Esports San Francisco

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What If No One Plays My Game? Discovery is Broken. Let's Talk About The Fix.

Thu, Nov 19, 1:30 AM

From SF Game Development

4.7

SF Game Development is excited to be hosting an evening with HTC VIVERSE on one of the toughest problems in indie games: getting people to actually play your game. Join us on Wednesday, November 18th at DNA Lounge, 375 11th St, San Francisco from 5:30 to 9:00 pm. Cris Miranda takes the stage at 7:00 pm. This event is for you if you’re an indie developer with a game already on Steam, a student building your first project, or a studio looking for new ways to reach players. Pizza is sponsored by VIVERSE, and the venue’s full-service bar will be open, so please grab a drink to support the venue. There will also be plenty of space to demo your indie games, network with other developers and meet the speaker. **What If No One Plays My Game? Discovery Is Broken. Let’s Talk About the Fix.** **Cris Miranda — Game Partnerships at HTC VIVERSE** Over 20,000 games launched on Steam last year, about 55 a day, and the top 1% captured more than 84% of the revenue. For most indie developers, the hardest problem isn’t building a great game. It’s getting anyone to see it. Cris will start with the discovery problem: what the data says about why great indie games get buried, and why being a strong developer isn’t enough when you’re up against 55 new releases a day. Next, the talk looks at a different way to distribute games. With instant browser-based play, a game can live anywhere a link can go (TikTok, Reddit, a creator’s stream) instead of fighting for a spot in a store feed. You’ll hear from developers who have found a second wind and new players this way, including the teams behind Klocki, Hook 2 and Figment. Cris will also share candid numbers on how developers earn, including two concrete deal structures: free-to-play pay-per-play and premium. The talk closes with what it takes to bring an existing game to the web. In short, if your engine exports to WebGL (Unity, Godot, GameMaker), you’re most of the way there. You’ll leave with a clear picture of your options and a direct line to Cris if you want to explore bringing your game over. **See you all there!** Thank you to everyone who RSVPs! Please arrive at 5:30 pm for networking and game demos. The talk begins at 7:00 pm. You **MUST RSVP** on Meetup, Luma or Eventbrite to secure your spot.

44 attendees

Spiritual Support Group (Virtual)

Fri, Nov 20, 3:00 AM

From NAMISF Support Groups & Events

4.7

Welcome to this Spiritual Support group! This is a spiritual support group for people of all faiths or no faith, for those who themselves have a mental illness and for those who love someone who has a mental illness. Send request to [Pjevans02@gmail.com](mailto:Pjevans02@gmail.com) to get a link. We ask those who wish to, bring a quote from a source of inspiration on the topic of the week. We also would like to offer to anyone who would like to sing a song or read a poem to open or close, to please send an email to [Pjevans02@gmail.com](mailto:Pjevans02@gmail.com) so that we can put you on the schedule. We also offer an in-person support group on the 2nd Thursdays of each month! If you are interested, email [Pjevans02@gmail.com](mailto:Pjevans02@gmail.com) for the full details. **What to expect in our groups:** We will take turns reading a quote, and then we or others in the group may make short comments about the quote. Each person is asked to follow the guidelines of being respectful, keeping comments upbeat (let's leave politics out of it), contributing from your own perspective, and remembering that we want all voices to be heard. We want this to be a positive experience for everyone. Upcoming Topics: 1st Thursday of September: Courage 3rd Thursday of September: Peace 1st Thursday of October: Justice 3rd Thursday of October: Mercy 1st Thursday of November: Radiance 3rd Thursday of November: Gratitude 1st Thursday of December: Charity 3rd Thursday of December: Illumination

2 attendees

Board Game Playtesting at Victory Point Cafe Berkeley - 3rd Mondays

Tue, Nov 17, 2:00 AM

From Golden Gate Gamemakers

4.8

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).

4 attendees

Spiritual Support Group (In-Person)

Fri, Nov 13, 3:30 AM

From NAMISF Support Groups & Events

4.7

**In-person Spiritual Support Group:** An interfaith devotional and discussion group that seeks to identify, define and put into action specific virtues or spiritual attributes that can uplift us and help us to rise above the limitations and sufferings of mental illness and the daily challenges that we and our families experience. For invitation email and location please write to: pjevans02@gmail.com 2023: 4th Thursday for July: Kindness (2nd Thursday meeting canceled for July) 2nd Thursday of August: Service-oriented 4th Thursday of August: Reliability 2nd Thursday of September: Tactfulness 4th Thursday of September: Purposefulness 2nd Thursday of October: Courtesy 4th Thursday of October: Flexibility 2nd Thursday of November: Determination 4th Thursday of November: Gratitude 2nd Thursday of December: Generosity 4th Thursday of December: Idealism

