Console Gaming Los Angeles

The ♠️ Spades Syndicate ♠️ July Game Day

Welcome to ♠️ **THE SPADES SYNDICATE** ♠️ - your new spot for serious cards, good vibes, and real community. Event: First Spades Syndicate Game Day Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026 Time: 1:00pm - 5 ish pm ***Location: Sent to RSVP’d members only*** What to Expect: Whether you’re learning the game or running the table, this is a welcoming space for all skill levels. Bring your A-game, some trash talk, and energy. We’ll handle the rest — organized gameplay, rotating tables, food, and drinks included. Cost: $15 per person (covers food, drinks, and community vibes) What’s Included: * Instruction on game play in the first hour * Food and beverage * Organized casual play with community scorekeeping * Meet the Spades Syndicate crew * Meet other local Spades Players What to Bring: Just yourself and your game face. Parking & Logistics: [Details sent at RSVP] This is the beginning of something bigger. Come be part of it. Questions? Drop them below. SEE YOU THERE! 😉

Downey Library Game Day

Come play board games and card games with us at the Downey Library. We welcome starting players all the way to expert players. Please bring a copy of the games you would like to play, or we have copies to play. The Downey Public Library also has a collection of games to play. Some examples of popular board games are Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, and Terraforming Mars. Some examples of popular card games are Flip 7, Century Spice Road, and Splendor. We like to learn new games and to teach new games. There is no fee, and food and drink is welcome, just please clean up after yourself. We are in the area, to the left of the main entrance. Note that there are no parking restrictions on the weekend or holidays; please respect the Embassy Suites reserved parking. Hosted by Mark Shocklee.

July 2026 - Playtest games at Geeky Teas!

**Players and game designers wanted for this open house style event! (NOTE: Due to an absolute deluge of events at Geeky Teas, there will be no FPLA June event at GT)** Please read the event schedule, and all members, new and old, should check out the Code of Conduct at the bottom of this text. **FEE:** $8 to play at Geeky Teas - payable at the event to Geeky Teas at front desk. Once paid, you're covered to play games ALL DAY. **DESIGNER SIGN UP**: If you have a game to test during session one or two we have a new sign up protocol: **Fill out the form here- [First Play Designer Signup](https://gorgeous-mule-37d.notion.site/1c9a3d4ed35b8034b34ced27ef3d1c40)** Please read the descriptions of each time to determine if your game is appropriate for a scheduled session. *Note: new members must come to First Play as a playtester at least once before having the opportunity to run a game. If this is your first time showing your game at FPLA, please introduce yourself to either Damon or Cassandra (one or both will be near the front of the room) before your session for a quick explainer on how to get your game to the table and what to expect from playtesting.* **SCHEDULE:** Game days have 3 segments. **You do not need to come for the whole day!** However, it is good etiquette if you are testing your own game to stay and test at least one other designer's game as well. 11:00am - 1:00 pm **OPEN PLAY TESTING** This is unstructured play time, ideal for short games (45min or less), 2 player games, and games that require a quieter environment. If you're a designer, grab an available table and let people know you are looking for players. If you're a player, just sit down at a game and play! **SESSION ONE** 1:15pm - 3:15pm **SESSION TWO** 3:30pm - 5:30pm Scheduled sessions are the core of First Play! This event we have three scheduled sessions, with about 4-6 games running during each time slot. Following moderator announcements, each designer running a game will have the opportunity to do an 'elevator pitch' to players. After which, players decide which game they want to play. Two hour sessions are ideal for games that are 60-90 minutes, and have been playtested multiple times before. After play, be sure to leave time to give and receive feedback. Oh, and sometimes we give away prizes! 5:30-6:30pm **DINNER BREAK** 6:30-10pm **THE SKUNKWORKS** This is unstructured time to test your wildest ideas. Bring the game that may break in 5 minutes, the one that requires 10 people, or the one that may involve crawling on the ground. Bring objects that *could* be games, half baked ideas, and untested print and plays. Take risks, be silly, and most importantly, have fun! **SPECIAL NOTES**: No outside food is permitted but there are snacks/drinks sold at Geeky Teas. Also, FYI - There are cats at the store, roaming but keep to themselves. Please read these guides, especially if you are new to design or playtesting- **[How to do better playtesting!](https://gorgeous-mule-37d.notion.site/How-to-do-better-playtesting-1c9a3d4ed35b807b9f6ff643b5635885)** **[How to explain rules for your confusing game prototype!](https://gorgeous-mule-37d.notion.site/How-to-explain-rules-for-your-confusing-game-prototype-1d3a3d4ed35b80c683e7e4f6953e8545)** **Code of Conduct Rules** 1. Be kind. 2. Seriously, be even more kind than you think you need to be. 3. Read the guidelines for giving and receiving feedback. 4. Respect the rules of our venues (Geeky Teas, Paper Heroes, Odyssey, etc). We will continue to be welcome as long as we continue to be good guests. 5. New members must come to First Play as a playtester at least once before having the opportunity to run a game. 6. If you have RSVP'd to run a game, show up for your time slot. If you do not show up for your time slot, you will get a strike against you. Two strikes and moderators will discuss next steps with you about if you will be allowed to continue running games. 7. Be respectful of other community members- give as much as you receive. Playtest other peoples' games, not just your own. 8. In the case of an unresolvable or continuing conflict, please let a moderator know so we can determine next steps. 9. You will receive a warning if a legitimate complaint is lodged against you. In the case of a continuous issue, a group of at least 3 moderators will discuss and determine next steps. Consistent bad behavior will lead to a group ban. **See you soon!** **Have questions?** For FAQ's, please see here - [First Play FAQ’s](https://gorgeous-mule-37d.notion.site/First-Play-FAQ-s-1d5a3d4ed35b809eadb7c5c72359521b) For a specific question please email *cassandra@ixiongameworks.com* For community conversations join the Cardboard Alchemy Discord: [https://discord.gg/2pYk3TT](https://discord.gg/2pYk3TT) \- find the \#first\-play\-la\-chat channel\!

