendees

Gaga (Handball/Dodgeball variation) & Other Lawn Games @ Alameda Gaga Court

Sun, Jun 28, 8:00 PM

From The Geek Collective of Gamescape SF

Join us for games of **GAGA**! Gaga is similar to handball and is a low-impact, fast moving fun game that rotates players quickly, so its a great way to meet new people and keep moving! The location of the court on Alameda island is here: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/VeqmD6oz6AbAksYB8 ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/VeqmD6oz6AbAksYB8) The rules of Gaga are super simple and as follows: * *All players start with one hand touching a wall of the pit.* * *The game begins with a referee throwing the ball into the center of the pit.* * *Once the ball is in play, any player can hit the ball with an open or closed hand.* * *If a ball touches a player below the knee (even if the player hits himself or herself) they are out and they leave the pit. If a player is hit above the knees, the play continues.* * *Players cannot hold the ball* If you have any other games like spike ball, cornhole, or soccer or volleyballs, please feel free to bring them as well! We will have some additional activities set up on the sides for people to play and socialize while in between games of gaga.

34 attendees

Free RPG Day One-Shots @ Gamescape

Sat, Jun 27, 6:30 PM

***Registration on our online store is required to participate:*** [https://www.gamescapesf.store/product/free-rpg-day-one-shots-6-27-26/O63BEGFZKAD5KOWKTXMZVLIW](https://www.gamescapesf.store/product/free-rpg-day-one-shots-6-27-26/O63BEGFZKAD5KOWKTXMZVLIW) Come join Gamescape for the annual Free RPG Day event! We have four games for folks to get in on the fun: **11:30 AM - CROWS (playtest), GM EJ**: *Crows* is a dungeon-crawling, survival horror RPG. Player characters are adventurers in a desolate world who dive into horror-infested ruins to find gold, gems, and other valuable treasures to make your home village bigger and better. **11:30 AM - Sock Puppets RPG, GM Taylor**: *Sock Puppets* is an award-winning tabletop RPG about a failing children's television series. Make real, actual puppets and use them to ruin a perfectly good puppet show. **2:30 PM - Realis RPG, GM Devin**: *Realis* is a place—a cursed orbital sphere of 1,000 mystical moons filled with mystery, magic, and impossible technology. *Realis* is a game—one of diceless storytelling, where characters deploy powerful Sentences, which are rewritten over the course of their saga. **2:30 PM - Mothership, GM Lee**: Out of the Frig and into the Deep Freeze... Less than a year into your cushy science station job on a frozen alien world, your peace & tranquility is suddenly disturbed by murder and sabotage leading to a cascade of more danger and terror. Can you get out alive? Or will your body end up a gruesome corpsickle on the snow trails? Both your investigation skills and your survival skills will be tested to the limits. Good Luck! The DM kindly requests that all players at the table portray "good people" willing to help the team. And he kindly requests that no electronics be used at the table. Mothership is a Sci Fi horror game. This scenario will be rated R with death, aliens, people getting eaten, and humanity not being nice to itself. Think of the movies: Alien; John Carpenter's The Thing; The Abyss; and Event Horizon as references. See you there!

Visit our Japan Center Go Club and play Go with others. We are open every Friday 4-8pm with more times coming soon.

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