2 attendees

SF - Marina Chess Club Night

Thu, Nov 12, 3:00 AM

From Silicon Valley Chess Community

4.8

♟️ **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. 🫱 Hosted by your **CVO (Chief Vibes Officer) Stephen** – 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

IN-PERSON! Autistic Adults Peer Support Group

Fri, Nov 13, 9:00 PM

From Autistic Adults Online Peer Support Group

4.7

This is a meetup for autistic people to discuss our lives, whatever is important to us right now. If you have questions about the possibility of diagnosis and what's involved, or you are in the process of diagnosis which is not yet complete, please know that you are also welcome. We meet to listen and get to know each other. The purpose of the group is to process experiences with the support of others. Discussing our experiences brings clarity and solidarity around our challenges and triumphs. Everyone gets a chance to share. However, all attendees are welcome to participate as much or as little as they like. You also do not have to stay for the entire event. Located at the Flood Building in downtown San Francisco by Powell BART, the Mental Health Association (MHASF) Peer Support & Wellness Center aims to provide a safe & welcoming space for participants to grow in recovery & well-being through peer support, compassionate listening & sharing, experiential education, and other strength-based tools & resources. The Wellness Center is a comfortable place to rest - please feel free to arrive at 12:45PM, fifteen minutes early, to settle yourself and relax in the space. Co-facilitated by Ari Neubauer and Felicia Welch-Bethel.

10 attendees

Hype o'clock Game Dev & Tea Time

Sat, Nov 21, 10:00 PM

From SF Bay Area Game Jamming & Game Design

4.9

Come hang out, have some tea, and work on/share your projects with other cool folks! Please see the "How to find us" section below for more info. This event is scheduled for every 3rd Saturday of the month.

3 attendees

Let's Play "13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim"

Sat, Nov 14, 8:00 PM

From Video Game Book Club - San Francisco

4.7

For this month's game we are playing the visual novel/strategy game *13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim*. *Vanillaware, the storytellers behind Odin Sphere and Dragon’s Crown, craft a sci-fi mystery epic spanning thirteen intertwining stories. Uncover the truth and delve into a 2D sidescrolling adventure featuring gorgeous art and environments. Then, battle the kaiju in fast-paced, top-down combat. Customize the Sentinels with an arsenal of mechsuit weaponry, and fight to defend humanity!* *13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim* is available on Switch and PlayStation. Play through the game as much as you can for our discussion; even if you don't complete the game, you're welcome to come to discuss as well as nominate future titles. We will be meeting at Patriot House, a bar on the top floor of Two Embarcadero Center. Look for us in the back patio area! To discuss the meetup, access more information, and keep in touch with other members, join the VGBC Discord: https://discord.gg/t97Bfv6qsF

9 attendees

Showcase Showdown

Sat, Nov 21, 3:00 AM

From Noisebridge Hackerspace

4.8

**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?

1 attendee

Play Go and Socialize

Sat, Nov 14, 12:00 AM

From San Francisco Go Club

4.7

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

1 attendee

New Friends 20s & 30s Niners WatchParty! @ Mad Dog in the Fog

Mon, Nov 23, 12:30 AM

From Gist IRL SF

4.7

**RSVP via:** https://app.gistirl.com/event-details/WxizruzDuOxmxNyEIMJF **Early Bird Discounts | More $ Later** Hey Niners, This friend event is like no other! You're guaranteed to meet at least 10 new friends! Oh YEAH! Come join me this afternoon to take in the buzz of the pre-game show, grab some hot bar food, and watch the 49ers take on the Vikings with a lively crowd. We will kick things off with about an hour of quick 1-1s to break the ice, and then we will group up with our favorite people to secure a table for kickoff. We are going to spend the first chunk of the afternoon chatting one-on-one with other fans. The Gist IRL app takes the guesswork out by matching you up, giving us an easy way to talk football, trade predictions, and see who we really click with. Once the rounds wrap up, the best part starts. You get to pick the folks you had the best time chatting with and team up. We will grab a table together, order up some drinks and game-day snacks, and settle in to watch the game. By kickoff, you're sitting with an energized group of fellow fans to cheer on every play together. Whether this turns into your regular Sunday football watch crew or just an awesome afternoon of high-fives and touchdowns, it is going to be a blast. The Plan: - 4:30 PM: Check-In. Follow the link to set up your quick profile on your phone to get started. - 4:35 PM - 5:25 PM: One-on-One Rounds. The app pairs you for focused chats. Find out who shares your game-day superstitions, fantasy football takes, and love for the Niners. - 5:25 PM+: Form Groups. Reconnect with your favorite matches to form a squad of 4-6. Together, you will grab a table, order food and drinks, and settle in for kickoff together. **RSVP via:** https://app.gistirl.com/event-details/WxizruzDuOxmxNyEIMJF **Early Bird Discounts | More $ Later**

