Skip to content

Competitive Gaming San Francisco

Find your local competitive gaming community

Game Design Discussion at Dolores Park

Game Design Discussion at Dolores Park

Sat, Sep 26, 9:00 PM
From SF Game Designers and Enjoyers

Let's talk about game design! Bring any of the following to discuss with the group: * A game you've played recently * A game you're developing that you want to showcase * A game mechanic that you find interesting and want to dive deeper into * Anything else related to games that you want to discuss Meetings are weekly at Dolores Park at 2pm, meeting spot is at top of the hill near the Miguel Hidalgo statue. No prior experience in game development or design needed, just an interest in games!

  • Photo of the user
1 attendee
Board Game Playtesting at Dogpatch Games (San Francisco)

Board Game Playtesting at Dogpatch Games (San Francisco)

Fri, Sep 25, 1:00 AM
From Golden Gate Gamemakers
4.8

Welcome to the Golden Gate Gamemakers' board game playtesting event at Dogpatch Games in San Francisco! We meet last Thursdays 6pm-10pm. We are a community of tabletop game designers & board game fanatics who meet monthly at Dogpatch Games (1095 Tennessee St. in San Francisco's Dogpatch district) to playtest each other's prototypes, provide feedback, help each other get published, and most importantly... have fun! Whether you’re game is days away from Kickstarter, or just ideas on a napkin, or you just want to hangout and playtest other prototypes (we LOVE playtesters!)…all are welcome! A few notes if this is your first time joining us: \- Our goal is to provide a community around creating new games\. Every designer will get their prototype to the table\. We give everyone the chance to play games and get their game played\. \- Each designer gets equal time\, which is about one hour\. This includes rules explanations\, gameplay\, and time for feedback\. \- Please arrive on time if you have a game to playtest\. At the beginning of the night each designer will pitch their game to the group\, then breakout into smaller groups\. If you arrive and playtesting has already begun\, we will try to accommodate you later in the evening\. \- If your game requires more than one hour\, or requires a player count of 6 or more\, please contact us ahead of time so we can make arrangements\. \- Please stay for as long as you can to playtest others’ games\. \- When you arrive\, please check in with the cashier and inform them you’re with the San Francisco Board Game Designers\. Dogpatch Games charges customers an hourly fee \(monthly subscriptions are available\)\, but we have negotiated **a flat rate of $12 per person you'll need to pay for the evening**. \- Dogpatch Games does not yet sell food or drink\, but outside food is very welcomed\. There are many great options within a couple blocks\. \- Street parking is readily available nearby\. Or take BART to the Powell Street station and transfer to San Francisco Muni “T”\-line and take that eastbound to 20th & 3rd Ave stop\. Dogpatch Games is then one block away\. \- Please no “blind playtesting”\. You must teach your game yourself and not require playtesters to read rules during the event\. \- This is an event for playtesting your game and gathering feedback\, and not promoting your upcoming Kickstarter campaign\. \- Reach out to Phil Schwarzmann \(phillip\.schwarzmann@gmail\.com\) or for any questions\. Looking forward to seeing you there!! Phil [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](meetup.com/playgoldengate)

  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
6 attendees
Board Game Playtesting at Victory Point Cafe Berkeley - 3rd Mondays

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

Tue, Sep 22, 1:00 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).

  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
5 attendees
Board Game Designers' Coworking Meetup - San Francisco