Indie RPG Game Night (Geeky Teas)

WHAT IS THIS EVENT? At **Indie RPG Night** we gather to play story games and independent role-playing games (RPGs). These games are similar to role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) but tend to be simpler to learn, and have more shared narrative control for all players. WHO IS THIS FOR? Any experience level is welcome, with no prior knowledge required. Almost all games are meant to be played in a single night (sometimes called *one-shots* or *episodic*), so no regular attendance is necessary. WHAT GAMES DO WE PLAY? We play games that allow us to come together to have a good time telling a story collaboratively. We do not generally play games with a win condition. Some games we play have a game master (GM) and players, similar to D&D. Other games are “GM-less” or "GM-ful", and have no game master, where the rules of the game have us share narrative authority so we all have similar control over the story. Some examples include: * Apocalypse World * Blades in the Dark * Dream Askew * Fiasco * For The Queen * The Quiet Year * Microscope WHAT GAMES DO WE AVOID? We avoid role-playing games that may require players to have prior knowledge of rules (which is often the case with RPGs such as D&D). Many of us love board and card games, however this is not the event for those games. Note that some story games have elements that may look like board and card games, however we play games that share our goal of coming together to collaboratively tell a story. Although some board games have narrative elements (such as Above and Below), or can be played in a narrative manner (such as Arkham Horror), these do not meet our criteria. If you have any doubts, please talk to one of the organizers. It is also important that games played conform to our Community Standards (https://bit.ly/StoryGamesLA-CommunityStandards). WHERE AND WHEN IS THE EVENT? Locations vary so check the meetup event for the current location. On this night we play at **Geeky Teas & Games** in Burbank. We plan to meet up starting at 6pm, and pitch games promptly at 6:30pm. The venue closes at 10pm. Games tend to normally last 2-4 hours. Note that Geeky Teas requires a $8 cover fee that you pay directly to them upon entry to the venue. HOW DO I ATTEND? If you plan on attending, please RSVP here. We have tables reserved but space may be limited, so we will prioritize people who RSVP if we end up having too many folks. We will try to accommodate everyone best as possible. If your plans change, please update your RSVP as early as possible so we have an accurate count. You should not need to bring anything with you, however always feel free to bring writing utensils, dice, note cards, and so on. WHAT ARE THE RULES? We try to provide an inclusive space, and do not tolerate harassment or prejudice of any kind, including that based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or disabilities. By attending and participating you are agreeing to abide by our Community Standards (https://bit.ly/StoryGamesLA-CommunityStandards). If you have any issues, please contact one of the meetup organizers at any time, either during the meetup or afterwards. We use the X-card and other RPG communication and safety tools, which we write about in our Community Standards document, and review when our events start. HOW CAN I RUN A GAME? If you are new to the group and the events, we ask that you play the first few times to get a feel for the games we play, and for the environment and our community. If have done so, and wish to run a game, please get in touch with the meetup organizers either at the event, or in the **Story Games LA** **Discord** ([https://discord.com/invite/qbPzyRYBQv](https://discord.com/invite/qbPzyRYBQv)). After doing so, you simply need to bring the materials needed to play: rules, printouts, notecards or blank paper, tokens, printouts, and so on. We may have some of these items, but may not have what you need. HOW CAN I BE A PART OF THE COMMUNITY? The best place to participate with our community prior to or outside of the events is to join the **Story Games LA** **Discord** ([https://discord.com/invite/qbPzyRYBQv](https://discord.com/invite/qbPzyRYBQv)). This is also where we sometimes host our online events.

