Hey All! I was thinking (I know dangerous) about starting a weekend get together in January to bring as many game inventors and play testers here in Southern California. I found it very difficult to find a group to play test my games and heard from other gamer inventors the same. Additionally, when I go to local game stores to present my goods, I get the feeling that I am being a burden, even though I am bring in additional foot traffic in their stores. I figure that if there is enough us like minded people, we can put tables out and present our goods to each other and get some ideas and play testing time in. As of now it is an idea, but we can get real stupid with the idea. All ideas and games are welcome regardless where they are in process or production. If this seems like an idea that we can run with then please drop me a line at Daniel@radarlockgames.com
dan
May your dice always roll criticals...
Play Test Get Together in So-Cal
Instead of forcing people to "commit" to once a week or once a month, maintain a e-mail list of designers and keep in touch with them. When somebody has something to show, then issue a request to meet-up (like in 2 weeks or something like that...)
I find that "Design Groups" don't work very well... because eventually people don't have new ideas or things to do at the group. And then the worst happens the group "disbands".
Maintaining status on what people are working on and then seeing if you can have playtests, design sessions or just plain a "What do you think about this idea?" would probably go over better with most designers.
And if somebody can't make it - you can add a second date to be there. Like if someone can't make it in 2 weeks - you can see if in 3 or 2x once in 2 weeks and another in a months time... Something like that.
Just some ideas... Cheers. Best of luck forming and MAINTAINING your group!
Where in Southern California are you?
I'm interested...where in SoCal?
Not sure if this thread is still active, but I am interested. Where in So Cal?
Also in SoCal here, would be interested in testing some prototypes and meeting up if that's still on the table
Not sure if this is still active but it seems like at least a couple other people are still interested. We're also in SoCal and would be interested in meeting up to playtest. Where in SoCal are you all? We're close to San Diego
Hey,
If any of you are interested or nearby, I'm on the border of LA County and Orange County and Cerritos. Though I am willing to drive some times, depending on the day and time. You know, traffic. Where's everyone else at?
Mike
Thank you Quest for your input and comments! Much appreciated! I was just thinking of one or maybe two days at the most... mostly as a networking opportunity for game inventors to take games to the next level. Every time I break out my games I find new perspectives and new ideas for my mechanics. Thank you again and please keep the ideas and suggestions coming... it only makes us better.
have a great evening!
dano