September 2026 - Playtest Games at Geeky Teas! Plus Board Game 'Free Store'
About the event
Players and game designers wanted for this open house style event!
FEE: $8 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.
SPECIAL TO THIS EVENT! During Open Play from 11am-1pm, we will be hosting a board game 'exchange'. How this will work:
• Bring up to 5 of your own games (new or used) you don't want or need anymore • All games go into a collective "free store" pile • Anyone in the group may take 1-5 games from the "free store." • If your game/s haven't been taken, bring them home, or donate them to the Geeky Teas library.
Please note this is NOT a math trade. No one will be reinforcing fair trades for equally valuable games, so don't bring your $200 copy of Battlestar Galactica unless you are really ok with giving it away!
DESIGNER SIGN UP: If you have a game to test during session one or two, please follow this protocol: Fill out the form here- [First Play Designer Signup](https://gorgeous-mule-37d.notion.site/1c9a3d4ed35b8034b34ced27ef3d1c40) Please read the descriptions of each time to determine if your game is appropriate for a scheduled session. *Note: new members must come to First Play as a playtester at least once before having the opportunity to run a game. If this is your first time showing your game at FPLA, please introduce yourself to either Damon or Cassandra (one or both will be near the front of the room) before your session for a quick explainer on how to get your game to the table and what to expect from playtesting.*
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! This event we have three 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. Two hour sessions are ideal for games that are 60-90 minutes, and have been playtested multiple times 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 BREAK
6:30-10pm 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!](https://gorgeous-mule-37d.notion.site/How-to-do-better-playtesting-1c9a3d4ed35b807b9f6ff643b5635885) [How to explain rules for your confusing game prototype!](https://gorgeous-mule-37d.notion.site/How-to-explain-rules-for-your-confusing-game-prototype-1d3a3d4ed35b80c683e7e4f6953e8545)
Code of Conduct Rules
1. Be kind. 2. Seriously, be even more kind than you think you need to be. 3. Read the guidelines for giving and receiving feedback. 4. 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. 5. New members must come to First Play as a playtester at least once before having the…