Northeast Meetup

We will meet at Verdugo Bar on Monday, July 13th at 7:30 pm. This is an informal hang to chat about our games (recently released or in progress), and meet other indie developers, composers, artists, etc... Note that this event usually happens the 1st or 2nd Monday of the month. Eric will be hosting this event. Anyone involved in indie games is invited to hang out - developers, composers, programmers, artists, writers, game fans, etc... You are welcome to bring your games in progress to show, as long as you don't mind the very casual environment and the spotty Wifi. Sorry, since this meetup is at a bar, this event is 21+ only. To support the business, please purchase the drinks - alcoholic or not - from the (indoor) bar. There is also an option to get pizza next door. https://www.yelp.com/biz/verdugo-bar-los-angeles-3?osq=verdugo+bar See you soon!

Game Night - Tortugo Brewing Company

Looking for a place to play some board games? In the Los Angeles area? Join us at Tortugo Brewing Company in Inglewood! We'll have: 🎲 Craft Beers 🎲 Indie RPGs 🎲 Board Games

Strawberry Jam (coworking)

**a jam for working on your personal projects in a group atmosphere.** Come join members of Glitch City for our every other Sunday co-working jam. $10 — free for members (via patreon.com/glitchcityla) schedule: * 12pm-6pm work time * 6pm show and tell **TRANSPORTATION** Street parking only(free on Sundays!). If you have trouble finding parking, look near[ Virgil Middle School on 1st](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/613502617493962782/1041862532064874626/parking.png). We are steps away from Vermont/Beverly station on the 🇲 Metro B(Red) Line. **FOOD** Snacks and beverages provided. You can leave food in the fridge and use the kitchen (including microwave/toaster) *ABOUT GLITCH CITY: Glitch City is the home of indie games in LA. Founded in 2013, we are a collective of gamemakers and creators who host community events in our shared space. Support us at [patreon.com/glitchcityla](https://patreon.com/glitchcityla)*

Game Night @ Three Weavers Brewering

It’s on, Inglewood 🎲 Game Night Three Weavers is happening again! Come thirsty, leave victorious.

Game Night - Common Space Brewery

It's time for another night of beers & games at Common Space Brewery! We're going to be at the brewery with a range of games for people to play for free, starting at 6PM - hope to see you there!

DDR+ at Round1 (Burbank)

Join **Burbank DDR+** for an epic **Dance Dance Revolution** workout party! Get ready to break a sweat as we combine the fun of rhythm games with the benefits of exercise. Challenge your friends to dance battles, groove to awesome music beats and improve your fitness. **DDR** is fun, but it's much better with friends! Whether you're an *Expert* or a *Beginner*, this event is perfect for anyone looking to have a great time and make friends while staying active. Don't miss out on this unique fitness experience that will have you dancing your way to a healthier lifestyle. This venue has **DDR** (four cabs), **Pump It Up**, **StepManiaX** and more! There is NO AGENDA! IT'S OKAY if you arrive late! Simply show up, purchase a game card and get to steppin'! 💃🕺 Mid-session we typically take a break and grab a snack or a drink. Sometimes we walk over to one of the restaurants nearby (assuming one is still open). Not obligatory, but you're more than welcome to stick with us during the break. There are many usuals that show up every week but don't RSVP. Expect between four and eight of us to attend. Note: * All ages are welcome, but minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian as **Round1** has restrictions later into the night. * Wear comfy clothes and appropriate shoes (NO HEELS). We support each other as best as we can, but can't be held responsible if you choose not to play it safe. * STAY HYDRATED! This venue provides water free of charge, but the ice machine is often out of service. Most of us bring our own water bottles and sometimes even our own fan. 🌬️ Look for "BLADE" (Konami ID) or ask any of the DDR players for my whereabouts. Hope to meet and play with you soon!

LAHUG SIGGRAPH Mixer at Caña Rum Bar

**\*\*RSVP HERE ON [LUMA](https://luma.com/fmv5q2b3)\*\*** Hi Everyone! LAHUG is hosting a social at Caña Rum Bar during SIGGRAPH week! Come connect with SideFX staff and Houdini artists arriving from all over the world. ​ Join us for drinks, networking, and a chance to catch up with the community. ​ We look forward to seeing you there! See you soon! Deb

Dataland