Board Game Designers' Coworking Meetup - San Francisco

Sat, Oct 3, 7:00 PM
From Golden Gate Gamemakers
4.8

Gather at Saluhall SF (2nd floor) for a day brimming with creativity and collaboration at the Board Game Designers' Coworking Meetup. We meet every 1st Saturday of the month (drop in and out anytime). This is a unique relaxed opportunity to work on your projects surrounded by peers who share your passion for game design. This is your chance to get valuable feedback, share resources, and perhaps even find collaborators for your next big game idea. Playtesting is welcome, though that isn't the focus of this event. This is free to attend, yet please consider buying some delicious food and drinks while here to support the venue. **What to Bring (optional):** laptop, prototypes, sketches, ideas, components (components will also be provided by the host). **Hosts:** Tristan and Lucas **BART:** Powell Street station, exit onto Market Street, and walk half a block south to Saluhall. **Parking:** Limited street parking. 1\. 6x6 SF Parking Garage 440 Stevenson \- 1hr validation with $15 purchase at Saluhall\. 2\. SF City Parking 25 Mason St 3\. 5th & Mission Yerba Buena Garage 833 Mission St 4\. California Parking 199 Turk St\. **PLEASE RSVP** so I can get a headcount and we can get the tables we need! **Code of Conduct:** [GGG Code of Conduct](https://goldengategamemakers.com/Code_Of_Conduct/) Also there are some additional rules to highlight for this event: 1\. NO PREJUDICE\. It does NOT matter whether you're a veteran or a newbie in the industry\. We are all equals in this space\. 2\. ZERO TOLERANCE against discrimination \-\- this does not just include the typical forms of discrimination \(e\.g\. racial\, gender\, sexual orientation\, etc\) but also the atypical forms \(e\.g\. age\, competitive/casual\, serious/jovial\, neurodivergence\, complexity preferences\, etc\)\. 3\. CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM is welcome\! This is a space where we should be 100% honest with each other about our prototypes\. DO NOT use this as an opportunity to provide criticism about an individual\. DO use this as an opportunity to provide criticism about games\. Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at meetup.com/playgoldengate

  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
2 attendees
Let's Play "Denshattack!"

Let's Play "Denshattack!"

Sat, Sep 19, 7:30 PM
From Video Game Book Club - East Bay
4.8

For this month's game we are playing the Jet Set Railroad, "**Denshattack!**." From the developer: *Flip, trick and grind your train in a fast-paced, off-the-rails ride through a colourful Japanese dystopia. Outmatch rival gangs, wreck a shady megacorp, and take back the tracks with nothing but skill, speed, and style.* It is available for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2. Play through it this month and we will discuss it on **September 19th**! Play through as much as you can and be prepared to be spoiled at the meeting. :) p.s. [Here](https://discord.gg/TYQmS3GgBK) is a link to our **Discord**, pop in to meet folks ahead of the meetup.

  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
  • Photo of the user
11 attendees
Play Go and Socialize

Play Go and Socialize

Fri, Sep 18, 11:00 PM
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.

  • Photo of the user
1 attendee
430kMonthly events
calendar icon
60mMembers
people1 icon
4.5App store rating
appStore icon
200kGroups
people2 icon

Frequently asked questions

Meetup is a platform that helps individuals discover and participate in group events based on shared interests, whether local or online. You can find and join groups or events that match your hobbies, getting you connected with like-minded people.

You can search for gaming groups and events in San Francisco by using Meetup's location-based search. Just enter your area preferences and explore various scheduled events and gaming communities.

Yes, you can! Several groups host competitive gaming events in San Francisco where you can RSVP to participate. These events may include tournaments and casual meet-ups.

Yes, there are esports groups in San Francisco. Search for specific games or esports communities on Meetup to find enthusiasts who share your passion.

Competitive gaming in San Francisco can cover a wide range from video games to tabletop games. Explore agent listings to discover the variety hosted by various groups.

While creating an account and browsing events is free, some specific gaming events may require a fee to participate, depending on the group or activities involved.

Once you've found an event you're interested in, you can RSVP directly on Meetup's platform. Simply indicate your attendance to help organizers plan accordingly.

The attendance for gaming events in San Francisco can vary widely. Engagement levels depend on the group, the game's popularity, and event promotion.

Yes, some groups organize online gaming events. You can look for groups specifying virtual meetups for those unable to attend in person.

Meetup covers many games, but availability depends on local interest and group organization. Exploring Meetup helps you see which games are actively played in San Francisco.

Not necessarily! Many groups welcome gamers of all skill levels. Check event descriptions for any specific skill requirements or beginner-friendly sessions.

Meetup facilitates connections but cannot guarantee specific formats like 1-on-1 play. Confirm event details with hosts to know if individual matches are possible.

No, events are hosted by independent organizers, though they utilize the Meetup platform. They plan and manage their own events specific to community needs.

If you can't find an event that suits you, consider reaching out to groups to express interest or creating your event on Meetup to attract fellow enthusiasts.

After joining a group or RSVPing to an event, you can participate nearly immediately, provided there's space and it aligns with your schedule.