What we’re about
Golden Gate Gamemakers is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that brings together board game creators and players in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Together we run 200+ events a year all over the Bay Area, including: San Francisco, San Jose, Berkeley, Oakland, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Dublin, Fremont, Santa Cruz, Mill Valley, Petaluma, Concord, Mountain View, and more!
We support playtesting, co-working, promotional, and educational opportunities for tabletop gamemakers, as well as interested players. Help local designers make great games and have fun doing it!
Whether you are a first time or veteran game designer, industry professional, tabletop game enthusiast, casual player, or just want to check things out, we welcome you to our events and are happy to share our knowledge.
If you have any questions, please message @Velgus or your event host, or contact through our website.
Our Code of Conduct:
Code of Conduct - Living Document
Our Website:
Golden Gate Gamemakers
Our Discord:
Golden Gate Gamemakers
Game Market West is a tabletop game market where independent designers show off and sell their newest board/card games.
Featuring 35+ designers and specialty vendors, this is one of the biggest indie game markets in the country!
Free and open to the public to attend. Free street parking, and paid lot/garages nearby.
List of games available for reservation and purchase in-person: https://www.gamemarketwest.com/fall-2025-games
- Browse and Buy - dozens of super creative limited-run games.
- Enjoy the GMW Play Zone - a casual table area where you can play your purchased games immediately and play drop-in sessions of other locally made games.
- Learn How Games are Made - Meet local designers and chat with our friendly volunteers. We're happy to share our knowledge about game making and working in the industry.
- Hangout Afterwards! - At 3pm Guildhouse opens for regular business hours, no charge to attend. Immediately following GMW, there will be a designer hangout from 3pm onwards where designers and any other interested can co-work, run playtests, network, do open gaming, and socialize.
Special guest is Ryan Goldsberry, the artist for board games such as Burgle Brothers, Paperback, and Fugitive!
Hungry for more than just games? Show up around noon for a slice of delicious pizza provided by our generous sponsor, Pizza Guys (1347 South Winchester Blvd San Jose), while supplies last. Outside food is also allowed.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Board Game Playtesting at Gamelandia Palo AltoGamelandia, Palo Alto, CA
Come to Gamelandia in Palo Alto to playtest some games in development!
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!
See GGG's full Code of Conduct here.
Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at meetup.com/playgoldengate.
- Board Game Playtesting at Victory Point Cafe Berkeley - 3rd MondaysVictory Point Cafe, Berkeley, CA
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.
Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at meetup.com/playgoldengate.
- Board Game Playtesting at Crooked Goat Brewing Petaluma - 3rd MondaysCrooked Goat Brewing, Petaluma, CA
Come to Crooked Goat Brewing in Petaluma every 1st and 3rd Mondays to playtest some games in development! (there is a separate meetup post for both 1st Mondays and 3rd Mondays)
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.
Organizer: Jestin Brooks
- COST - Free! However you are encouraged to buy some of their delicious food and drinks.
- PARKING - They have parking at the taproom and in front of the City Hall lawn on English Street. There is also lots of nearby free parking in the Keller Street Parking Garage.
See GGG's full Code of Conduct here.
Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at meetup.com/playgoldengate.
- Board Game Playtesting at Games of FremontGames of Fremont, Fremont, CA
Come to Games of Fremont to playtest some games in development!
This event is for open playtesting for board / card / tabletop games. Meet local designers, get feedback on your protoype, and come to play! Designers and interested players welcome, no experience needed.
Organizer: Sean
- COST - Free! Consider buying something at the store if you'd like, though not required.
- PARKING - Free and plentiful parking in the Fremont Hub parking lot.
See GGG's full Code of Conduct here.
Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at meetup.com/playgoldengate.
