Not at all! We love when people come just to try out new games and offer feedback!
You are welcome to bring your 8 and older children- just be aware we may not have a game scheduled that they find appealing! Keep your eyes open for future events that are themed to be more accessible for children and family audiences.
Typically we see a lot of hobby style medium weight card and board games- but we are open to all types! Please check over the descriptions of the Open play session, the Scheduled session, and The Skunkworks session to determine what works best for your game, and/or what types of games you are most interested in playing. We very seldom have kids at our events, so if you are designing a children's game our usual sessions may not be the best fit for you. Keep your eyes open for future events that are themed to be more appropriate for specific game types!
One-off RPG’s can be brought to The Skunkworks sessions. Short party games are best during Open Play, or The Skunkworks if it requires a high number of players. Use your best judgement.
Absolutely! Though there are lots of professional game designers here, there are lots of people who are just getting started, too. Please come to First Play at least once as a playtester before you submit to run your own game. Once you've been introduced to the group, you will be able to sign up to run a playtest for your own designs. Also check out these two resources to set yourself up for success:
How to explain rules for your confusing game prototype!
Our usual playtesting events at Geeky Teas have 3 distinct 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.
Open Play
This is unstructured play time, and is 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, sit down at a game and play.
Scheduled sessions
These 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 pitches, players decide which game they want to play. This time is ideal for games that are 60-90 minutes in length that have been playtested at least once before. After game play, be sure to leave time to give and receive feedback. Oh, and sometimes we give away prizes!
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! If you are joining The Skunkworks as a designer, please respect this as a time to explore unusual ideas, not a continuation of regular playtesting. If you are joining The Skunkworks as a player, be prepared to be maximally flexible.