DunDraCon Protospiel

California Ballroom Salon 4

Friday 9:00 AM - Monday 5:00 PM

Last Day to Register Protospiel Games is January 29, 2027, by 5 PM PST.

The DunDraCon Protospiel

DunDraCon 50 is hosting another four amazing days of prototype game testing in the Protospiel room (Salon 4). This is the opportunity for game players to meet and game with game designers who need to get their games playtested. These are original, unpublished, board games, card games, and role-playing game designs you can't buy in a store yet. The designers are looking for your player feedback and your uncanny way of breaking their rules. There will be sponsored prizes, daily raffles, snacks, and the chance for all DunDraCon members to test out next year’s greatest games.

Game Designers

Any convention member, from veterans to rookies, can bring in their unfinished tabletop games for testing, feedback and refinement. Your games can be at the very earliest prototype stage, or polished and ready for BETA testing. We welcome all game designers and types of games. You can expect playtesters from the hundreds of eager DunDraCon convention members to provide useful feedback for your game. Test new player experience, rules comprehension, systems balance, fun factor, engagement, art direction, and all aspects of your game design. Tables are open in a first come, first serve, basis.

Playtesters

All DunDraCon members can participate in the exciting games and get a chance to meet the incredible designers. While playing you provide useful feedback and unique insights for consideration in the design of an unpublished game. Playtesters can just drop-in, meet a designer, and play any game that has space at any time. Your participation will not only gain you the gratitude of the game designers for your favorite genres, but also tickets to win prizes donated by the DunDraCon Protospiel sponsors. No sign-ups, no need for game registration, and likely no waiting as new sessions are starting all the time. If a game has a rule you really don't like or didn't understand, for once you can say so, and help influence better games! Of course, because you are playing a game with its designer, you will probably learn more and faster while helping them out.

Protospiel Community

Besides prizes, snacks and fun games you will also be part of this amazing collection of great players and designers supporting tabletop game development.

Remember, all designers are also expected to spend time testing other designer's games. This is a way of paying back and paying forward for the help you will be getting back. If you can't find an empty spot to run your game, ask the friendly Protospiel staff to help you locate a table. Be kind to other designers and don't hog tables for extended sessions.

For regular updates, check out the Golden Gate Gamemakers Discord.

For questions, please contact our Protospiel Coordinator