What we’re about
Join a community of local board game designers, publishers, and gamers as we test upcoming board and card games! Whether you are a professional designer, a hopeful newbie, or just a person who loves games, this is the place for you!
This group may be right for you if:
- You are looking for a community of creative people serious about game design
- You are respectful, curious, and humble
- You love playing games
- You are able to give kind and constructive feedback
- You are as willing to receive feedback as you are to give feedback
- You would like to play other people's games as much as you would like to test your own
First Play FAQ’s
How to do better playtesting!
How to explain rules for your confusing game prototype!
Upcoming events (1)
See all- April 2025 - Playtest games at Geeky Teas!900 W Alameda Ave, Burbank, CA
Players and game designers wanted for this open house style event!
We know this event has been on hiatus for a bit - Peter has been very busy running Cardboard Alchemy! To bring back monthly events, hosting responsibilities will now fall primarily to me (Damon) and Cassandra.
First Play will continue to be an amazing community and resource for players and designers alike- with some changes! 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: $5 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
Please read the descriptions of each time to determine if your game is appropriate for a scheduled session. Please note new members must come to First Play as a playtester at least once before having the opportunity to run a game.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! Each event we have two 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. Sessions are ideal for games that are 60-90 minutes, and have been playtested at least once 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 BREAK6:30-10pm
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!
How to explain rules for your confusing game prototype!Code of Conduct Rules
- Be kind.
- Seriously, be even more kind than you think you need to be.
- Read the guidelines for giving and receiving feedback.
- 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.
- New members must come to First Play as a playtester at least once before having the opportunity to run a game.
- 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. Three strikes and moderators will discuss next steps with you about if you will be allowed to continue running games.
- Be respectful of other community members- give as much as you receive. Playtest other peoples' games, not just your own.
- In the case of an unresolvable or continuing conflict, please let a moderator know so we can determine next steps.
- 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
For a specific question please email cassandra@ixiongameworks.com
For community conversations join the Cardboard Alchemy Discord: https://discord.gg/2pYk3TT - find the #first-play-la-chat channel!
