Golden Gate Gamemakers

2026 Mini-Protospiel at GDC (March 9-13, 2026)

ABOUT GDC
Game Developers Conference (GDC) is an annual event in San Francisco that brings the game development community together to exchange ideas and shape the industry through five days of education and networking.

GOLDEN GATE GAMEMAKERS PARTICIPATION

• GGG is working with Unpub to feature game designers showcasing their works in progress
• Free play area is open all week from 10a - 6p. Local store Gamescape will have a library of games to check out.
• A “Protospiel” section will be available where designers can run their prototypes.
• Other board game events will happen throughout the conference, including the GDC Opening Night Party, where prototypes will also be run.

Come to Gamelandia in Palo Alto to playtest some games in development! This event happens 2nd Thursdays.

It's a relaxed chance to try new board games and card games, get feedback on your own prototypes, 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. If you are bringing a prototype game, try to comment below with a quick blurb including player count and time, and when you think you might arrive at Gamelandia.

ex. "Ticket to Ride is a lightweight game about building train routes. 2-5 players, 30-60 minutes"

Organizer: John Brieger

Cost: Free!

Whether 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.

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.