7 attendees

“Uncanny Alley” – Emmy-Winning Immersive Theater | BayCHI collab

Wed, Nov 11, 2:00 AM

From BayCHI

4.5

**Special Collaboration Program! Free for first 5 ACM SIGCHI members, $25 afterwards via EventBrite** \-\-\- **Uncanny Alley: A New Day** Ferryman Collective In collaboration with ACM Los Angeles and Silicon Valley Siggraph chapters, West Coast Pictures, and the Clubhouse and [Ferryman Collective](https://baychi.org/program/ferrymancollective.com). Join us at [Gray Area / Grand Theater in San Francisco](https://grayarea.org/). Free admission to the first five requests from ACM SigCHI members. Please send requests for tickets to [chair@baychi.org](https://baychi.org/email/?m=chair%20baychi.org). Admission $25: [EventBrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/multi-city-live-theater-in-vr-with-ferryman-collective-tickets-2003752247913) This Emmy-winning live theatrical experience in virtual reality is produced by Brendan Bradley (San Francisco) and Whitton Frank (Los Angeles), members of Ferryman Collective. It transitions between improvisation and the scripted hour-long drama, portraying fifteen characters with two audience participants, in headset and fully embodied as characters in the virtual world, who can say or do anything to influence the story. Each audience watches its live performers. The production is written and directed by Stephen Butchko, with the world created by Rick Treweek, technical direction by Screaming Color, and artistic direction by Deidre V. Lyon. The two-venue architecture was developed by Bradley, who also performs in San Francisco, building on his Edinburgh Fringe 2024 premiere, which ran on-stage, in VR, and live streamed simultaneously. After the performance, the cast will lead us on a "backstage tour" of the company's techniques in virtual show control. They'll discuss the technology being developed at Ferryman Collective and how both locations projected the real-time VR experience at each other's site. They'll answer questions about real-time technology that they use for this performance. **Location** Gray Area Grand Theater, S.F. 2665 Mission Street San Francisco CA 94110 Free admission to the first five requests from ACM SigCHI members. Please send requests for tickets to [chair@baychi.org](https://baychi.org/email/?m=chair%20baychi.org) Admission $25: [EventBrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/multi-city-live-theater-in-vr-with-ferryman-collective-tickets-2003752247913) For more info: [https://baychi.org/_RV](https://baychi.org/_RV)

4 attendees

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Frequently asked questions

Meetup is a platform that connects esports enthusiasts through local groups and events, enabling people in San Francisco to discover communities and activities centered around gaming interests.

You can explore esports events in San Francisco by using the search function on Meetup, entering your location and interests to discover nearby activities and groups.

Esports meetups attract a range of participants from casual gamers to professional enthusiasts, all keen to share their passion for gaming and connect with like-minded individuals.

Yes, many esports groups in San Francisco welcome beginners, offering events where newcomers can learn and engage with more experienced players.

Absolutely! You can RSVP to as many esports events as you like, allowing you to explore different gaming experiences and expand your esports network.

This depends on the specific event. Some meetups may provide equipment, while others might require participants to bring their own gear. Check event details for guidance.

Many esports groups on Meetup are free to join, though some may have event-specific costs. Always check group details to understand any fees involved.

Certainly! You can start your own esports group on Meetup to host gaming events and connect with other enthusiasts in your area.

Meetup is inclusive of various esports games, though availability of specific game-related events will depend on the existing community interests in San Francisco.

Esports meetups can offer opportunities for professional networking by connecting you with others in the industry and being a part of discussions on gaming developments.

Simply navigate to the event page on Meetup and click 'RSVP' to confirm your attendance, making sure you're set to join the gaming fun.

Meetup provides opportunities for practice and community support, but specific skill improvement is dependent on personal effort and participation.

Yes, some esports events may be held online, depending on the preferences and arrangements made by the event’s organizers.

Meetup primarily promotes group activities, so while you can find group coaching options, one-on-one coaching opportunities might be less common.

While Meetup hosts diverse gaming communities, the availability of groups for specific esports titles may vary based on local interest and organizer presence.

Esports San Francisco